The multivolume Encyclopedia of Christianity is a monumental reference work that addresses the broad interest in Christianity and religion around the world today. Comprehensive, up to date, reflecting the highest standards in scholarship yet intended for a wide range of readers, the EC describes the Christian faith and community in their myriad forms today and throughout the 2,000 years of Christian history. The EC also looks outward beyond Christianity, considering other world religions and philosophies as it paints the overall religious and sociocultural picture in which the Christian church now finds itself in the new millennium.

Volume 5 contains 295 articles constituting the alphabetical entries Si–Z — articles on significant topics ranging from sin, spiritual direction, Sufism, and terrorism to Vatican I and II, Vineyard Christian Fellowship, World Alliance of Reformed Churches, and Zionism.