Helpful books on the task of research itself, and on tips for theological writing.
The Craft of Research, Fifth Edition (2024)
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With more than three-quarters of a million copies sold since its first publication, The Craft of Research has helped generations of researchers at every level--from first-year undergraduates to advanced graduate students to research reporters in business and government--learn how to conduct effective and meaningful research. Conceived by seasoned researchers and educators Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams, this fundamental work explains how to find and evaluate sources, anticipate and respond to reader reservations, and integrate these pieces into an argument that stands up to reader critique. The fourth edition has been thoroughly but respectfully revised by Joseph Bizup and William T. FitzGerald. It retains the original five-part structure, as well as the sound advice of earlier editions, but reflects the way research and writing are taught and practiced today. Its chapters on finding and engaging sources now incorporate recent developments in library and Internet research, emphasizing new techniques made possible by online databases and search engines. Bizup and FitzGerald provide fresh examples and standardized terminology to clarify concepts like argument, warrant, and problem. Following the same guiding principle as earlier editions--that the skills of doing and reporting research are not just for elite students but for everyone--this new edition retains the accessible voice and direct approach that have made The Craft of Research a leader in the field of research reference. With updated examples and information on evaluation and using contemporary sources, this beloved classic is ready for the next generation of researchers. Over 700,000 copies sold Every step of the academic research process, from the "why" of research through forming the research question, formulating an argument, and revision Helpful chapters on research ethics, formulation of writing assignments for teachers, and an appendix of research tools for both off and online Clear advice on building a strong argument in an age of false claims Careful attention to both the how and why of objective research-based writing Easy to follow, time-tested advice A must-have for any college or graduate student
From Topic to Thesis
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While courses in Bible and theology typically require research papers, particularly at the graduate level, very few include training in research. Professors have two options: use valuable class time to teach students as much as they can, or lower their standards with the understanding that students cannot be expected to complete tasks for which they have never been prepared.From Topic to Thesis: A Guide to Theological Research offers a third option. This affordable and accessible tool walks students through the process, focusing on five steps: finding direction, gathering sources, understanding issues, entering discussion and establishing a position. Its goal is to take students directly from a research assignment to a research argument--in other words, from topic to thesis.
Research Strategies: Finding Your Way Through the Information Fog
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Everyone does research. Some just do it better than others. In this chaotic world of information and misinformation, referred to as "information fog," university students, in particular, need to learn how to conduct research effectively. Good research is about a quest to discover more, about a burning desire to solve society's problems and make a better world. Ultimately, research is a way forward to a resolution of life's greatest difficulties. In this seventh edition of Research Strategies: Finding Your Way through the Information Fog, author William Badke walks you step by step through the entire research process--from choosing a topic, to writing the final project, and everything in between.A seasoned researcher and educator, Badke offers tried-and-true tips, tricks, and strategies to help you identify a problem, acquire pertinent information, and use that information to address the problem. Employing a host of examples and humor, Research Strategies: Finding Your Way through the Information Fog shows how research can be exciting and fun.
Style
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For courses in English and Writing. Emphasizes the importance of style in writing for a global audience Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace asserts that style is a matter of making informed choices in the service of one's readers. While writers know best what they want to say, readers ultimately decide if they've said it well. This flagship text builds on that premise, with updates on subjects such as gender-neutral writing and writing for global audiences. It brings the authors' innovative approach to the needs of today's students, while maintaining that writing with style is a civic and ethical virtue. Also available with Pearson Writer Pearson Writer is a revolutionary digital tool for writers at all levels. Built for mobile devices, it streamlines the tedious and time-consuming aspects of writing, so that students can focus on developing their ideas. Pearson Writer makes it easy to stay organized, track tasks, and stay on top of writing projects. Students can set milestones prior to the due date, manage their sources, organize their notes visually in the Notebook, and even get automatic feedback on their prose. Pearson Writer is now available with Noteclipper, which allows students to save online sources quickly and easily. Features of Pearson Writer: Writing, Grammar, and Research Guide is a go-to resource any time students have a question or need help. Automatic Writing Review checks prose for possible spelling, grammar, and style errors, while offering grammar lessons and suggestions for revising and editing. Citation Generator keeps track of every source throughout students' research process and builds a bibliography in the background, taking care of those formatting details. Research Database and NoteClipper make searching for and managing source materials easier. Project Manager and Notebook help students stay on top of multiple projects and make organizing ideas and sources less cumbersome. Note: You are purchasing a standalone product; Pearson Writer does not come packaged with this content. Students, if interested in purchasing this title with Pearson Writer, ask your instructor for the correct package ISBN and Course ID. Instructors, contact your Pearson representative for more information. If you would like to purchase both the physical text and Pearson Writer, search for: 013415083X / 9780134150833 Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace Plus Pearson Writer -- Access Card Package Package consists of: 032197235X / 9780321972354 Pearson Writer -- Standalone Access Card 0134080416 / 9780134080413 Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace
Writing Theology Well 2nd Edition
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A working guide for students conducting theological writing and research on theology and biblical studies courses, this book integrates the disciplines of writing, rhetoric, and theology, to provide a standard text for the teaching and mentoring of writing across the theological curriculum.As a theological rhetoric, it also encourages excellence in theological writing in the public domain by helping to equip students for their wider vocations as writers, preachers, and communicators in a variety of ministerial and professional contexts. This 2nd Edition includes new chapters on 'Writing Theology in a New Language', which explores the linguistic and cultural challenges of writing theology well in a non-native language, and 'Writing and Learning Theology in an Electronic Age', addressed to distance learning students learning to write theology well from online courses, and dealing with the technologies necessary to do so.
Christian Academic Writing
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The journey of writing and publishing includes obstacles such as writer's block, fear of rejection, getting overwhelmed by information, feeling inadequate, and not finding enough time. How is it that some are able to consistently produce work while others struggle to cross the finish line?This concise guide to writing in Christian academic settings offers twelve practices and principles for becoming a successful writer. It is written by two authors with a proven track record of publishing success who have a passion for helping students and budding authors improve their writing. This book distills their years of experience to offer inspiration and encouragement for writing and publishing academic works. It is ideal for students writing papers in Christian academic settings and for young academics who want to further develop their writing skills.Christian Academic Writing is full of helpful and proven advice that will motivate readers to reach their goals. It focuses on best practices and emphasizes the finished product. Each short, readable chapter includes questions inviting readers to take their writing to the next level.
Excellence
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Calling all Christians, and especially aspiring pastors, scholars, and teachers, to a life of virtue lived out in excellence, this book is an important character check for all Christians engaged in teaching and ministry.
Here is a video from a JFL Webinar on Steps and Strategies for Writing a Stellar Book Review. The tutorial will cover the basic elements of a good review, present some examples of real reviews, and then offer suggestions on how to provide substantial analysis and critique in a book review.
For Qualitative, Quantitative, Mixed Methods, and other research models, see these helpful videos that accompany Creswell, Research Design.
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Research Design
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The sixth edition of the best-selling text, Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches by John W. Creswell and J. David Creswell, continues to provide clear and concise instruction for designing research projects or developing research proposals. This user-friendly text walks readers through research methods, from reviewing the literature to writing a research question and stating a hypothesis to designing the study. At each step in the process, the authors address qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches to encourage readers to choose the approach that best fits the research question. Numerous examples draw from a wide variety of disciplines, featuring diverse philosophical ideas and modes of inquiry. Features like bullet points, numbered steps, and annotated research examples help students focus on the most important information in research design. The Sixth Edition has been fully revised to reflect the 7th edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association with more inclusive language, updated citation styles, and updated writing suggestions. Learning objectives are now included at the start of each chapter. To help readers better achieve these learning objectives, the authors have clarified and improved the writing exercises to help readers better achieve these learning objectives. The final three chapters detailing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods now have a parallel structure so readers can better compare and contrast these approaches. Chapter 10 on mixed methods in particular has been restructured to reflect the latest developments in mixed methods and best practices. New research examples throughout help capture and demonstrate new trends in research.
Qualitative Research, Second Edition
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The second edition of Qualitative Research responds to the growing need in Doctor of Ministry programs for a textbook that guides students in Participatory Action Research, prospectus, and dissertation that reflect the recent trends in the discipline of practical theology. The Standards of Accreditation for the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools states, "The Doctor of Ministry is an advanced, professionally oriented degree that prepares people more deeply for religious leadership in congregations and other settings." Standard 5.3 states, "The Doctor of Ministry degree has clearly articulated student learning outcomes that are consistent with the school's mission and resources and address the following four areas: (a) advanced theological integration that helps graduates effectively engage their cultural context with theological acumen and critical thinking; (b) in-depth contextual competency that gives graduates the ability to identify, frame, and respond to crucial ministry issues; (c) leadership capacity that equips graduates to enhance their effectiveness as ministry leaders in their chosen settings; and (d) personal and spiritual maturity that enables graduates to reinvigorate and deepen their vocational calling." In accordance with the standards, Qualitative Research guides students through appropriate research methods to satisfy the objectives of the degree in order to enhance ministerial leadership for the transformation of communities of practice.
Citing Information Sources
It is important that you always cite your sources, whether you summarize, paraphrase, or directly quote from them. Plagiarism is a serious academic offense with serious consequences.
Many online resources, including EBSCO databases, provide citation generators. However, these citations are machine-generated and must always be verified against the style manual. Capitalization of titles is often an issue.
The Theological Journal Library database does not provide a citation generator so for help we have produced a Theological Journal Library Citation Guide.
For help with Turabian:
There are two styles of Chicago/Turabian formatting. Liberty prefers the Notes/Bibliography style, which has you place a footnote at the bottom of each page where a resource is quoted or paraphrased, and then have an alphabetically organized bibliography at the end of your paper. The Notes/Bibliography style is found in chapters 16 and 17 of the Turabian Manua. This style is also called the Chicago/Turabian: Humanities style by some databases (such as EBSCO) that provide suggested citations. Whenever you use a suggested citation from a database, be sure to check that they are properly capitalized, etc.
The other Chicago/Turabian Author/Date style is much more like APA formatting. This style should only be used for book review assignments. Examples for this style are found in chapters 18 and 19 of the Turabian manual. This style uses "in text" parenthetical citations and has a reference list at the end of the paper.
Sample Paper
For a visual guide to writing a Turabian paper, view this sample paper and note the explanations contained within the text.
In some of Divinity School classes, the professor may require non-divinity majors to use the citation format that is used in their respective programs. Here are some useful links for other citation formats:
Writing Assistance
Liberty University also provides a Writing Center for residential students and an Online Writing Center available for non-residential students.
Can I use AI to write my paper?
Currently, AI can be used to help graph data points, provide outlines or charts, and other tasks where previously acquired information is simply being organized, but AI is not appropriate for the actual writing portion of student papers. Please see this link to the current policy recommendations.
Fair Use:
Here is a link to a video provided by Ohio State University.
And here is a helpful page from the University of Michigan.
And see this link for a Fair Use Checklist.
The SBL Handbook provides many examples of Turabian/Chicago style formatting while using examples from typical resources found in biblical and theological studies. The handbook provides many standardized abbreviations for language tools, primary sources, and popular academic series.
Please give priority to any formatting guidelines provided by Liberty University or the course requirements. In all other cases, the SBL handbook can be used as a reference for citation and formatting questions.
A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations
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The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition
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Technologies may change, but the need for clear and accurate communication never goes out of style. That is why for more than one hundred years The Chicago Manual of Style has remained the definitive guide for anyone who works with words. In the seven years since the previous edition debuted, we have seen an extraordinary evolution in the way we create and share knowledge. This seventeenth edition of The Chicago Manual of Style has been prepared with an eye toward how we find, create, and cite information that readers are as likely to access from their pockets as from a bookshelf. It offers updated guidelines on electronic workflows and publication formats, tools for PDF annotation and citation management, web accessibility standards, and effective use of metadata, abstracts, and keywords. It recognizes the needs of those who are self-publishing or following open access or Creative Commons publishing models. The citation chapters reflect the ever-expanding universe of electronic sources--including social media posts and comments, private messages, and app content--and also offer updated guidelines on such issues as DOIs, time stamps, and e-book locators. Other improvements are independent of technological change. The chapter on grammar and usage includes an expanded glossary of problematic words and phrases and a new section on syntax as well as updated guidance on gender-neutral pronouns and bias-free language. Key sections on punctuation and basic citation style have been reorganized and clarified. To facilitate navigation, headings and paragraph titles have been revised and clarified throughout. And the bibliography has been updated and expanded to include the latest and best resources available. This edition continues to reflect expert insights gathered from Chicago's own staff and from an advisory board of publishing experts from across the profession. It also includes suggestions inspired by emails, calls, and even tweets from readers. No matter how much the means of communication change, The Chicago Manual of Style remains the ultimate resource for those who care about getting the details right.
Ready to begin a new research project? Here are some suggestions to start the journey...
A checklist for writing a great theological research paper:
