Finding answers on religion, spirituality

Can we visualise a meaningful future for religions? Though western scholars assumed that religion would decline with the advent of science and secular life, religion remains “an influential force, one that impacts how we view ourselves, each other and the world around us.” It is in this context that we can appreciate, Patheos, a comprehensive religious information resource web site, which has launched a summer series on the study of the future of religion.
The site invites scholars from a variety of traditions to talk about the future of religion, including trends, challenges, controversies and reforms. Its objective may be summed up under four headings.
Exploration: The site provides an expansive library of easy-to-read information on world religions unmatched in terms of depth and breadth by any other resource available on the web. All library material is original and produced by the world’s leading theological experts, many from top American universities. Further, it is clai-med that all library content has been peer-reviewed to ensure the highest level of credibility, objectivity and accuracy.
Enrichment: Further, current issues and topics are explored through inter-faith dialogue designed to elevate the global conversation on religion and spirituality. The site presents a forum presenting a weekly topic or question, such as “religion and faith in the economic downturn,” designed to encourage productive, moderated discussions on a variety of critical issues spanning religious traditions.
Experience: The visitors to this can become immersed in “the rich tapestry of the world’s religions through a variety of photos, videos, podcasts and other multimedia applications.” Visitors are exposed to various elements of different religious practices, ceremonies and sacred places. Those seeking inspiration will find a vast collection of photos, stories and music of the faithful from every facet of spirituality. A comprehensive online directory serves as a resource for those looking to visit places of worship, as well as popular destinations for spiritual travel and religious retreats around the globe.
Engagement: Intra-faith discussion through religion-specific portals, is designed to provide a forum for enriching engagement and public interaction. Visitors can explore the views, materials and other facets of the major belief traditions. Religion portals provide opportunities for interaction with like-minded spiritual travellers. Each religion portal has a number of discussion groups, blogs and forums that allow visitors to interact with one another, gain new perspectives and participate in lively, informative dialogue around a variety of issues important to each belief system.
The editor notes that essays would tackle such subjects as race, interfaith relations, blogging, theological controversies, gender issues, proselytising, music, emerging movements, politics, and film, leading to the better understanding of evolution of religions. Despite its western bias, the site provides a comprehensive and individualistic introduction to different religions and so is to be appreciated. But the deeper question is does providing more resources lead to a healthy spirituality? Can better information in religious and inter-religious matters become an end in itself? Does providing information on religions make us necessarily religious and spiritual? Who can better answer the question on the future of religions?