HNU Library: Religious Studies Research Guide: Web Resources

What is a Credible Web Source?

When evaluating a web site, check these basic points:

Author – if you cannot determine who is responsible for the content of a website (either an individual or organization), you won't be able to gauge their expertise or relationship to the subject.
Domain – the last segment of the "root" of the URL (for example, hnu.edu) will tell you if the source of information is educational (.edu), governmental (.gov), or commercial (.com).
Date of creation or revision – it is important to establish that any content containing data, facts or statistics is up-to-date and still relevant.
Intended audience – if the content is intended for an academic audience, the website should provide information that can be verified using citations or external links.
Purpose of the information – the ratio of content to advertisement will tell you whether the site is being used to inform readers, or to make money.

Internet Sacred Text Archive
This site is a freely available archive of electronic texts about religion, mythology, legends and folklore, and occult and esoteric topics. Texts are presented in English translation and, where possible, in the original language.
International Religious Freedom Report
Annual report of the US State Department Office of International Religious Freedom, arranged by country, with concise summaries on the protection of religious freedom or barriers to such freedom.
Internet Islamic History Sourcebook
A compilation of public-domain and copy-permitted historical texts, arranged by period and theme, edited by Dr. Paul Halsall. This resource also includes links to a number of other relevant Web sites and digital maps.
Scrolls from the Dead Sea
Digital images, extensive background information, and bibliographies, to accompany and supplement a Library of Congress exhibition on the Dead Sea scrolls. These ancient documents, from the library of the Qumran community, provide evidence -- while raising many questions -- about ancient Judaism as well as the roots of Christianity
Patheos Library of World Religions and Faith Traditions
Patheos offers a free and expansive library of easy-to-read information on the world’s religious traditions. The Library also includes a variety of lenses and summaries to assist you in bringing the traditions to life.

American Academy of Religion
The AAR promotes understanding of and critical reflection on religious traditions, issues, questions, values, texts, practices and institutions. They foster communication and exchange among teachers and scholars, and the public understanding of religion.