This database provides a wide range of primarily full-text, international periodicals for diverse religious and spiritual studies, covering formal theological studies of major religions, as well as the most recent trends and scholarly thought. Included are titles from religious publishing bodies and nondenominational organizations. The resource reflects a wide spectrum of religious belief systems and supports the global study of religion.
This database provides a wide range of primarily full-text, international periodicals for diverse religious and spiritual studies, covering formal theological studies of major religions, as well as the most recent trends and scholarly thought. Included are titles from religious publishing bodies and nondenominational organizations. The resource reflects a wide spectrum of religious belief systems and supports the global study of religion.
The meaning of religious belief varies in different places, among different people. In general, religion refers to a set of tenets and practices regarding what is sacred or spiritual—tenets and practices held in common by a group. Religion usually encompasses beliefs about the origin and meaning of the world and of human life as well as guidelines for moral behavior.
Nearly 86 percent of people worldwide profess adherence to some religious belief, according to the World Christian Database.
Written by the world's leading authorities on religion and spirituality, the Patheos Library offers the most accurate and balanced information available on the web. Fifty major religious traditions are listed. For each, Patheos offers thorough, peer-reviewed, encyclopedic information that helps readers understand its origins, history, beliefs, rituals, ethics, and community structures. While good information is provided on this site, be aware that this is a commercial site.
There are twelve classical world religions—those religions most often included in history of world religion surveys and studied in world religions classes: Baha'i, Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Shinto, Sikhism, Taoism, and Zoroastrianism. Here are overviews of nine of these classical religions.
Religion can be explained as a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
