Our favorite section is called "Getting Back to You" where visitors can send in questions that are answered and posted online; there are some fascinating inquiries listed! And if you’re looking for information on a particular subject, say, the Puritans, you can use their key word search. A well-done, easy-to-use site that provides a lot of information on American religious history.

>> Divining America: Religion and the National Culture

Mysticism in World Religions

This is a lovely site with an ecumenical heart: it presents mysticism as it appears in six of the great religious traditions of the world: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism. You can browse by religious tradition if you wish, or look up a particular mystic, theologian, or scripture. When you click on one of these choices, you are given a selection of quotes to peruse and ponder. I chose a modern Sufi teacher named Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, and was rewarded with the following:
"Union with God is separation from all else, and separation from all else is union with Him."

In addition, you may view the quotes in groupings according to subject matter, such as "Becoming Unattached" and "Seeing the Light." This well-organized and easy-to-use site is a labor of love by one woman with a little help from some friends (she even includes a very charming page about herself and the site in response to the many e-mail inquiries she’s received). A friendly companion on the Internet, this site will give you much to meditate upon.

>> Mysticism in World Religions

Sacred Sites of the World

This is one of the most beautiful religious photography Web sites on the Internet! There are gorgeous photos of places sacred to all the major religions, including, but not limited to, Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and Judaism. Over 100 large, full-color images are available with wonderful, respectful and enlightening commentary on each one. Truly a work of love, devotion and artistry, all photographs are by Martin Gray, who also offers prints for sale elsewhere on his site. The photos take a little time to load, but it’s worth the wait (you can read the commentary while they are coming up!). Rest for a moment with the beautiful images of the Dome of the Rock; Banaras, India; or the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem (some of my favorites); or pick your virtual pilgrimage spot.

>> Sacred Sites of the World

World Scripture: A Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts

This marvelous Web site contains over 4,000 scriptural passages from 268 sacred texts and 55 oral traditions from around the world. Originally published in book form and now available in full on the Internet, the site begins with the subjects of cosmology and ultimate reality, cosmic principles, and divine law. Following chapters focus in on the purpose of life, on family, the natural world, life after death, sin and salvation, faith and worship, and much much more.

Each section is a feast of enlightening quotes from all the great spiritual traditions. For example, the chapter on lovingkindness has over 25 quotes from sacred texts ranging from the Talmud and the Qur’an to the Tao Te Ching and the Buddhist Dhammapada. With over 150 different themes on everything from "Eternal Truth" to "Controlling Anger," you can find a wealth of inspiration from around the world in one place. And there’s an on-line millennial prayer bowl page where you can add your prayers for the next thousand years.

>> World Scripture: A Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts