Database Highlight #22: We've got the Biblical Studies for That
Holiday season is here! For many it’s not only a season of gift giving, lights, and tons of cookies but an important secular holiday filled with nativities, menorahs, and kinaras. The next few database highlights will focus on the resources we offer for members who want to study religion. To start off, this week’s highlight is Oxford Biblical Studies.
Oxford Biblical Studies Online provides a comprehensive resource for the study of the Bible and biblical history. The integration of authoritative scholarly texts and reference works with tools that provide ease of research into the background, context, and issues related to the Bible make Oxford Biblical Studies Online a valuable resource not only for college students, scholars, and clergy, but also anyone in need of an authoritative, ecumenical, and up-to-date resource. – from the vendor
The holidays are fun but notoriously stressful. Take a break and enjoy some relaxing music while it snows on screen.
Action Steps
- Explore Oxford Biblical Studies Online – some activities: keyword search “Christmas”, compare side-by-side biblical texts, browse the image and maps collection, or browse reference. List any interesting findings in the comments.
- Take a break with your favorite hot beverage and relax.
Free hand sanitizers for all commenters…tis the season for the flu.
- Log in to post comments
Comments
Interesting findings about Christmas: the Early Church did not celebrate Christmas. It wasn't until the 4th century CE that December 25th was designated as a feast day to celebrate the nativity. December 25th was the date set aside for the pagan holiday of Sol Invictus, when people celebrated the sun overcoming the darkness and days becoming longer.
Source: http://www.oxfordbiblicalstudies.com/article/opr/t94/e388?_hi=7&_pos=1