Resources
RESOURCES
Here's a section on resources to get you started on researching, should you need it. If there's a religion or important resource that you feel is missing, please leave a comment suggesting it! You can also comment here to volunteer your services as either a beta reader for the finished stories or to volunteer as a resource.
Religions - Fictive Religions - Characters' Religions - Find a beta - Volunteer as a beta - Volunteer as a resource - Comment
Religions
Agnosticism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnosticism - Wikipedia entry
http://aleph0.clarku.edu/huxley/CE5/Agn.html - Essay
http://atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/ath/blag_index.htm - Index of articles and documents
http://www.allaboutphilosophy.org/agnosticism-faq.htm - Brief exploration and FAQ
Animism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animism - Wikipedia entry
http://www.themystica.com/mystica/articles/a/animism.htm - Essay
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/religion/animism/animism.html - FAQ, resource index
http://www.religion-cults.com/Ancient/Animism/Animism.htm - Essays, some resources on the history and vital statistics of animism (Warning: carries an anti-animism bias)
http://www.animism.org.uk/ - Some essays and information on basic tenets
http://www.sacred-texts.com/sha/anim/ - Online book with history and information
Atheism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atheism - Wikipedia entry
http://www.infidels.org/library/ - Secular Web Library, lots of writings on atheism
http://www.positiveatheism.org/index.shtml" - Various resources, includes a bunch more writings as well
http://www.atheists.org/ - American atheists organization
http://www.atheistalliance.org/ - Coalition of various atheist groups
Ayyavazhi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayyavazhi - Wikipedia entry
http://www.ayyavazhi.org/ - Information about the practices and history of Ayyavazhi
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Ayyavazhi - Online book about Ayyavazhi (incomplete)
http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Ayyavazhi_-_Beliefs/id/613268 - Comprehensive encyclopedia
Ba'hai
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bah%C3%A1'%C3%AD_Faith - Wikipedia entry
http://www.bahai.org/ - Official site
http://www.bahai.com/ - Comprehensive reference
ljbahai - A comm to learn about the Ba'hai faith
Buddhism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism - Wikipedia entry
Caodaism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caodaism - Wikipedia entry
Catholicism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholicism - Wikipedia entry
http://www.vatican.va/ - The Vatican's website
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/ - Catholic Encyclopedia
http://www.catholic.org/encyclopedia/ - Catholic Online
http://www.catholicity.com/encyclopedia/ - Catholic Encyclopedia (other)
http://contenderministries.org/catholicism.php - An examination of the Roman Catholic church and how it differs from Biblical Christianity.
http://catholic-resources.org/ - Academic articles, course outlines, links, discussion groups.
http://www.pomog.org/resources.shtml - Russian Orthodox resources
http://www.stgeorge-bh.org/reference.htm - Greek Orthodox reference
catholic_facts - A community to ask questions about Catholicism
Chinese folk religion
Chondogyo
Christianity
http://eastonsbibledictionary.com/ - Easton's Online Bible Dictionary
http://bible.gen.nz/dictionary.htm - Hypertext Bible Dictionary
http://www.biblegateway.com/ - Bible Gateway
3faithdialogue - A comm to ask questions, learn about and discuss Judaism, Christianity and Islam
christianity - A comm where you can ask questions about Christianity
questionofgod - A comm where you can ask questions about Christianity
Confucianism
General Religious Information
http://www.adherents.com - Religious statistics worldwide
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_religions_and_spiritual_traditions - List of religions and spiritual traditions
http://www.atpobtvs.com/ - All Things Philosophical on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel: the series
http://heroeswiki.com/God - Complete list of references to faith in "Heroes," organized by episode
religion - A community geared toward objective study and understanding of all faiths
Hinduism
Islam
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam - Wikipedia entry
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/religion/islam/islam.html - Basic information
http://www.islam101.com/ - An educational site on Islam, its way of life, civillization and culture
http://www.islam.com/ - An Islamic portal covering a wide range of topics and issues relating to Islam
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shia - Wikipedia entry for Shia Islam
http://www.al-islam.org/encyclopedia/ - Shi'ite Encyclopedia
http://www.al-islam.org/ENCYCLOPEDIA/chapter9/1.html - Differences between Sunnit and Shi'ite schools of thought
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wahhabi - Wikipedia entry for Wahhabi Islam
learn_islam - A community where you can ask questions about Islam
muslims - An Islam discussion community
3faithdialogue - A comm to ask questions, learn about and discuss Judaism, Christianity and Islam
Jainism
Jeung San Do
Judaism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism - Wikipedia entry
http://www.jewfaq.org/ - An encyclopedia of information about Judaism, Jewish practices, holidays, people and beliefs.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/judaism/ - Guide to Judaism, including festivals and celebrations, beliefs, famous Jewish figures and around 3500 years of history.
http://www.religionfacts.com/judaism/ - Complete online guide to Judaism, with fast facts, glossary of Jewish terms, timeline, full articles on Jewish history, beliefs, religious practices.
http://www.shamash.org/trb/judaism.html - Judaism and Jewish resources in a popular and well-organized index, carefully monitored to ensure that all links are active. On the web since 1993.
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/religion/judaism/judaism.html - Basic information, plus links to additional resources.
http://www.sacred-texts.com/jud/index.htm - Texts of Judaism
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/judaism.html - Cyber encyclopedia
http://www.askmoses.com/ - Twenty-four hours a day live chats with rabbis from around the world
http://www.chabad.org/asktherabbi/default_cdo/jewish/Ask-the-Rabbi.htm - Ask-a-Rabbi service, with comprehensive archive of previous questions and answers
http://ohr.edu/ask/ - Another ask-a-rabbi site, also with a comprehensive archive
3faithdialogue - A comm to ask questions, learn about and discuss Judaism, Christianity and Islam
Latter-Day Saints
mormon - Mostly a faith-based friendship network place, but encourages asking questions about the religion
Neopaganism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neopaganism - Wikipedia entry
http://www.religioustolerance.org/neo_paga.htm - Reference
http://www.sacred-texts.com/pag/index.htm - Texts of Wicca and Neo-Paganism
http://www.beliefnet.com/story/80/story_8058_1.html - Comprehensive look at Neopaganism
http://www.neopagan.net/PaganDefs.html - Definitions of Plaeo, Meso and Neo paganism.
Protestantism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestant - Wikipedia entry
http://www.mb-soft.com/believe/txc/protesta.htm - Several articles on Protestantism
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761555703/Protestantism.html - History of Protestantism
http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/denominations/protestantism.htm - Overview of the history and distinctive beliefs of Protestantism
http://protestant.christianityinview.com/ - Biographical information on three important figures of the Reformation: Martin Luther, John Calvin and Ulrich Zwingli
http://www.victorianweb.org/religion/evangel2.html - The Doctrines of Evangelical Protestantism
http://www.whatsaiththescripture.com/Voice/History.Protestant.v3.b24.html - History of Protestantism (online book)
mabus101/mabus101 [at] gmail [dot] com
Scientology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientology - Wikipedia entry
http://www.scientology.org/ - Official site
http://www.scientologyhandbook.org/ - Handbook
http://www.rickross.com/groups/scientology.html - Critical Information About Scientology
http://www.whatisscientology.org/ - Comprehensive reference
Shinto
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinto - Wikipedia entry
http://www.religioustolerance.org/shinto.htm - Summary and history of Shinto
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/shinto/ - Guide to the Japanese system of beliefs and traditions known as Shinto, including history, rites of life and ethics
http://www.sacred-texts.com/shi/index.htm - Full text of English translations of the Yengishiki, and excerpts from the Kojiki and Nihongi
http://www.trincoll.edu/zines/tj/tj4.4.96/articles/cover.html - Illustrated essay
http://www.religionfacts.com/shinto/index.htm - History, beliefs and practices of Shinto
http://jinja.jp/english/s-0.html - Comprehensive guide to Shinto
Sikhism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhism - Wikipedia entry
http://www.sikhs.org/ - A view on the philosophy, development and way of life of Sikhism. Also included is information on scriptures
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/ - Guide to Sikhism, founded by Guru Nanak, including articles about Sikh customs, everyday life, rites and rituals and Sikh beliefs
http://www.srigurugranthsahib.org/ - Large Sikh resource
http://www.beliefnet.com/story/80/story_8049_1.html - Comprehensive look at Sikhism
http://www.sikhism.com/ - Introductory Sikhism facts, free online books about Sikhism, and feature-length Sikh videos
http://www.sikhnet.com/ - Explores the history and evolution of Sikhism and its culture
Taoism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism - Wikipedia entry
http://www.religioustolerance.org/taoism.htm - Overview of Taoism and its history
http://www.taoism.net/ - Comprehensive reference
Tenrikyo
Wicca
Yoruba
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoruba_religion - Wikipedia entry
Fictive religions
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fictional_religions - Wikipedia entry listing several fictional religious practices
http://en.battlestarwiki.org/wiki/Religion_in_the_Twelve_Colonies - Guide to the religions of "Battlestar Galactica"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylon_5#Religion - Information on religion as one of the key themes in "Babylon 5"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foundationism - Wikipedia entry on Foundationism (fictive "Babylon 5" religion)
Characters' Religions
Some characters' belief systems, religious practices, etc., have actually been shown in canon. This is a list of such characters, divided by fandom, showing who belongs to what denomination. If any are missing, please submit them! (Note: List is alphabetized by series' title, then by character's first name, since not all characters have canonical surnames.)
Key
Devout - believes very strongly, regularly practices, references their faith often
Practicing - believes, regularly practices, references their faith occasionally
Observant - identifies with the faith and practices, but has no particularly strong belief
Non-practicing - identifies with the faith (usually through five or fewer references), but has no particularly strong belief or canonical history of practicing
Lapsed - used to practice, appears to still believe to some degree, but does not practice any longer
Former - no longer believes or practices, usually due to a tragedy of some kind that altered their view on faith
Angel: The Series
Angel - Catholic (lapsed)
Connor - Catholic (lapsed)
Daniel Holtz - Catholic (devout)
Darla - Atheist
Illyria - former deity
Jasmine - former deity
Babylon 5
Brother Theo - Catholic (devout)
Delenn: Minbari religion (practicing)
G'Kar: Follower of G'Quan/prophet
Jeffrey Sinclair - Jesuit/holy figure to the Minbari
Lennier: Minbari religion (practicing)
Londo Mollari - Centauri pantheon (practicing)
Michael Garibaldi - Catholic (lapsed)
Stephen Franklin - Foundationist
Susan Ivanova - Jewish (practicing)
Vorlons - Appeared as religious figures in other faiths
Battlestar Galactica
Billy Keyikeya - Atheist
Galen Tyrol - Olympian (lapsed)
Kara Thrace - Olympian, Artemis and Aphrodite (devout)
Laura Roslin - Olympian (devout, especially to the Book of Pythia)
Leoben - Monotheistic/Christian (devout)
Number Six - Monotheistic/Christian (devout)
Sharon Agathon/Sharon Valerii/Number Eight - Monotheistic/Christian (devout)
William Adama - Atheist, former Olympian
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Drusilla - Catholic (devout prior to becoming a vampire)
Glory, aka Glorificus - former deity
Joyce Summers - Agnostic
Tara McClay - Christian (lapsed)/Wiccan
Willow Rosenberg - Jewish (non-practicing)/Wiccan
Carnivale
Ben Hawkins - Christian (observant)
Iris Crowe - Christian (devout)
Justin Crowe - Christian (devout)
Norman Balthus - Christian (devout)
Samson - Atheist (though he shows signs of beginning to believe in S2)
Firefly
Derrial Book - Christian (devout)
Inara Serra - Buddhist (practicing)
Malcolm Reynolds - Atheist, former Christian
Heroes
Adam Monroe, aka Takezo Kensei - Christian (lapsed)
Alejandro Herrera - Catholic (practicing)
Angela Petrelli - Catholic (non-practicing)
Arthur Petrelli - Catholic (deceased, extent during his lifetime unknown)
Chandra Suresh - Hinduism (extent unknown)
Claire Bennet - Agnostic
Daniel Linderman - Christian (extent unknown--ambiguously zealous)
Gabriel Gray, aka Gabriel Sylar - Catholic (practicing)
Haitian, The - Vodou/Christian (extent unknown)
Hana Gitelman - Jewish (devout)
Hiro Nakamura - Buddhist (non-practicing)
Jessica Sanders - Atheist
Kaito Nakamura - Buddhist (extent unknown)
Matt Parkman - Jewish (extent unknown)
Maury Parkman - Jewish (extent unknown)
Maya Herrera - Catholic (devout)
Mohinder Suresh - Hinduism (non-practicing)
Monica Dawson - Christian (practicing)
Nathan Petrelli - Catholic (non-practicing)
Niki Sanders - Agnostic, but occasionally prays
Noah Bennet - Christian (extent unknown)
Peter Petrelli - Catholic (non-practicing)
Sandra Bennet - Christian (practicing)
Virginia Gray - Catholic (devout)
House M.D.
Greg House - Atheist
James Wilson - Jewish (observant to practicing)
Lisa Cuddy - Jewish (non-practicing)
Robert Chase - Catholicism (former)
West Wing
Abbey Bartlet - Catholic (observant)
Arnie Vinnick - Atheist, former Christian
CJ Cregg - Catholic (extent unknown)
Donatella Moss - Protestant
Jed Bartlet - Catholic (devout)
Joshua Lyman - Jewish (lapsed)
Leo McGarry - Catholic (lapsed)
Matthew Sabtos - Christian (practicing)
Toby Ziegler - Jewish (practicing)
Zoey Bartlet - Catholic (observant)
X-Men (movieverse) (Note: While only the movie characters are being listed, their canonical faiths are taken from the comics)
Anna Marie, aka Rogue - Southern Baptist (lapsed)
Betsy Braddock, aka Psylocke - Anglican (non-practicing)
Eric Lensherr, aka Magneto - Jewish (lapsed)
Kitty Pryde, aka Shadowcat - Jewish (practicing)
Kurt Wagner, aka Nightcrawler - Catholic (devout)
Find a beta
Name: Heather/darlas_mom
E-mail address: heather [dot] cotter [at] gmail [dot] com
Fandom(s): "Angel," "Buffy," "Firefly," "Farscape," "Heroes," "Dark Angel," "Supernatural," "Doctor Who," "Star Wars," "Good Omens," "Lord of the Rings," "Pirates of the Caribbean," "X-Men," "Hitch Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy," "Dexter," "The 4400," "House," "Law and Order: SVU," "Batman," "Queer as Folk" and "Smallville."
Faith(s) (if any): Agnosticism, Catholicism, Wicca
Favorite characters: "Angel: the series": Angel, Connor, Daniel Holtz, Darla, Illyria, Wesley Wyndham-Pryce. "Buffy the Vampire Slayer": Anya, Dawn Summers, Tara McClay, Willow Rosenberg. "Firefly": Jayne Cobb, Kaylee Frye, Mal Reynolds, River Tam, Saffron, Simon Tam. "Farscape": Aeryn Sun, D'Argo Sun-Crichton, John Crichton, Ka D'Argo, Pa'u Zhaan. "Heroes": Ando Masahashi, Angela Petrelli, Claire Bennet, Claude Rains, Daniel Linderman, Gabriel Gray/Gabriel Sylar, Hiro Nakamura, Mohinder Suresh, Nathan Petrelli, Noah Bennet, Peter Petrelli. "Dark Angel": Alec McDowell, Max Guevara. "Supernatural": Dean Winchester, Sam Winchester. "Doctor Who": The Doctor (all regenerations), Jack Harkness, Jackie Tyler, Rose Tyler. "Star Wars": Anakin Skywalker, Anakin Solo, Ben Skywalker, Han Solo, Jacen Solo, Jaina Solo, Leia Organa-Solo, Luke Skywalker, Mara Jade-Skywalker, Padmé Amidala-Skywalker, Shmi Skywalker. "Good Omens": Crowley, Aziraphale. "LOTR": Aragorn, Arwen, Legolas. "POTC": Bill Turner, Elizabeth Swann-Turner, Jack Sparrow, Will Turner. "X-Men": Emma Frost, Jean Grey, Magneto, Pyro, Rogue, Wolverine. "HHG": Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect. "Dexter": Dexter Morgan. "The 4400": Maya Skouris. "House, M.D": Greg House, James Wilson, Lisa Cuddy. "L&O: SVU": Elliot Stabler, John Munch, Olivia Benson. "Batman": Bruce Wayne, Barbara Gordon, Dick Grayson, Selina Kyle, Tim Drake. "Queer as Folk": Brian Kinney, Justin Taylor. "Smallville": Oliver Queen.
Anything you won't read: Absolutely nothing. Gen, het, slash, incest, non-con, gore--I'll read it.
Expected turnaround: Unless real life blows up or I'm flooded with beta requests, I can reply to you within twenty-four hours.
Strengths/specialization: Grammar, spelling, punctuation, characterization, story structure.
Other useful information: I'm very polite, but critical. Don't pick me if all you're looking for is someone to read it over and say, "Cool." I will respond to your story with several notes on what needs work.
Name: isilweth
E-mail address: isilweth [at] gmail [dot] com
Fandom(s): Smallville, DCU, Battlestar Galactica, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Harry Potter, X-Men, Heroes
Faith(s) (if any): Bahá'í, Neo-Paganism, Wicca (real life), Kryptonian, Bajoran (fictional)
Favorite characters: Smallville: Clark Kent, Lex Luthor, Lana Lang, Chloe Sullivan, Lois Lane, Lionel Luthor, Martha Kent, Jonathan Kent, Lillian Luthor, Jor-El, Jimmy Olsen, Olliver Queen, John Jones, Kara Zor-El (I pretty much like everybody. :D); DCU: (bats) Tim Drake, Dick Grayson, Alfred Pennyworth, Cassanda Cain, Bruce Wayne, Damian Wayne, (supes) Kon-El, Clark Kent, Lex Luthor, Lois Lane, Krypto, [all-star] Jimmy Olsen, Kara Zor-El, (lanterns) Kyle Rayner, Hal Jordan, (Blue Beetle) Jaime Reyes, Brenda, Paco, (Teen Titans) Raven, Ravager, (others) Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter; Battlestar Galactica: Lee Adama, Laura Roslin, Sharon Agathon, Saul Tigh, Kara Thrace, Karl Agathon, "Caprica" Six, Leoben, D'Anna, Bill Adama, Gaius Baltar; Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Garek, Kira Nerys, Winn Adama, Garek, Jadzia Dax, Jake Sisco, Julian Bashir, Quark, Nog, Martok, Ben Sisko; Harry Potter: Harry Potter, James Potter, Draco Malfoy, Remus Lupin, Severus Snape, Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, Sirius Black, Lily Potter, Narcissa Malfoy, Regulus Black; X-Men: (mmv) Erik Lensherr, Charles Xavier, St. John Allerdyce, Kurt Wagner, Marie D'Ancanto, (comics) Scott Summers, Jean Grey, Warren Worthington, Hank McCoy, Ororo Monroe, Kitty Pryde, Piotr Rasputin, Nathan Dayspring, Chris Summers, Alex Summers, Jubilation Lee, Mr. Sinister, Madelyn Prior, Nate Grey, Betsy Braddock, Lorna Dane, Pietro Maximoff, Wanda Maximoff, Magnus Lensherr, Charles Xavier; Heroes: the Nakamuras, the Petrellis, the Bennets.
Anything you won't read: non-con or student/mentor where it's presented as positive and healthy, RPS/RPF
Expected turnaround: Tuesday - Friday (within 24 hours), Saturday - Monday (72 hours).
Strengths/specialization: grammar, spelling, characterization, theme
Other useful information: Please be clear about what kind of beta you want: line edit, canon check, or more detailed constructive criticism. Encouragement and honest opinion always offered. I sometimes easily miss punctuation mistakes.
Name: Heather
E-mail address: Jensen_junkie@yahoo.co.uk
Fandom(s): Supernatural, Dark Angel, Angel, Buffy
Faith(s) (if any): None
Favorite characters: Supernatural: Dean, Dark Angel: Joshua, Angel: Angel, Buffy: Spike
Anything you won't read: Nope, i'll read pretty much anything, i'm pretty difficult to freak out, although I warn you now...I will kill anyone that writes a Mary Sue OC. That's the only thing that bothers me. lol.
Expected turnaround: As long as my possessed laptop doesn't decide to blow up or something equally strange happens, I should be able to return some half decent notes within 24 hours.
Strengths/specialization: I have been called a walking dictionary by several people and have not recently come up against a word that I cannot spell. I am also pretty clued up on characterization and have no trouble picking out plot holes in others work (my own is a whole other story, but lets not go there, shall we?).
Other useful information: I try to be polite, but 9 times out of 19 I can fail. I don't try to be rude, but if you send me rubbish to review, I shall let you know what it is...but I will tell you why. At least it's constructive *shrugs*. But i'm never mean about someone else's writing without cause, only if it is diabolical will I thow a hissy fit, i'm on my best behaviour, girl guide's honor (I swear I wasn't kicked out when I was 13).
Volunteer as a beta
Copy/paste the following form into a comment and fill it out to volunteer as a beta reader:
Name:
E-mail address:
Fandom(s):
Faith(s) (if any):
Favorite characters:
Anything you won't read:
Expected turnaround:
Strengths/specialization:
Other useful information:
Volunteer as a resource
There are some questions that are better answered by a human being, or that simply can't be articulated in a web search. For this reason, we're looking for volunteers who can answer questions, either about the faith they practice or about any faith-oriented topics they might've studied.
To volunteer as a resource, copy/paste the following form into a comment and fill it out--your name will be added to the list of resources above, either under a particular faith or in the "general religious information" category.
Name:
LJ name or e-mail address:
Specialization:
Here's a section on resources to get you started on researching, should you need it. If there's a religion or important resource that you feel is missing, please leave a comment suggesting it! You can also comment here to volunteer your services as either a beta reader for the finished stories or to volunteer as a resource.
Religions - Fictive Religions - Characters' Religions - Find a beta - Volunteer as a beta - Volunteer as a resource - Comment
Religions
Agnosticism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnosticism - Wikipedia entry
http://aleph0.clarku.edu/huxley/CE5/Agn.html - Essay
http://atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/ath/blag_index.htm - Index of articles and documents
http://www.allaboutphilosophy.org/agnosticism-faq.htm - Brief exploration and FAQ
Animism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animism - Wikipedia entry
http://www.themystica.com/mystica/articles/a/animism.htm - Essay
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/religion/animism/animism.html - FAQ, resource index
http://www.religion-cults.com/Ancient/Animism/Animism.htm - Essays, some resources on the history and vital statistics of animism (Warning: carries an anti-animism bias)
http://www.animism.org.uk/ - Some essays and information on basic tenets
http://www.sacred-texts.com/sha/anim/ - Online book with history and information
Atheism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atheism - Wikipedia entry
http://www.infidels.org/library/ - Secular Web Library, lots of writings on atheism
http://www.positiveatheism.org/index.shtml" - Various resources, includes a bunch more writings as well
http://www.atheists.org/ - American atheists organization
http://www.atheistalliance.org/ - Coalition of various atheist groups
Ayyavazhi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayyavazhi - Wikipedia entry
http://www.ayyavazhi.org/ - Information about the practices and history of Ayyavazhi
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Ayyavazhi - Online book about Ayyavazhi (incomplete)
http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Ayyavazhi_-_Beliefs/id/613268 - Comprehensive encyclopedia
Ba'hai
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bah%C3%A1'%C3%AD_Faith - Wikipedia entry
http://www.bahai.org/ - Official site
http://www.bahai.com/ - Comprehensive reference
ljbahai - A comm to learn about the Ba'hai faith
Buddhism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism - Wikipedia entry
Caodaism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caodaism - Wikipedia entry
Catholicism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholicism - Wikipedia entry
http://www.vatican.va/ - The Vatican's website
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/ - Catholic Encyclopedia
http://www.catholic.org/encyclopedia/ - Catholic Online
http://www.catholicity.com/encyclopedia/ - Catholic Encyclopedia (other)
http://contenderministries.org/catholicism.php - An examination of the Roman Catholic church and how it differs from Biblical Christianity.
http://catholic-resources.org/ - Academic articles, course outlines, links, discussion groups.
http://www.pomog.org/resources.shtml - Russian Orthodox resources
http://www.stgeorge-bh.org/reference.htm - Greek Orthodox reference
catholic_facts - A community to ask questions about Catholicism
Chinese folk religion
Chondogyo
Christianity
http://eastonsbibledictionary.com/ - Easton's Online Bible Dictionary
http://bible.gen.nz/dictionary.htm - Hypertext Bible Dictionary
http://www.biblegateway.com/ - Bible Gateway
3faithdialogue - A comm to ask questions, learn about and discuss Judaism, Christianity and Islam
christianity - A comm where you can ask questions about Christianity
questionofgod - A comm where you can ask questions about Christianity
Confucianism
General Religious Information
http://www.adherents.com - Religious statistics worldwide
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_religions_and_spiritual_traditions - List of religions and spiritual traditions
http://www.atpobtvs.com/ - All Things Philosophical on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel: the series
http://heroeswiki.com/God - Complete list of references to faith in "Heroes," organized by episode
religion - A community geared toward objective study and understanding of all faiths
Hinduism
Islam
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam - Wikipedia entry
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/religion/islam/islam.html - Basic information
http://www.islam101.com/ - An educational site on Islam, its way of life, civillization and culture
http://www.islam.com/ - An Islamic portal covering a wide range of topics and issues relating to Islam
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shia - Wikipedia entry for Shia Islam
http://www.al-islam.org/encyclopedia/ - Shi'ite Encyclopedia
http://www.al-islam.org/ENCYCLOPEDIA/chapter9/1.html - Differences between Sunnit and Shi'ite schools of thought
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wahhabi - Wikipedia entry for Wahhabi Islam
learn_islam - A community where you can ask questions about Islam
muslims - An Islam discussion community
3faithdialogue - A comm to ask questions, learn about and discuss Judaism, Christianity and Islam
Jainism
Jeung San Do
Judaism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism - Wikipedia entry
http://www.jewfaq.org/ - An encyclopedia of information about Judaism, Jewish practices, holidays, people and beliefs.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/judaism/ - Guide to Judaism, including festivals and celebrations, beliefs, famous Jewish figures and around 3500 years of history.
http://www.religionfacts.com/judaism/ - Complete online guide to Judaism, with fast facts, glossary of Jewish terms, timeline, full articles on Jewish history, beliefs, religious practices.
http://www.shamash.org/trb/judaism.html - Judaism and Jewish resources in a popular and well-organized index, carefully monitored to ensure that all links are active. On the web since 1993.
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/religion/judaism/judaism.html - Basic information, plus links to additional resources.
http://www.sacred-texts.com/jud/index.htm - Texts of Judaism
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/judaism.html - Cyber encyclopedia
http://www.askmoses.com/ - Twenty-four hours a day live chats with rabbis from around the world
http://www.chabad.org/asktherabbi/default_cdo/jewish/Ask-the-Rabbi.htm - Ask-a-Rabbi service, with comprehensive archive of previous questions and answers
http://ohr.edu/ask/ - Another ask-a-rabbi site, also with a comprehensive archive
3faithdialogue - A comm to ask questions, learn about and discuss Judaism, Christianity and Islam
Latter-Day Saints
mormon - Mostly a faith-based friendship network place, but encourages asking questions about the religion
Neopaganism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neopaganism - Wikipedia entry
http://www.religioustolerance.org/neo_paga.htm - Reference
http://www.sacred-texts.com/pag/index.htm - Texts of Wicca and Neo-Paganism
http://www.beliefnet.com/story/80/story_8058_1.html - Comprehensive look at Neopaganism
http://www.neopagan.net/PaganDefs.html - Definitions of Plaeo, Meso and Neo paganism.
Protestantism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestant - Wikipedia entry
http://www.mb-soft.com/believe/txc/protesta.htm - Several articles on Protestantism
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761555703/Protestantism.html - History of Protestantism
http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/denominations/protestantism.htm - Overview of the history and distinctive beliefs of Protestantism
http://protestant.christianityinview.com/ - Biographical information on three important figures of the Reformation: Martin Luther, John Calvin and Ulrich Zwingli
http://www.victorianweb.org/religion/evangel2.html - The Doctrines of Evangelical Protestantism
http://www.whatsaiththescripture.com/Voice/History.Protestant.v3.b24.html - History of Protestantism (online book)
mabus101/mabus101 [at] gmail [dot] com
Scientology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientology - Wikipedia entry
http://www.scientology.org/ - Official site
http://www.scientologyhandbook.org/ - Handbook
http://www.rickross.com/groups/scientology.html - Critical Information About Scientology
http://www.whatisscientology.org/ - Comprehensive reference
Shinto
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinto - Wikipedia entry
http://www.religioustolerance.org/shinto.htm - Summary and history of Shinto
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/shinto/ - Guide to the Japanese system of beliefs and traditions known as Shinto, including history, rites of life and ethics
http://www.sacred-texts.com/shi/index.htm - Full text of English translations of the Yengishiki, and excerpts from the Kojiki and Nihongi
http://www.trincoll.edu/zines/tj/tj4.4.96/articles/cover.html - Illustrated essay
http://www.religionfacts.com/shinto/index.htm - History, beliefs and practices of Shinto
http://jinja.jp/english/s-0.html - Comprehensive guide to Shinto
Sikhism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhism - Wikipedia entry
http://www.sikhs.org/ - A view on the philosophy, development and way of life of Sikhism. Also included is information on scriptures
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/ - Guide to Sikhism, founded by Guru Nanak, including articles about Sikh customs, everyday life, rites and rituals and Sikh beliefs
http://www.srigurugranthsahib.org/ - Large Sikh resource
http://www.beliefnet.com/story/80/story_8049_1.html - Comprehensive look at Sikhism
http://www.sikhism.com/ - Introductory Sikhism facts, free online books about Sikhism, and feature-length Sikh videos
http://www.sikhnet.com/ - Explores the history and evolution of Sikhism and its culture
Taoism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism - Wikipedia entry
http://www.religioustolerance.org/taoism.htm - Overview of Taoism and its history
http://www.taoism.net/ - Comprehensive reference
Tenrikyo
Wicca
Yoruba
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoruba_religion - Wikipedia entry
Fictive religions
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fictional_religions - Wikipedia entry listing several fictional religious practices
http://en.battlestarwiki.org/wiki/Religion_in_the_Twelve_Colonies - Guide to the religions of "Battlestar Galactica"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylon_5#Religion - Information on religion as one of the key themes in "Babylon 5"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foundationism - Wikipedia entry on Foundationism (fictive "Babylon 5" religion)
Characters' Religions
Some characters' belief systems, religious practices, etc., have actually been shown in canon. This is a list of such characters, divided by fandom, showing who belongs to what denomination. If any are missing, please submit them! (Note: List is alphabetized by series' title, then by character's first name, since not all characters have canonical surnames.)
Key
Devout - believes very strongly, regularly practices, references their faith often
Practicing - believes, regularly practices, references their faith occasionally
Observant - identifies with the faith and practices, but has no particularly strong belief
Non-practicing - identifies with the faith (usually through five or fewer references), but has no particularly strong belief or canonical history of practicing
Lapsed - used to practice, appears to still believe to some degree, but does not practice any longer
Former - no longer believes or practices, usually due to a tragedy of some kind that altered their view on faith
Angel: The Series
Angel - Catholic (lapsed)
Connor - Catholic (lapsed)
Daniel Holtz - Catholic (devout)
Darla - Atheist
Illyria - former deity
Jasmine - former deity
Babylon 5
Brother Theo - Catholic (devout)
Delenn: Minbari religion (practicing)
G'Kar: Follower of G'Quan/prophet
Jeffrey Sinclair - Jesuit/holy figure to the Minbari
Lennier: Minbari religion (practicing)
Londo Mollari - Centauri pantheon (practicing)
Michael Garibaldi - Catholic (lapsed)
Stephen Franklin - Foundationist
Susan Ivanova - Jewish (practicing)
Vorlons - Appeared as religious figures in other faiths
Battlestar Galactica
Billy Keyikeya - Atheist
Galen Tyrol - Olympian (lapsed)
Kara Thrace - Olympian, Artemis and Aphrodite (devout)
Laura Roslin - Olympian (devout, especially to the Book of Pythia)
Leoben - Monotheistic/Christian (devout)
Number Six - Monotheistic/Christian (devout)
Sharon Agathon/Sharon Valerii/Number Eight - Monotheistic/Christian (devout)
William Adama - Atheist, former Olympian
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Drusilla - Catholic (devout prior to becoming a vampire)
Glory, aka Glorificus - former deity
Joyce Summers - Agnostic
Tara McClay - Christian (lapsed)/Wiccan
Willow Rosenberg - Jewish (non-practicing)/Wiccan
Carnivale
Ben Hawkins - Christian (observant)
Iris Crowe - Christian (devout)
Justin Crowe - Christian (devout)
Norman Balthus - Christian (devout)
Samson - Atheist (though he shows signs of beginning to believe in S2)
Firefly
Derrial Book - Christian (devout)
Inara Serra - Buddhist (practicing)
Malcolm Reynolds - Atheist, former Christian
Heroes
Adam Monroe, aka Takezo Kensei - Christian (lapsed)
Alejandro Herrera - Catholic (practicing)
Angela Petrelli - Catholic (non-practicing)
Arthur Petrelli - Catholic (deceased, extent during his lifetime unknown)
Chandra Suresh - Hinduism (extent unknown)
Claire Bennet - Agnostic
Daniel Linderman - Christian (extent unknown--ambiguously zealous)
Gabriel Gray, aka Gabriel Sylar - Catholic (practicing)
Haitian, The - Vodou/Christian (extent unknown)
Hana Gitelman - Jewish (devout)
Hiro Nakamura - Buddhist (non-practicing)
Jessica Sanders - Atheist
Kaito Nakamura - Buddhist (extent unknown)
Matt Parkman - Jewish (extent unknown)
Maury Parkman - Jewish (extent unknown)
Maya Herrera - Catholic (devout)
Mohinder Suresh - Hinduism (non-practicing)
Monica Dawson - Christian (practicing)
Nathan Petrelli - Catholic (non-practicing)
Niki Sanders - Agnostic, but occasionally prays
Noah Bennet - Christian (extent unknown)
Peter Petrelli - Catholic (non-practicing)
Sandra Bennet - Christian (practicing)
Virginia Gray - Catholic (devout)
House M.D.
Greg House - Atheist
James Wilson - Jewish (observant to practicing)
Lisa Cuddy - Jewish (non-practicing)
Robert Chase - Catholicism (former)
West Wing
Abbey Bartlet - Catholic (observant)
Arnie Vinnick - Atheist, former Christian
CJ Cregg - Catholic (extent unknown)
Donatella Moss - Protestant
Jed Bartlet - Catholic (devout)
Joshua Lyman - Jewish (lapsed)
Leo McGarry - Catholic (lapsed)
Matthew Sabtos - Christian (practicing)
Toby Ziegler - Jewish (practicing)
Zoey Bartlet - Catholic (observant)
X-Men (movieverse) (Note: While only the movie characters are being listed, their canonical faiths are taken from the comics)
Anna Marie, aka Rogue - Southern Baptist (lapsed)
Betsy Braddock, aka Psylocke - Anglican (non-practicing)
Eric Lensherr, aka Magneto - Jewish (lapsed)
Kitty Pryde, aka Shadowcat - Jewish (practicing)
Kurt Wagner, aka Nightcrawler - Catholic (devout)
Find a beta
Name: Heather/darlas_mom
E-mail address: heather [dot] cotter [at] gmail [dot] com
Fandom(s): "Angel," "Buffy," "Firefly," "Farscape," "Heroes," "Dark Angel," "Supernatural," "Doctor Who," "Star Wars," "Good Omens," "Lord of the Rings," "Pirates of the Caribbean," "X-Men," "Hitch Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy," "Dexter," "The 4400," "House," "Law and Order: SVU," "Batman," "Queer as Folk" and "Smallville."
Faith(s) (if any): Agnosticism, Catholicism, Wicca
Favorite characters: "Angel: the series": Angel, Connor, Daniel Holtz, Darla, Illyria, Wesley Wyndham-Pryce. "Buffy the Vampire Slayer": Anya, Dawn Summers, Tara McClay, Willow Rosenberg. "Firefly": Jayne Cobb, Kaylee Frye, Mal Reynolds, River Tam, Saffron, Simon Tam. "Farscape": Aeryn Sun, D'Argo Sun-Crichton, John Crichton, Ka D'Argo, Pa'u Zhaan. "Heroes": Ando Masahashi, Angela Petrelli, Claire Bennet, Claude Rains, Daniel Linderman, Gabriel Gray/Gabriel Sylar, Hiro Nakamura, Mohinder Suresh, Nathan Petrelli, Noah Bennet, Peter Petrelli. "Dark Angel": Alec McDowell, Max Guevara. "Supernatural": Dean Winchester, Sam Winchester. "Doctor Who": The Doctor (all regenerations), Jack Harkness, Jackie Tyler, Rose Tyler. "Star Wars": Anakin Skywalker, Anakin Solo, Ben Skywalker, Han Solo, Jacen Solo, Jaina Solo, Leia Organa-Solo, Luke Skywalker, Mara Jade-Skywalker, Padmé Amidala-Skywalker, Shmi Skywalker. "Good Omens": Crowley, Aziraphale. "LOTR": Aragorn, Arwen, Legolas. "POTC": Bill Turner, Elizabeth Swann-Turner, Jack Sparrow, Will Turner. "X-Men": Emma Frost, Jean Grey, Magneto, Pyro, Rogue, Wolverine. "HHG": Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect. "Dexter": Dexter Morgan. "The 4400": Maya Skouris. "House, M.D": Greg House, James Wilson, Lisa Cuddy. "L&O: SVU": Elliot Stabler, John Munch, Olivia Benson. "Batman": Bruce Wayne, Barbara Gordon, Dick Grayson, Selina Kyle, Tim Drake. "Queer as Folk": Brian Kinney, Justin Taylor. "Smallville": Oliver Queen.
Anything you won't read: Absolutely nothing. Gen, het, slash, incest, non-con, gore--I'll read it.
Expected turnaround: Unless real life blows up or I'm flooded with beta requests, I can reply to you within twenty-four hours.
Strengths/specialization: Grammar, spelling, punctuation, characterization, story structure.
Other useful information: I'm very polite, but critical. Don't pick me if all you're looking for is someone to read it over and say, "Cool." I will respond to your story with several notes on what needs work.
Name: isilweth
E-mail address: isilweth [at] gmail [dot] com
Fandom(s): Smallville, DCU, Battlestar Galactica, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Harry Potter, X-Men, Heroes
Faith(s) (if any): Bahá'í, Neo-Paganism, Wicca (real life), Kryptonian, Bajoran (fictional)
Favorite characters: Smallville: Clark Kent, Lex Luthor, Lana Lang, Chloe Sullivan, Lois Lane, Lionel Luthor, Martha Kent, Jonathan Kent, Lillian Luthor, Jor-El, Jimmy Olsen, Olliver Queen, John Jones, Kara Zor-El (I pretty much like everybody. :D); DCU: (bats) Tim Drake, Dick Grayson, Alfred Pennyworth, Cassanda Cain, Bruce Wayne, Damian Wayne, (supes) Kon-El, Clark Kent, Lex Luthor, Lois Lane, Krypto, [all-star] Jimmy Olsen, Kara Zor-El, (lanterns) Kyle Rayner, Hal Jordan, (Blue Beetle) Jaime Reyes, Brenda, Paco, (Teen Titans) Raven, Ravager, (others) Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter; Battlestar Galactica: Lee Adama, Laura Roslin, Sharon Agathon, Saul Tigh, Kara Thrace, Karl Agathon, "Caprica" Six, Leoben, D'Anna, Bill Adama, Gaius Baltar; Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Garek, Kira Nerys, Winn Adama, Garek, Jadzia Dax, Jake Sisco, Julian Bashir, Quark, Nog, Martok, Ben Sisko; Harry Potter: Harry Potter, James Potter, Draco Malfoy, Remus Lupin, Severus Snape, Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, Sirius Black, Lily Potter, Narcissa Malfoy, Regulus Black; X-Men: (mmv) Erik Lensherr, Charles Xavier, St. John Allerdyce, Kurt Wagner, Marie D'Ancanto, (comics) Scott Summers, Jean Grey, Warren Worthington, Hank McCoy, Ororo Monroe, Kitty Pryde, Piotr Rasputin, Nathan Dayspring, Chris Summers, Alex Summers, Jubilation Lee, Mr. Sinister, Madelyn Prior, Nate Grey, Betsy Braddock, Lorna Dane, Pietro Maximoff, Wanda Maximoff, Magnus Lensherr, Charles Xavier; Heroes: the Nakamuras, the Petrellis, the Bennets.
Anything you won't read: non-con or student/mentor where it's presented as positive and healthy, RPS/RPF
Expected turnaround: Tuesday - Friday (within 24 hours), Saturday - Monday (72 hours).
Strengths/specialization: grammar, spelling, characterization, theme
Other useful information: Please be clear about what kind of beta you want: line edit, canon check, or more detailed constructive criticism. Encouragement and honest opinion always offered. I sometimes easily miss punctuation mistakes.
Name: Heather
E-mail address: Jensen_junkie@yahoo.co.uk
Fandom(s): Supernatural, Dark Angel, Angel, Buffy
Faith(s) (if any): None
Favorite characters: Supernatural: Dean, Dark Angel: Joshua, Angel: Angel, Buffy: Spike
Anything you won't read: Nope, i'll read pretty much anything, i'm pretty difficult to freak out, although I warn you now...I will kill anyone that writes a Mary Sue OC. That's the only thing that bothers me. lol.
Expected turnaround: As long as my possessed laptop doesn't decide to blow up or something equally strange happens, I should be able to return some half decent notes within 24 hours.
Strengths/specialization: I have been called a walking dictionary by several people and have not recently come up against a word that I cannot spell. I am also pretty clued up on characterization and have no trouble picking out plot holes in others work (my own is a whole other story, but lets not go there, shall we?).
Other useful information: I try to be polite, but 9 times out of 19 I can fail. I don't try to be rude, but if you send me rubbish to review, I shall let you know what it is...but I will tell you why. At least it's constructive *shrugs*. But i'm never mean about someone else's writing without cause, only if it is diabolical will I thow a hissy fit, i'm on my best behaviour, girl guide's honor (I swear I wasn't kicked out when I was 13).
Volunteer as a beta
Copy/paste the following form into a comment and fill it out to volunteer as a beta reader:
Name:
E-mail address:
Fandom(s):
Faith(s) (if any):
Favorite characters:
Anything you won't read:
Expected turnaround:
Strengths/specialization:
Other useful information:
Volunteer as a resource
There are some questions that are better answered by a human being, or that simply can't be articulated in a web search. For this reason, we're looking for volunteers who can answer questions, either about the faith they practice or about any faith-oriented topics they might've studied.
To volunteer as a resource, copy/paste the following form into a comment and fill it out--your name will be added to the list of resources above, either under a particular faith or in the "general religious information" category.
Name:
LJ name or e-mail address:
Specialization: