Research Paper Resources

Titles of books, journals, and newspapers are to be capitalized; this includes Bible. If quoting from an encyclopedia and they have a search term capitalized within the sentence, do not keep the word all in CAPS, but render it like it normally should be. Proper nouns also get capitalized like Trinity. Months of the year are likewise capitalized, mainly to distinguish March and May from the verbs, and August from the adjective. This is also why when referring to members of the Trinity, Father as well as Son are capitalized in order to differentiate them from human beings, as well as (Holy) Spirit from the human spirit. Names of religions are also proper nouns and thus get capitalized, as well as their adjectival forms: Muslim (the religion is Islam), Buddhist, Christian, etc. Geopolitical regions get capitalized such as Middle East, the Midwest. This is also true of historical time periods: Middle Ages, Renaissance, Enlightenment, etc. Likewise, specific titles/designations get capitalized: Apostolic Father, Father of the Church, Doctor of the Church, Ecumenical Council. Specific theological events may be capitalized but it is not necessary, e.g., Incarnation, Death, Ascension, Resurrection, Parousia, Second Coming, Final Judgment as well as Exodus, Hejira (Hijra) Al-Isra, Nirvana etc. Religious holidays from around the world are always capitalized.

Non-English words are to be italicized such as aggiornamento. However, Latin terms that have become standard such as quid pro quo, don’t need to be italicized. Titles of books are also italicized: A Tale of Two Cities. Words you wish to emphasize may be italicized, but do this sparingly so that the occurrence does receive attention.

Created by Dr. Daniel F. Stramara, Jr.           21 August 2024