When writing academic papers, the citation style you choose—or are required to use—depends on your field of study. For humanities papers, MLA (Modern Language Association) is a popular choice, especially in literature and language studies. On the other hand, SBL (Society of Biblical Literature) Style is used primarily for papers in biblical studies, theology, and religious scholarship.
Although both styles serve the goal of ensuring proper citation, they differ significantly in terms of format, structure, and conventions. This article explores the differences between SBL and MLA and when you should use each.
1. Purpose and Use
SBL Style
- Focus: SBL is designed for biblical studies, theology, and other religious disciplines.
- Primary Users: Scholars, seminarians, and researchers in religious studies and biblical scholarship.
- Citation Method: Uses footnotes or endnotes for references, with a corresponding bibliography at the end.
MLA Style
- Focus: MLA is geared toward humanities subjects, especially literature, philosophy, and language studies.
- Primary Users: Students and scholars in English, comparative literature, and cultural studies.
- Citation Method: Relies on in-text parenthetical citations with a “Works Cited” page at the end of the paper.
2. Citation Methods
SBL: Footnotes or Endnotes
In SBL, sources are cited with footnotes or endnotes, which provide full or abbreviated bibliographic information. Footnotes offer flexibility by allowing explanations and detailed notes directly on the page.
• Example of SBL Footnote:
1. John Barton, A History of the Bible: The Book and Its Faiths (New York: Penguin, 2019), 45.
The first footnote contains the full reference, while subsequent citations can use a shortened form, like:
2. Barton, A History of the Bible, 67.
MLA: In-Text Citations
MLA uses in-text citations to point readers to the “Works Cited” page. These citations are parenthetical and concise, focusing only on the author’s name and page number.
• Example of MLA In-Text Citation:
(Barton 45)
This method minimizes interruptions in the text, keeping it smooth for readers.
3. Reference List vs. Bibliography
Both MLA and SBL require a list of sources at the end, but the structure differs.
SBL Bibliography
• Title: “Bibliography”
• Format: Last name first for authors, with full publication details.
• Example:
Barton, John. A History of the Bible: The Book and Its Faiths. New York: Penguin, 2019.
MLA Works Cited
• Title: “Works Cited”
• Format: Last name first, but with the publication medium (e.g., Print, Web).
• Example:
Barton, John. A History of the Bible: The Book and Its Faiths. New York: Penguin, 2019. Print.
4. Treatment of Ancient Texts
One of the most significant differences between SBL and MLA is how they handle ancient works such as the Bible or classical literature.
SBL and Ancient Texts
SBL uses standard abbreviations for biblical books (e.g., Gen, Exod, Matt). Citations often omit traditional publication details, focusing instead on chapter and verse.
• Example of SBL Biblical Citation:
Gen 1:1-5
Ancient texts are not listed in the bibliography unless they are a specific edition, translation, or commentary.
MLA and Ancient Texts
In MLA, the Bible and other ancient texts must be cited explicitly with specific publication details in the “Works Cited” page.
• Example of MLA Biblical Citation:
The Holy Bible: New International Version. Zondervan, 2011.
5. Page Formatting Differences
SBL Formatting
• Uses footnotes or endnotes throughout.
• Double-spaces text but leaves footnotes single-spaced.
• Requires section headings and sometimes incorporates explanatory footnotes.
MLA Formatting
• Relies on in-text citations instead of footnotes (although footnotes are allowed for extra explanations).
• Uses double-spacing throughout the entire paper, including citations.
• Minimal section headings, focusing more on smooth narrative flow.
6. Audience and Writing Style
SBL Audience and Tone
SBL is used by scholars in theology, biblical studies, and seminaries. The writing style tends to be academic, formal, and analytical, often delving into textual analysis, history, or theology.
SBL papers may include critical apparatus, cross-referencing different versions of texts, and commentaries.
MLA Audience and Tone
MLA is used more broadly in the humanities. Papers typically focus on literary analysis or cultural critique. The tone is also formal, but the structure is generally more reader-friendly, emphasizing narrative over analytical detail.
7. Examples of Usage Scenarios
When to Use SBL Style:
- Writing a paper on biblical exegesis or theological analysis.
- Analyzing ancient texts, like the Dead Sea Scrolls, or comparing translations of scripture.
- Writing a thesis or dissertation for a seminary or religious studies program.
When to Use MLA Style:
- Analyzing a literary work or comparing themes in novels.
- Writing about cultural studies, philosophy, or English literature.
- Submitting papers for classes in literature, comparative studies, or humanities courses.
8. Conclusion: Choosing the Right Style
Understanding the differences between SBL and MLA ensures that your paper meets the expectations of your academic discipline. Both styles have unique features—SBL’s footnote approach provides flexibility for religious scholarship, while MLA’s in-text citations maintain readability for literature and humanities papers.
If you’re working in biblical studies, theology, or religious scholarship, SBL is your go-to style. For literature and humanities, stick with MLA. Each style serves its intended audience well, ensuring clear, consistent communication. Knowing when to apply each will help you write more effectively and confidently across disciplines.
