RSSAbout Patheos
Founded in 2008, Patheos.com is the premier online destination to engage in the global dialogue about religion and spirituality and to explore and experience the world's beliefs. Patheos is unlike any other online religious and spiritual site and is designed to serve as a resource for those looking to learn more about different belief systems, as well as participate in productive, moderated discussions on some of today's most talked about and debated topics.
As evidenced by the company founders' story, religion and spirituality continue to be an important part of American life, with more Americans today than ever before identifying themselves as spiritual. In fact, according to the Pew Internet Project, more than 82 million Americans and 64 percent of all Internet users utilize the Web for faith-related matters. The importance of religion and spirituality coupled with the growing use of the Internet for religious matters, point to the ongoing need for an online resource for religious and spiritual engagement and dialogue. Patheos fulfills this need.
Patheos is a place to:
- Explore religious beliefs and histories through a deep library of accurate, balanced information on the world's religions, as well as through unique interactive lenses that allow visitors to compare, contrast and explore religions and belief systems in new and innovative ways
- Enrich the global dialogue on religion and spirituality through responsible, moderated discussions on critical issues across religious traditions, in the site's unique Public Square
- Experience religious traditions, both online and off, through a variety of multimedia applications and online directories
- Engage in intra-faith discussion through religion-specific portals, also called Gateways, designed to provide a forum for discussion and public interaction
Exploration
The foundation of Patheos is an expansive library of easy-to-read information on world religions unmatched in terms of depth and breadth by any other resource currently available on the Web. All library material is original and produced by the world's leading theological experts, many from top North American colleges and universities, with author bios and credentials accessible on the site to visitors. Additionally, all library content has been peer-reviewed to ensure the highest level of credibility, objectivity and accuracy. Library materials are regularly updated to remain current and relevant to social events and issues.
In addition to the library, Patheos visitors will find a variety of unique lenses, maps, family trees and comparison charts that can be used to compare, contrast and learn about different religions and belief systems in ways never before available on the Internet. These interactive tools provide visitors with a greater understanding of religion and spirituality through visual, easy-to-use applications.
Enrichment
In the Public Square, current issues and topics are explored through inter-faith dialogue designed to elevate the global conversation on religion and spirituality. The Public Square is 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. Through the Public Square, visitors are able to consider contemporary issues from the perspectives of multiple belief systems in order to gain a greater understanding of these issues and controversies.
The topics presented in the Public Square impact real people in their day-to-day lives. The perspectives offered by each belief system are contributed by some of the most well-known and respected religious and spiritual leaders and scholars. The Public Square is a place where the public, media, faith leaders and academics can participate in meaningful dialogue on some of today's most controversial, compelling and sensitive topics.
Experience
Patheos visitors can become immersed in the rich tapestry of the world's religions through a variety of photos, videos, podcasts and other multimedia applications available on the site. Through these offerings, visitors are exposed to various elements of different religious practices, ceremonies and sacred places. Those seeking inspiration will find a vast collection of dramatic photos, stories and music of the faithful from every facet of spirituality.
A comprehensive online directory serves as a resource for those looking to gather at or visit places of worship, as well as popular destinations for spiritual travel and religious retreats around the globe. Opportunities also exist on the site for those looking to become further involved both online and off, with personally compelling causes and efforts, including connecting visitors to nonprofit and religious organizations. In all, Patheos provides opportunities for visitors to experience religion and spirituality in ways previously unavailable to the everyday consumer.
Engagement
Through a series of faith-based portals, or Gateways, visitors can explore the views, materials and other facets of the major belief traditions. Gateways provide opportunities for interaction with like-minded spiritual travelers.
Each Gateway 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. In addition, virtual classrooms provide a gathering place for private study groups and peer forums to share and learn.
