Resource helps Christians use the Internet to understand religions

A new resource is available to help Christians strengthen their relationships with people of other faiths and understand other expressions of spirituality. Christian Faith and Other Faiths: A Guide to the Internet points the user to websites on a variety of topics related to world religions.

The guide was developed by James Pankratz, academic dean at MB Biblical Seminary, Fresno, Cal. “I found that the Internet had some very good resources for the study of religions,” says Pankratz. “I also found sites dedicated to inter-religious ‘bashing.’ It’s helpful for Christians to know how to use this mix of Internet resources.”

Most of the links and resources in the guide deal with inter-religious interaction in various forms: religious pluralism, interfaith dialogue, religious tolerance, evangelism, mission, apologetics or critique. Nearly all of the websites included in this guide provide links to additional Internet resources without limiting access through passwords or fees. The Guide will be regularly updated as new resources are added and out-of-date links are removed.

Pankratz says his desire to produce the guide comes out of his interaction with other religions in his studies and teaching, the years he spent living in India and Bangladesh, and his service in the church through intercultural ministry.

Brad Thiessen, a member of North Fresno Church (MB), is the Public Relations Director for MB Biblical Seminary.