Six In-depth Christian Research Resources for Authors

By Terry Overton

Before I began writing Christian fiction, devotional blogs, and devotional books, I asked a well-established theologian and part-time Christian author for tips on writing in this field. He replied, “Get a few good resources to keep on hand.” This tip might seem simple and obvious, but as a novice in the field, it was news to me. As a neophyte author, I assumed I needed a Bible, good online Christian websites, such as Christian Indie Publishers (https://christianpublishers.net ), which provides author resources (https://christianpublishers.net/resources/ ), and my own creativity. My assumptions were wrong. The deeper I went into researching the topics of the Bible for my initial Christian books, the more resources I needed.

The tip the theologian gave me, to find and use references, turned out to be an eye-opener for me. Now, ten years into writing Christian books, I have amassed an office full of resources, but a few references are my go-to favorites. These stand out above the others, in my own experience. The best part of using these resources is not just how much they help with ideas for writing but also how much they have strengthened my faith and my understanding of biblical and world history. I have not written extensively in the genre of Christian historical fiction. However, these resources have helped me with Christian middle-grade time travel adventures, Christian middle-grade action adventures, Christian middle-grade and young adult dystopian novels, and contemporary novels.

Why should authors of Christian books, no matter the category, use deep-dive resources for the Bible? First, this increases and improves credibility. Second, readers deserve genuine and authentic deep backgrounds of settings, cultures, and timelines; as much as, they deserve and expect deep backgrounds of the characters or topics in Christian books. Third, as stated previously, using such references can serve to deepen the author’s faith, which the reader can detect. This deeper faith inspires both the writer and the reader.

There are numerous resources and reference books and resources available. Here are the ones I use most often and recommend.

Six Reference Resources and Reviews

1. The Amazing Bible Timeline with World History https://amazingbibletimeline.com/timeline_online/

World History Chart in Accordance with Bible Chronology

This webpage features various products and online resources. My favorite is the physical wall chart. Examining this chart is close to addictive. Friends who have come over for a social event can’t turn away from it, and I have delayed many dinners and other activities when our guests stand and gaze at the chart. I opted for the large chart, which is a bit easier to read. This chart provides a visual snapshot of the history of people and events that span from creation and Adam and Eve, through the establishment of other regions like China and Japan, to the existence of the twelve tribes, the Crucifixion of Christ, and the occurrence of other world events, such as World Wars. It is intriguing to see the division of all world events into BC and AD sections. Authors will gain a thorough understanding of biblical history, the history of Christianity, and world history. I recommend this website and the world history chart for a deeper understanding and a broader context of the world in which the events of the Bible took place.

2. Jon Courson’s Application Commentary (2005)- Volume 1, Old Testament (Genesis-Job), Volume 2, Old Testament (Psalms – Malachi), Volume 3, New Testament (Matthew – Revelation).

These three comprehensive biblical commentaries are my favorite resources for gaining a deeper understanding of the Bible. Why? Courson interprets each verse of Scripture with explanations that mirror the tone of inspirational devotionals. This commentary imparts in-depth comprehension of meaning and increases faith. These reference books teach and inspire this Christian author. To impart knowledge, the inclusion of Topical Studies throughout the books is essential. The author created detailed studies throughout. For example, Leviticus, often considered a legalistic book of the Bible, is explored in topical studies on humility, God’s solution to sadness, overcoming idolatry, and other related subjects. Leaders can incorporate these sections of further study into a Bible study group, and authors can use it for better understanding when writing their own original Bible study books. I recommend these volumes as foundation, must-have resources for authors.

3. The ESV Archaeology Study Bible, Old Testament Editor: John D. Currid; New Testament Editor: David W. Chapman (2017)

A team of experts in the field contributed both the study notes for the verses and topical articles throughout the book. This book presents helpful charts, maps, photographs, narrative notes, and articles that have clarified many aspects of the Bible for me. If an author feels confused about the sequence and timing of the festivals mentioned in the Bible, no worries. Early in the book, a colorful graphic illustrates the Hebrew month, festivals, seasons, and months of the year. Maps of the ancient economy of Palestine and the Near East shed light on why trade and products dominated the interactions between countries and tribes. There are photographs of an open-air threshing floor, along with an explanation of how these threshing floors were placed for efficiency. Want to see where the 300 men who lapped water from their hands rather than like dogs to determine which men Gideon would take to battle? A photograph of the area is included for Judges 7. These types of concrete study aids add flavor to the verses and enhance the writer’s understanding. The New Testament section of the guide features numerous study aids, including photographs, charts, maps, and explanatory text. For example, there is a graphic illustration of Rome during the time Paul lived, along with photos of the area, which enhances the text.

4. NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, Old Testament Editor: John H. Walton; New Testament Editor: Craig S. Keener (2016)

Is it necessary to have both the archeology reference and cultural reference books? I think so. Here is why. Understanding the artifacts across the time of the Bible was the focus of the ESV Archeology Study Bible. In the NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, the focus is on people, their beliefs, customs, politics, and civilizations. In other words, if you were living during a specific time in history, you would be aware of other people, governments, religions, which are reflected in the cultural guide. The archeology study Bible discusses the evidence of those beliefs, customs, and civilizations.

In the Cultural Background Study Bible, each book begins with an introductory narrative and outlines the key concepts. Short narratives are dispersed throughout each book of the Bible, covering topics such as Creation and Existence, Image and Likeness, Rest, and The Serpent, among others, providing explanations of Genesis. Examples of a few of the narratives in 1 Corinthians include Rhetoric and Paul’s Letters, Prostitution and Sexual Immorality, and Sacrificed Food. The cultural study guide includes timelines that chronicle the events of the Old and New Testaments. Photographs connect the text with the visual image. When the verses and narratives discuss prostitution, a picture of a well-known brothel is included. When the verses of Mark tell of the Parable of the Sower, a photograph is included of Sower’s Cove. Graphic illustrations of locations where cultural events took place and where people of the Bible lived. For example, a graphic of the Capernaum Synagogue, the site believed to be Peter’s house, and the Sea of Galilee helped me visualize the proximity of these locations and their relationship to the New Testament.

5. Concordia’s Complete Bible Handbook, Second Edition (Edward A. Engelbrecht, General Editor (2013)

For authors who want an introduction to researching deep backgrounds, this book makes a nice primer of basic coverage. In other words, if exploring the more substantial resources is a little intimidating, start with this one. Unlike the study guides (2-4 above), this book does not include the actual Bible. Instead, for each of the pictures, narratives, graphics, maps, and photographs, the reader is referred to the chapters and verses in the Bible. Using the handbook requires the reader to alternate between the Bible and the handbook to gain full understanding. Nevertheless, it is a worthy task to grasp the basic knowledge of the people, places, practices, politics, rulers, and wars that played a role in biblical history. This handbook poses essential and thoughtful questions, and authors can take the time to respond to these questions for further insight. Here are some examples of questions in the handbook: “What does Daniel’s message mean to us today?” and “How can I grow in grace as I read 1 and 2 Corinthians?” I recommend this book for a more basic introduction to researching the Bible.

6. The Complete Works of Flavius Josephus (Original circa 1850)

The second printing of this work (2010) in the United States by Master Books is a reproduction of the original works, which includes The Antiquities of the Jews, A History of the Jewish Wars, Three Dissertations Concerning the Life of Jesus Christ, John the Baptist, and The Life of Josephus (written by Josephus). A Sequel to the History of the Jews continues to the present time. There are many reasons why Christians need to understand the history of the Jewish people, and what better lens to use than an account by a priest and historian who lived from 37 to 100 AD? In research across all fields, from science to theology and archaeology, it is essential to validate findings. If the events of the Bible happened, there would be evidence of these events from experts other than Christian experts. Josephus, being a Jewish priest born around the time Jesus was crucified, would have been very close to the events of the world at that time. His writings have guided other researchers in various fields because he witnessed first-century AD culture, historic locations, wars, politics, and faith. It is interesting to read the Jewish account of Christ in this book, which validates the truth that He was on earth, He was loved by many, He performed miracles, and He rose on the third day. The book includes dramatic art from steel engravings. The reader can examine the prints of events like Rebeka at the Well, Noah’s Sacrifice, The Fall of Manna, David Playing Before Saul, David and Goliath, and many others. If a Christian author is writing a fiction book that takes place during biblical times, this book is a must. Even writing devotionals focused on topics like building the temple, going through the desert of life, or fighting battles, these historical accounts can add depth perhaps not found elsewhere.

Final Words About Christian References

These works are historical and scholarly, and I must admit, I can get distracted, go down rabbit holes, and get lost in the periods of time and the details. These experiences deepen my faith and writing. But what about the Bible? Why didn’t I list a Bible as a reference? I did not include one version of the Bible because I have many and encourage writers to obtain or borrow different versions of the Bible. There are study Bibles by denominations, application Bibles, and chronological Bibles. I use many, and I have recently added the Messianic Jewish Family Bible: Tree of Life Version.

When evaluating sources, check the expertise of the authors, background and training of the editors, and reviews of the source. Add the reference material that will enhance your current project. When you do this over time, you will collect excellent references and know which project will be improved with which resources.

Author Bio

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean. She has two children, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter. She seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals. Her books have won the Mom’s Choice Award, Christian Indie Award, Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Pencraft Award, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her writing examines real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.