General-purpose tools that have helped my research. Plus sources for general literature.
| Link |
Description |
| Google Books |
What an invaluable tool!
I have been able to confirm the source of quotes, and in many cases corrected the source reference
and/or the quote itself using this wonderful resource.
Unfortunately, not every book is searchable.
While books that are searchable allow the entire book to be searched,
only a subset of pages can be viewed in full. |
| Amazon.com |
Find books! Some of the books are searchable as well (look for the "Search inside this book" link). |
| Project Gutenberg |
Lots of historical source documents.
A valuable resource, but the scan-to-text conversion often screws up,
and they insert a carriage return at the end of every scanned line,
which sabotages phrase searches and web searches in general
(another reason to try searches with and without quotes). |
| The University of Oxford Text Archive |
A small collection of free historical source documents. |
| Humanistic Texts |
Excerpts from humanism related literature. |
| Humanities Text Initiative |
A small collection of searchable documents from the University of Michigan,
including the Bible, Koran, and Book of Mormon. |
| The Online Books Page |
Links to over a million free books on the internet,
including over 40000 books in their curated collection.
Also a directory to other archives and indexes. |
| VIRGO |
University of Virginia Library catalog.
From their Scholar's Lab. |
| Digital Book Index |
Index of books available on the internet, most for free. |
| The Canadian Encyclopedia |
The Canadian perspective on just about everything. |
| MLibrary: Encyclopédie |
Powerful search tool for the Encyclopedia of Diderot & d'Alembert (1751-1772) from the University of Michigan. |
| Scribd |
Some books can be found on this site in their entirety. |
| Wikipedia |
This has evolved into one of the most useful references in human history.
I'm not exaggerating! It is a fantastic research tool!
Most articles have Notes and References sections, which are good sources
for verifying facts or finding further information. |
| Wikiquote |
This has also evolved into a useful reference, but is still a little ragged around the edges.
Quotes sites that don't bother to show the sources are useless to me.
In many cases, Wikiquote has corrected misquotations and incorrect sources. |
| Wiktionary |
A pretty good dictionary, although not as authoritative as the OED, say.
If you don't know what OED stands for, then Wiktionary is more than sufficient for you. |
| Wikisaurus |
Getting better... |
| Online Etymology Dictionary |
When you're looking for the history behind words. |
| Link |
Description |
| Project Gutenberg: Atheism bookshelf |
Atheism classics. Use the subject search for more. |
| The Secular Web Library |
One of the best resources on the web! Browse and learn.
Includes an extensive collection of
Robert Green Ingersoll writings.
The Secular Web is brought to you by the Internet Infidels.
Tag line: "A drop of reason in a pool of confusion." |
| Atheism: Man standing on his own two feet |
Web site from France, with essays, quotes, and some humor. |
| American Atheists |
Articles, news, blog, etc. |
| Atheist Foundation of Australia |
Articles, news, and quotes. |
| Atheists of Silicon Valley |
Articles, news, videos, etc. Affiliated with American Atheists. |
| Atheists for Human Rights |
Articles, videos, and newsletter "The Moral Atheist".
Tag line: "Because so many violations of human rights have their source in religious authoritarianism." |
| The Ultimate Atheism FAQ |
From the Common Sense Atheism blog. |
| Agnosticism/Atheism |
Brought to you by About.com and Austin Cline. |
| No Ghosts |
From Sampo Syreeni, Finland. |
| A Blunt Atheist FAQ |
From the No Ghosts guy. |
| Wikipedia Atheism Portal |
All things atheism. Great for browsing! |
| Wikipedia Nontheism Portal |
All things nontheism. Also great for browsing! |
| ExChristian.net |
Articles, blogs, testimonials, etc.
Tag line: "Encouraging de-converting and former Christians." |
| God is imaginary |
50 simple proofs, plus bonus proofs! |
| Why won't God heal amputees? |
A classic. From those who brought you "God is Imaginary". |
| Positive Atheism |
A sprawling web site with historical documents, articles,
and a huge collection of quotations. |
| The Brights |
Are you a Bright or a Super?
Gee, both sound pretty good... until you read the details. |
| Rational Wiki Religion Portal |
A wiki for skeptics.
See their
atheism FAQ. |
| Agnostic Universe |
Some documents, a FAQ ("Answers"), "Agnostic Bible", and a blog. |
| Atheist Alliance International |
News, Questions for Christians,
Secular World magazine, etc. |
| BBC: Atheism |
Good summary. |
| The Rational Response Squad |
Articles, news, blogs, famous atheists and agnostics, etc.
Tag line: "A place for activist atheists to unite." |
| Freedom from Religion Foundation |
A wonderful activist organization trying to make a positive difference in the real world.
Tag line: "Protecting the constitutional principle of the separation of state and church." |
| Jesus never existed |
Lots of information, likely to offend theists. |
| Military Association of Atheists & Freethinkers |
MAAF proves that there are indeed many
atheists in foxholes.
Includes issues and news. |
| Minnesota Atheists |
Articles, news, etc. |
| Rationalist International |
See highlights from the Archives and their bulletin.
Founded in India. |
| The Rejection of Pascal's Wager |
An interesting and well-organized site.
Tag line: "A Skeptic's Guide to Christianity." |
| religionisbullshit.net |
Tag line: "Articles and opinions on the absurdity and danger of religious beliefs."
Guaranteed to offend theists. |
| Sam Harris |
Articles, debates, etc. from Sam Harris. |
| Link |
Description |
| New Humanist |
Articles, blog, New Humanist magazine, etc.
Tag line: "Ideas for godless people." |
| Humanist Association of Northern Ireland (Humani) |
Articles, news, Hi! Humanism Ireland magazine, etc. |
| American Humanist Association |
News, FAQ, The Humanist magazine, etc.
Tag line: "Advocating progressive values and equality for humanists, atheists, and freethinkers." |
| Free Inquiry |
No, not THAT Free Inquiry, rather "The Humanist and Skeptic Website of Steven Schafersman." |
| British Humanist Association |
Articles and news. Tag line: "For the one life we have." |
| Humanism By Joe |
Articles by Joseph C. Sommer, quotes, etc. |
| Humanism for Schools |
Educational materials. |
| Huumanist Society Scotland |
Some good information. |
| The Humanist Society of New Zealand |
Information and The New Zealand Humanist magazine. |
| Humanism Today |
The journal of the Humanist Institute. |
| Humanist Life |
Articles, or sort of a blog from the British Humanist Association. |
| The Humanist Society |
Resources for humanist life celebrations. |
| Association of Unitarian Universalist Humanists |
Articles, newsletters, etc.
Mission: "to advance humanism within the Unitarian-Universalist denomination
and to promote religious humanism in general." |
| International Humanist and Ethical Union |
Lots of information and news, and International Humanist News magazine.
IHEU sponsors the triennial World Humanist Congress. |
| New Zealand Association of Rationalists & Humanists |
NZARH provides some information, news, The Open Society journal, etc. |
| Council for Secular Humanism |
Good information, including Free Inquiry and the Secular Humanist Bulletin (for members). |
| The Society for Humanistic Judaism |
Some good information. |
| The New Humanism |
Online magazine, from the Humanist Chaplaincy at Harvard. |
| Think Humanism |
High quality information. I wish there were more of it! |
| CSJO |
The Congress of Secular Jewish Organizations. Articles, newletters, etc. |
| The Secular Coalition for America |
The Secular Coalition for America. Articles, news, blogs, etc. |
Positive religious links, featuring religious scriptures, holy books, reference works, historical documents, etc.
| Link |
Description |
| Wikipedia Religion Portal |
All things religion. Great for browsing! |
| Internet Sacred Texts Archive |
An excellent collection of religious documents over a wide range of religions and related subjects. |
| The Religious Freedom Page |
All kinds of documents related to religious freedom, from the University of Virginia. |
| ReligionLink |
Extensively categorized.
"The only religion story idea and source list resource by journalists, for journalists." |
| Academy for Ancient Texts |
Miscellany of sources. |
| Wolf's Den |
The documents that haven't yet been moved to the Academy for Ancient Texts. |
| Religion Online |
Tag line: "Full texts by recognized religious scholars."
Extensive collection, with a search tool. |
| Adherents |
Disorganized advertising-laden site with some useful and interesting
statistical information. |
| NetHymnal |
Hymn lyrics. |
| Hudson Institute: Religion |
Articles on current religious controversies.
From the Hudson Institute, "a nonpartisan policy research organization
dedicated to innovative research and analysis that promotes global
security, prosperity, and freedom." See also their
Center for Religious Freedom. |
| Anti-Defamation League |
The latest news on anti-Semitism and related subjects. |
| New Statesman: Religion |
Lots of news on religion. |
| BeliefNet |
"Our mission is to help people like you find, and walk, a spiritual
path that will bring comfort, hope, clarity, strength, and happiness."
Choose your religion with the famous
Belief-O-Matic! |
| Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance |
Multi-faith group with lots of information on religion and related topics. |
| Sea of Faith Network |
"Exploring and promoting religious faith as a human creation."
See also
other branches. |
| Interfaith Alliance |
"Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing
individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and
democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism." |
| God Checker |
Tag lines: "Your guide to the gods!" Meet the gods.
Over 3,000 supreme beings, spirits & demons tested" |
| Iron Chariots |
Wiki addressing apologetics and counter-apologetics. |
| Internet Guide to Religion |
Extensive internet index to all things religions. |
| Link |
Description |
| Christian Literature & Information |
| The Skeptic's Annotated Bible |
A wonderful resource, conveniently annotated by category:
absurdity, injustice, cruelty and violence, intolerance, good stuff,
contradictions, family values, women, science and history, interpretation,
sex, prophecy, language, and homosexuality. |
| Project Gutenberg: Christianity bookshelf |
Christianity classics. Use the subject search for more. |
| Christian Bookshelf |
An extensive library of Christian documents. From Biblios. |
| Resource Pages for Biblical Studies |
An index to early Christian writings and related information (Torrey Seland). |
| The Gnostic Society Library |
Extensive collection! |
| Early Christian Writings |
Extensive collection of Christian documents from c. 30 to 250 CE. |
| Early Church |
Index and bibliography of early Christian source documents. |
| Christian Classics Ethereal Library |
Huge library of documents! |
| The Fathers of the Church |
Large collection of early Christian church documents. |
| BBC: Christianity |
Good summary. |
| Whosoever |
"An online magazine for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Christians." |
| Progressive Christianity |
Progressive evangelism? Hopefully better than fundamentalism, anyway... |
| Texas Freedom Network |
Keeping tabs on the Christian Right, who are often oh-so-wrong...
"Protecting religious freedom", "Defending civil liberties",
and "Strengthening public schools".
The world needs more organizations like this! |
| Evil Bible |
Bad stuff in the Bible.
A bit offensive in spots (other than the Bible passages, I mean).
Tag line: "Fighting against immorality in religion." |
| The Jesus Puzzle |
From Earl Doherty. |
| Christian Bibles Online |
| Bible Gateway |
Excellent Bible site with lots of translations. |
| Online Parallel Bible |
Extensive Bible resource with parallel translations. From Biblios. |
| eBible.org |
Online and downloadable public domain Bibles. |
| MLibrary: Bible: KJV |
Powerful search tool for the King James Version from the University of Michigan. |
| MLibrary: Bible: RSV |
Powerful search tool for the Revised Standard Version from the University of Michigan. |
| MLibrary: The New Testment |
Powerful search tool for Douay-Rheims, Challoner revision (c. 1750)
from the University of Michigan. |
| Non-Canonical Literature |
Old and New Testament Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha,
the works of the fathers of the early Christian Church,
the works of Josephus (Wesley Center Online). |
| The Official King James Bible Online |
The 1611 and 1769 KJV Bibles, Apocrypha, a Bible dictionary. |
| tbd |
Bibles, Apocrypha, concordances, bible dictionaries and encyclopedias.
Tons of stuff, but not very user friendly. |
| Bible Database |
Bible downloads of various forms. |
| The HTML Bible |
Bibles, Bible dictionaries, and other Christian documents. |
| Arthur's Classic Novels: Bible |
Bibles and index. |
| Browse Bible by Books |
Browse several versions of the Bible, brought to you by Biblica.
Search them here. |
| The Holy Bible |
With Greek and Latin text. Browsable, but not searchable. |
| Bible Study References |
| Bible Concordances |
Bible concordances. From Biblios. |
| Multi-Source Bible Dictionary |
Easton's Bible dictionary. From Biblios. |
| Bible Encyclopedia |
Bible encyclopedia. From Biblios. |
| Mormonism |
| MLibrary: The Book of Mormon |
Powerful search tool for The Book of Mormon from the University of Michigan. |
| LDS Scriptures |
Scriptures of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints:
Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. |
| The Skeptic's Annotated Book of Mormon |
Another wonderful resource from The Skeptic's Annotated Bible guy.
Bonus annotations for plagiarism and changes in the BoM. |
| Recovery from Mormonism |
Supporting ex-Mormons. |
| BBC: Mormonism |
Good summary. |
| Catholicism |
| The Vatican |
The Vatican — the church that is a state.
No wall of separation there! Extensive resources for all things Catholic. |
| The Catholic Encyclopedia |
Lots of useful information about Christianity. A valuable resource! |
| Catechism of the Catholic Church |
The whole shebang, with footnotes.
Everything you wanted to know about Catholic dogma, but were very afraid to ask... |
| Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible |
Browsable and searchable. |
| New Jerusalem Bible |
Browsable and searchable. |
| The Holy Bible |
Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition, with underachieving search function. |
| Catholic Library |
Collection of Catholic church documents. |
| Link |
Description |
| Islamic Literature & Information |
| Project Gutenberg: Islam bookshelf |
Islam classics. Use the subject search for more. |
| Salafi Dawah Online |
Islamic (and Islamist) books, booklets, and articles. |
| Arthur's Classic Novels: Islam |
Writings of Islam and index. |
| ISIS |
Institution for the Secularization of Islamic Society,
with articles, news, and bulletins.
Also at www.secularislam.org. |
| BBC: Islam |
Good summary. |
| MEMRI |
The Middle East Media Research Institute provides an invaluable service
in monitoring Middle East media organizations and exposing the often
outrageously racist and hateful things said in the mainstream media of the region.
Excellent source of media relating to Islam, which tends to be a
real eye-opener, and not in a good way. |
| CAIR |
Council on American-Islamic relations. |
| Women Living Under Muslim Laws |
News and resources on how women around the world are doing under Sahria law.
Not so well, as it turns out... |
| Islam for Today |
Information from a Christian convert.
While I can't think of any harsh penalties for converting to Islam,
I have heard many cases of converts from Islam to Christianity being
sentenced to death.
Just saying... |
| Scholar of the House |
The rather pompously named home page of Abou El Fadl, a moderate Muslim.
Some good articles and lectures.
The author of The Great Theft: Wrestling Islam from the Extremists.
Best of luck with that. Really, I mean that sincerely. |
| Islam and Islamic Studies Resources |
Lots of information on Islam.
From Alan Godlas, Department of Religion, University of Georgia.
"The articles linked on this site have been written both by Muslim and
non-Muslim scholars as well as informed believers." |
| Middle East Forum |
As with any issues involving the Middle East, we venture into controversial
territory here, with accusations of bias (anti-Muslim, pro-Israel, etc.).
People should look at all facts, evaluate opinions accordingly,
and then form their own opinions based on something more substantial
than just prejudice and knee-jerk reactions to perceived fears.
And the exact same approach should be taken for the pro-Muslim and
anti-Israel web sites.
As always, tread with caution through these information minefields!
Sister sites:
Campus Watch,
Daniel Pipes,
Islamist Watch,
The Legal Project. |
| Qantara |
Qantara (Arabic for "bridge") is a German site meant
"to promote dialogue with the Islamic world".
Lots of news and opinions. |
| Free Muslims Coalition |
"a nonprofit organization made up of American Muslims and Arabs of
all backgrounds who feel that religious violence and terrorism have
not been fully rejected by the Muslim community in the post 9-11 era." |
| Irshad Manji |
The author of The Trouble with Islam,
trying her best to drag Islam into the modern world. |
| Ayaan Hirsi Ali |
Information, news, and blog.
Issues: honor killings, female genital mutilation, forced marriage,
and Sharia law. |
| Qur'ans |
| The Skeptic's Annotated Quran |
From the guy that brought you The Skeptic's Annotated Bible. A wonderful resource. |
| Online Quran Project |
Search the Qur'an in English, with Arabic (Abdullah Yusuf Ali).
Does not work with the Chrome browser. |
| YaQuB: Yet Another Qur'an Browser |
Search across multiple translations. |
| MLibrary: The Koran |
Powerful search tool for M.H. Shakir version from the University of Michigan. |
| Qur'an |
Search multiple translations, with Arabic. |
| CMJE: The Qur'an |
Three translations in parallel, with an index (Center for Muslim-Jewish Engagement). |
| Holy Qur'an |
Translation by Maulana Muhammad Ali, with index.
From The Lahore Ahmadiyya Islamic Movement. |
| Muslim Access: Qur'an |
Qur'an translations, Tafseer, and other documents. |
| King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur'an |
Saudi-sanctioned, annotated Qur'an. Beware Saudi-sanctioned anything! |
| Online Quran Project |
Link is to the Muhammad Asad translation.
Many other translations available (click the "Select ranslation(s)" button)).
Supports multiple parallel translations. |
| Arthur's Classic Novels: Koran |
Lots of translations and index. |
| The Noble Quran |
Three translations, browsable and searchable,
from the Ahlul Bayt Digital Islamic Library Project. |
| Qur'an |
Several translations, with simple search. |
| Search Truth:: Qur'an |
Parallel English translations. |
| :-( www.quranbrowser.com :-( |
Do NOT go anywhere near this site!
If this is indeed run by anti-Islam Christians,
they bring shame and dishonor to themselves and their religion.
Unfortunately, that wouldn't be the first time... |
| Qur'anic Commentary |
| The Hadith Library |
Search the ahadith of Islam. |
| CJME: Hadith |
Hadith collections (Center for Muslim-Jewish Engagement). |
| Hadith Collection |
Several hadith sources by the International Islamic University Malaysia. |
| Search Truth: Hadith |
Small hadith collection. |
| Ahlul Bayt Digital Islamic Library Project |
Browse the reference library, including a hadith category. |
| Sunnah |
The Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad at your fingertips! |
| MSA West |
Sunnah and hadith with basic search (Muslim Student Association). |
| Muslim Access: Sunnah |
Sunnah, ahadith, and other documents. |
| Tafsir Ibn Kathir - Quran Tafsir |
From Wikipedia: Tafsir al-Qur'an al-Azim, popularly Tafsir ibn Kathir,
is a classic Sunni Islam tafsir (commentary of the Qur'an) by Ibn Kathir.
It is considered to be a summary of the earlier tafsir by al-Tabari, Tafsir al-Tabari.
It is especially popular because it uses hadith to explain each verse and chapter of the Qur'an. |
| Al Tafsir |
Searchable Qur'an and Qur'anic commentary (tafsirs). |
The continuing debate over science and religion. Includes naturalism.
| Link |
Description |
| Stephen Jay Gould |
Useful archive of Gould's articles on science, evolution, and religion
(see site map
"Articles and Essays"). |
| The Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science |
Articles, news, videos, etc.
Mission: "to support scientific education, critical thinking and
evidence-based understanding of the natural world in the quest to
overcome religious fundamentalism, superstition, intolerance and suffering."
Tag line: "A clear-thinking oasis." |
| John Templeton Foundation |
Valiantly trying to reconcile religion and science.
Tag line: "Supporting science - investing in the big questions" |
| Does sciencer make belief in God obsolete? |
An interesting converssation from the John Templeton Foundation,
including a great response from Christopher Hitchens. |
| Metanexus |
The Metanexus Institute is "dedicated to promoting scientifically
rigorous and philosophically open-ended explorations of foundational questions". |
| Naturalism.Org |
Information from the
Center for Naturalism. |
| The Society of Natural Science |
Information on naturalism.
They are "a group of lay people and psychotherapists devoted to developing
and disseminating the most authentic understanding of human nature that
science can uncover." |
| Intelligent Design Creationism: Fraudulent Science, Bad Philosophy |
An interesting, long article from
Donald E. Simanek (February 2006). |
| Project Reason |
They are a "nonprofit foundation devoted to spreading scientific
knowledge and secular values in society.
The foundation draws on the talents of prominent and creative thinkers
in a wide range of disciplines to encourage critical thinking and erode
the influence of dogmatism, superstition, and bigotry in our world."
Tag line: "Spreading science and secular values." |
| The Work of Michael Shermer |
Columns, essays, etc. |
| Neil DeGrasse Tyson |
Articles and other information. |
| The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online |
A valuable resource. |
| The TalkOrigins Archive |
Evolution FAQs and information.
Tag line: "Exploring the creation/evolution controversy." |
| IRAS |
The Institute on Religion in an Age of Science attempts to propagate
a constructive dialog. |
| Link |
Description |
| The Skeptic's Dictionary |
Also published in 2003 as a book. |
| Skeptic's Dictionary for Kids |
Now kids can be skeptics too! |
| Rational Wiki |
A wiki for skeptics. |
| Center for Inquiry Transnational |
U.S. and international organization for skeptics.
Mission: "to foster a secular society based on science, reason,
freedom of inquiry, and humanist values." |
| Centre for Inquiry |
CFI Canada is a central organization for Canadian skeptics,
including skepticism of theism. |
| The Committee for Skeptical Inquiry |
Articles, index, Skeptical Inquirer magazine, etc. |
| James Randi Educational Foundation |
From James Randi, magician and skeptic extraordinare.
Mission: "to promote critical thinking by reaching out to the public
and media with reliable information about paranormal and supernatural
ideas so widespread in our society today."
Tag line: "An educational resource on the paranormal, pseudoscientific,
and the supernatural."
Includes An Encyclopedia of Claims, Frauds, and Hoaxes of the Occult and Supernatural. |
| Skeptic |
Information and Skeptic magazine. |
| Skeptic Friends Network |
Articles and other stuff. |
| Australian Skeptics |
Articles, news, etc. |
| Bad Astronomy |
Not much to do with religious skepticism, but a fun site! |
| Link |
Description |
| Literature |
| Project Gutenberg: Mythology bookshelf |
Mythology classics. Use the subject search for more. |
| Perseus Digital Library |
Greek, Roman, 19th century American, Renaissance source documents. |
| The Internet Classics Archive |
Extensive collection of classical literature with search tool. |
| Internet History Sourcebooks Project |
Extensive collection and index of historical source documents, including Jewish and Islamic works.
From Fordham University, The Jesuit University of New York. |
| Hypertexts: American Studies |
American historical documents from the American Studies at the University of Virginia.
Includes works by Ambrose Bierce, Benjamin Franklin, William James,
Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, and Mark Twain. |
| Female Genital Mutilation |
| CAGeM |
Campaign Against Female Genital Mutilation.
Stop this barbaric practice! |
| End FGM |
End Female Genital Mutilation! Run by Amnesty International Ireland. |
| FORWARD |
African organization working to eliminate FGM and support its victims. |
| Male Genital Mutilation |
| National Organization of Circumcision Information Resource Centers |
Stop genital mutilation! |
| Circumcision Decision-Maker |
Decide now to stop genital mutilation! |
| Doctors Opposing Circumcision |
D.O.C. Physicians for Genital Integrity provide lots of useful information,
including their comprehensive
Genital Integrity Policy Statement
Stop genital mutilation! |
| International Coalition for Genital Integrity |
Lots of information. Stop genital mutilation! |
| SICSOCIETY |
Stop Infant Circumcision Society provides information and humor.
Mottos: "The foreskin is NOT a birth defect! STOP INFANT CIRCUMCISION."
"Babies are born perfect. Today's parents say NO to circumcision."
"Intactivist: Protecting the innocent from knife-attacks!" |
| Intact America |
"Intact America envisions a world where children are protected from
permanent bodily alteration inflicted on them without their consent,
in the name of culture, religion, profit, or parental preference."
Say NO! to circumcision. |
| Circumcision Information and Resource Pages |
CIRP provides information and an index of resources. |
| History of Circumcision |
From Robert Darby. |
| Miscellaneous of the Miscellaneous |
| Reason |
Libertarian articles. |
| tbd |
tbd |
