Dr. Ernie Rubinstein, Theological Librarian, retired June 30, 2014. His last reference picks:
Brill’s Encyclopedia of Hinduism
Kaleidoscopic in approach—topical, geographical, biographical—this 6-volume work is still in process. Note especially the articles, “Gender” in v. 4, and “Feminism,” v. 5.
Ref BL1105 .B75
Defending Same-Sex Marriage
The 2nd volume of this collection of essays is titled Same-Sex Marriage and Religion. See the “Introduction,” also “Historical Reflections on Marriage Equality in America.”
306.8480973 D323d vol. 2
The Encyclopedia of Christian Literature
Divided between topical and biographical entries, this 2 volume work spans from Apocalyptic to Women’s Literature. See especially the essay, “Liturgies.”
Ref BR 117.3 .E53 vol. 1
Encyclopedia of Religion and Nature
Explorations of a key intersection, these essays re-envision the command to “subdue” the earth (Genesis 1:28). See “Spinoza, Baruch” and the “Wise Use Movement.”
Ref BL31 .E465; also online with Oxford Reference Online
New Handbook of Christian Theologians
Some of the most influential theologians of the 20th century receive appreciative treatment here. See “Mary Daly,” Drew’s 2006 Nelle Morton honorary lecturer.
Ref BT28 .N48
New Interpreter’s Handbook of Preaching
Here the essays are topically arranged, under such headings as “Bible,” “Ethics,” “Poetics.” See “Gender, Race, and Ethnicity” in the section “Social Location.”
Ref BV4211.3 .N49
Oxford Encyclopedia of Biblical Interpretation
Expert guide to the diversifying world of Bible reading, from “Historical Criticism” to “Postcolonial Biblical Interpretation.” Note the Consultants named on page [ii].
Ref BS511.3 .O88
Yivo Encyclopedia of Jews in Eastern Europe
An encyclopedic testament to a once richly diverse life, still vivid in cultural memory. See especially the articles, “Litvak,” “Misnagdim,” and “Satmar Hasidic Dynasty.”
Ref DS135 .E8 Y578