Search Engines
Internet search engines are simple for the user. They provide a space to enter search terms. Search results appear quickly. Then it is a matter of checking which results are helpful or modifying the search for better results. The following are among the best:
The most basic use of Google involves putting word or a phrase in the space provided on the Google home page. That usually produces so many results that it is difficult to find the jewel in the sand.
But Google also has directories on a variety of subjects. For religion, go to the Google home page and just above the box in which search terms are entered select "more". This then opens a page of "Google Services". Select "Directory". Then, under the heading "Society" select "Religion and Spirituality". Then select any of the world’s religions or subjects like "Interfaith" or "Religious Tolerance". This will lead to other links. Selecting "Christianity", for example, leads to links for apologetics, ecumenism, evangelism, and missions.
One of the most intriguing options that Google (and some other search engines) provides is "Opposing views". For every religion (including atheism and humanism) there is an "Opposing views" section. Christians, for example, will find sites where Jews, Muslims, Hindus, humanists and former Christians express why they do not agree with Christian faith. Those sites vary greatly. Some are scholarly, some personal, some humorously disrespectful and some inflammatory.
This home page offers the choice to search through HotBot, Lycos, Google or Ask Jeeves. The HotBot results are similar to Google.Teoma operates like other search engines, but its "Subject-Specific Popularity" method sometimes produces fewer and more focused results. In addition to the standard "Results", there are suggestions on the right side of the screen to help "Refine" the search, as well as recommended "Resources" (links).
The search for religions on Yahoo can begin by entering terms in the "Search the web" box near the top of the home page, just like other search engines. The searches are fast and the ranking of top 20 web results is usually helpful.
The search can also start by going to the "Society and Culture" topic further down the home page, and selecting the "Religion" subcategory. This provides topics that open additional pages. One is "Web Directories", a collection of resources and further links.