Book Review: The Baker Compact Dictionary of Biblical Studies

There are many Biblical resources available for anyone to use in studying the Bible. There are commentaries, concordances, and dictionaries. When I say dictionaries, I am talking about Webster's Dictionary, I am talking about Bible dictionaries. Some of them are descent in size while others are more of a compact version, which brings me to The Baker Compact Dictionary of Biblical Studies which is written by Tremper Longman III and Mark L Strauss.

The goal of this dictionary is help students begin a basic study of scripture through various topics. They cover the eschatological beliefs, what the gospel is, and other areas of controversy such as the gospel of Thomas. This dictionary is not an exhaustive resources and is small, which is why the title says "Compact."

While this is a dictionary that is nice for one who is beginning their study of scripture, it does not cover all areas of Biblical studies. There is not mention of election or predestination. There is no mention of propitiation which is a key theological term in understanding the sacrifice of Jesus.

Overall, this dictionary is one that I would pass on for a better tool in studying the Bible.

Thanks Baker Books for letting me review this book.