Jill Westen, Librarian
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Hi there! I'm Jill Westen, Librarian |
| Contact: |   |
| Subjects: | Art; Languages, Literatures, & Cultural Studies (includes Film Studies); History; IS 201; Music; Music Therapy; Religion |
Evaluating websites and all sources
Religion Websites Tips and Tricks
If you do a general Google search (topic only):
- Choose result related to established entities such as seminaries, theological/academic presses, denominations, etc
- Avoid generic websites that cover all types of religion unless you are comparing across traditions.
- These types of websites tend to be more like encyclopedia articles rather than providing you with more in-depth information.
If you do a more specific Google search (topic plus something else), try this:
- Topic + denomination you are interested in, such as ecotheology and ELCA
- Topic + seminary or other entity you are interested in
Remember the 3 Evaluation Questions!
Answer the three evaluation questions for any source you use, including websites!
- What is it: What is the source type and author credibility?
- Quick Wikipedia checks are okay!
- Why do I care: Does the source type and author credibility meet your needs?
- Decide this at the beginning so you know whether to investigate or find something better.
- What does it really say: Perceive how the word choices influence the knowledge.
- How slanted the word choice is can make a difference in how or why you would use it.
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Evaluation 3 Questions infographicIf you like your info as a graphic.
Religion in website sources
Linked Websites
Who says academic journals get to have all the fun? Religion touches every aspect of society--the people behind these websites have created some fascinating ways to explore what religion means.
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PatheosAllows users to select and compare different religions. Includes a multi-religion holiday calendar.
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The Pew Forum on Religion & Public LifeReports on American religious beliefs, statistics, and mapping information.
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ARDA: Association of Religion Data ArchivesProvides access to data on religion, submitted by religion scholars and research centers. From the Department of Sociology at Penn State University.
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Wabash Center Internet Guide to ReligionFunded by the Lily Endowment, this center provides a selective, annotated guide to a wide variety of electronic resources of interest to those who are involved in the study and practice of religion.
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Why Study Religion?This website was developed by the American Academy of Religion (AAR), the world's largest association of academics who research or teach topics related to religion.
Lutheran Connections
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Augsburg FortressThe ministry of publishing for the ELCA. Worship, music, education, and more.
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Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with about 4 million members in nearly 10,000 congregations across the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is a church deeply rooted in Scripture, Lutheran theology and Lutheran confessions.