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.
