The symbols themselves are arranged alphabetically; just click on the first letter of the word you’d like to look up. Most of the entries include appropriate quotes from the Bible, and almost every symbol is illustrated as well! There is an entire section devoted to the various crosses that have been used over the past two millennia (over 25 versions listed), and another section devoted to the many star images used in Christianity. This is a superb guide to the beautiful symbols of the Christian faith.

>> Symbols in Christian Art and Architecture

The Bible Gateway

This is probably one of the most widely used resources on the Internet and certainly one of the most valuable! An online searchable Bible database, it features ten languages, including Latin, and six English versions, ranging from the traditional King James Version to the New International Version (in case you’re not sure what the differences are, they also include helpful descriptions of each translation).

The search engine is "concordance-based" rather than text-based. What this means is that you can search for a subject or an idea rather than a particular word that might appear in the text. You can also enter a biblical passage (for example, John 3:16) and, if you wish, choose "LL" to see the passage as it appears in five different English versions (I found this option particularly interesting!). You can also use hyperlink Scripture references on your own site to this site, and there are even detailed how-to instructions. The Bible Gateway is a friendly resource for Bible study and research.

>> The Bible Gateway

Women in Ancient Christianity: New Discoveries

This Web page is based on the excellent PBS television documentary series From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians, about the early years of Christianity. In lively, accessible language, the latest discoveries by historians and archeologists about the participation of women in the early Christian Church are described by Karen King, professor of New Testament Studies at Harvard University. Special attention is given to the changing view of Mary Magdalene, based on recent discoveries of ancient Christian texts. There are also a number of interesting sections on such subjects as the Epistles of St. Paul; Thecla, a virgin-martyr converted by Paul; St. Perpetua; and other women prophets, martyrs, and apostles. At the bottom of the page there are links to some of these early writings and to further discussion on the roles of women in the early Church, with contributors including Elaine Pagels, author of The Gnostic Gospels. (You can also check out links to the rest of the site for the series!) A wealth of information is presented here and yet it’s not overwhelming.

>> Women in Ancient Christianity: New Discoveries