Encyclopedia of Protestantism J. Gordon Melton Encyclopedia of Protestantism is a part of a set of encyclopedias on the religions of the world that emphasizes the living faiths and their historical and social backgrounds. In about 600 A-to-Z entries, this encyclopedia provides easy access to theological concepts, personalities, historical events, institutions, and movements that helped to shape Protestantism and the way it is practiced today. Encyclopedia of Protestantism explores a religious movements that began in Europe in the 16th century, subsequently spread around the world, and in the present day lives on in literally thousands of individual denominations and parachurch organizations. Applying a broad definition of the term Protestantism, coverage includes the Reformation churches, the Protestant-like churches that predated them, and the free Churches. A special effort has been made to also include those parts of the world in which Protestantism did not take hold until the 19th century, regions that are now home to the growing edge of the movement, such as Asia, Africa, and Oceania. A comprehensive introduction, further readings, cross references, and a chronology, in addition to photographs, a general bibliography, and a thorough index, make Encyclopedia of Protestantism an easy-to-use and essential reference for high school and college students, researchers, and general readers. Entries include: * Abortion … * Biblical Criticism… * Creationism… * Edward VI * Feminist Theology * The Fundamentals * Hermeneutics … * Jehovah's Witnesses… J. Gordon Melton is the director of the Institute for the Study of American Religion in Santa Barbara, California. He holds an M. Div. from Garrett Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Northwestern University. Melton has written or edited more than three dozen books and anthologies, as well as hundreds of papers and articles for scholarly journals. He is the series editor for Facts On File's Faith in America set.