Online discussions of topics related to religion and spirituality are listed in this category. Such conversations often take place on Internet forums, which are also known as online forums, message boards, or discussion forums.
Some people may refer to them as bulletin board systems, as they are a technological evolution of the dialup Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) that existed before the Internet, some of which still exist.
Powered by a variety of proprietary or open source scripts, or sometimes hand-coded, an Internet forum allows people to carry on conversations in the form of posted messages. Similar to chat rooms, they differ in that messages are often longer and they are archived, often for as long as the forum is in existence, or for shorter periods of time, depending on the forum administrator.
The scripts that power Internet forums usually allow the forum several options for how forum discussions are displayed and, while there are some general rules that apply to most online forums, the forum administrator sets the policy for the forum, although some forums may be administered by an administrative board.
Depending on the script or the options chosen by the administrator, discussion forums are usually hierarchical (tree-like) in structure, and arranged by topic or by some other structure established by the forum administrator. Each topic forum might contain a number of sub-forums, each of which may themselves contain sub-forums. Within a forum's topic, each new discussion is known as a "thread," which can be replied to by anyone who is granted access.
Most Internet forums require participants to register with the forum and, in some cases, payment of a fee might be required for membership. Usually, a login is not required in order for someone to read existing messages, but it is usually required in order for a person to participate in forum discussions.
Online forums whose topics are religious in nature may be listed in this category, or in any subcategories that may be created later. These may include any of the topics contained within the Faith & Spirituality category, such as ancient religions, atheism and antitheism, church and state, cults, the paranormal, reincarnation, science and religion, spiritual entities, or any of the world religions: Abrahamic religions, Eastern religions, Esoteric religions, Pagan religions, secular humanism, or others that we may not yet have included.
These may include topics as broad as religion in general, as specific as the Benedictines, a Roman Catholic religious order, or something in between, such as Christianity, Judaism, or Islam.
However, a forum that is intended as a means of communication between member of a local church congregation should be listed in the Local & Global category representing the city or town where the church is located, as that forum would be local in nature. In other words, a forum whose topic is Baptist theology and practices may be listed here, while a forum developed for the Aberdeen First Baptist Church in Aberdeen, North Carolina should be listed in the appropriate Aberdeen category within the Local & Global tree. If or when this category becomes too large, the listings will be separated by topic into subcategories.
Recommended Resources
Powered by vBulletin, the forum is intended for people of the Apostolic faith and friends of the Apostolic heritage, emphasizing cordial discussion and dissemination of information. Discussions of a controversial nature relating to core Apostolic doctrine may occur in the Debate area of the forum but not elsewhere. Several topics are available, and most parts of the forum may be viewed by non-members, but registration is required for participation in discussions. Forum statistics are displayed.
http://www.apostolicfriendsforum.com/
Topics include general discussions and a brief description of the Baha'i faith, Baha'i teachings and beliefs, Baha'i history, stories and prayers, mysticism and spirituality, social practices, culture and arts, and youth. Meetups and events are posted. A topic category for regional communities divided into continents is also available. A photo section is included. Using a vBulletin script, the forum requires registration to participate, although anyone is welcome to read forum posts.
https://bahaiforums.com/
The Xenforo-powered Internet forum focuses on the Baptist faith, its topics including Baptist theology and Bible study, Bible versions and translations, fundamental Baptist thought, and general Baptist discussions, as well as Baptist history, pastoral ministries, colleges, and seminaries. Fellowship and debate sections are also included, along with Bible text, thus far restricted to Genesis. Membership is free but required for participation in forum discussions.
https://www.baptistboard.com/
Maintained by the Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry (CARM), a non-profit, non-denominational Protestant apologetics ministry, the forum utilizes an Xenforo forum script. Registration is free but required for participation in discussions. Its main preset topic areas include Theology, Churches, Cults, Religious Movements, World Religions, Secular, Lifestyle, Life Issues, Other, and pre-arranged Private Debates, plus a forum announcements area and a place for prayer requests.
https://forums.carm.org/
This message board, powered by SMFPacks, was formed for members of the Society of Saint Pius X and other Traditionalist Catholics and has been online since 2006. Subjects under discussion include SSPX resistance news, Catholic living in the modern world, health and nutrition, Catholic liturgy, chants and prayers, art and literature for Catholics, and fighting errors in the contemporary world. Membership is required for participation. Membership is free, although contributions are appreciated.
https://www.cathinfo.com/
Hosted by ProBoards, the online discussion forum is intended for Catholics to discuss Catholicism, Catholic news, Catholic liturgies and sacraments, Catholic dogma and catechesis, Saints and devotions, Scripture, prayer intentions, families and parenting, and other topics, including an area for fun, games, and off-topic discussion, and another for feedback and suggestions. Registration is free but required for participation in discussions. Forum statistics are displayed.
https://catholiccommonsense.freeforums.net/
Operated through a vBulletin script, the forum includes a help section and FAQ to assist new users in navigating the forum. Its subjects include evangelization, classroom programs, formal adult catechesis, sacrament preparation, questions and answers about the Catholic faith, Catholic art, daily mass readings, converts and reverts, the saints, doctrine, theology, and canon law. Membership is free but required to participate in discussions and to access some pages.
https://www.catholicforum.com/
Active since December 1997, the pagan message board is a venue for discussion and debate between pagans of all traditions. While others are welcome to register for membership and join in on discussions, this is a pagan-focused forum. The board is oriented toward more serious discussion and debate than some other pagan discussion areas, so participants must be polite and follow the rules, which are stated. Using a Simple Machines forum script, several subject areas are set up for discussion.
https://ecauldron.com/
Christ Centered Apologetics Ministry
Powered by XenForo, this Christian apologetics forum requires membership and login to participate in discussions and access other portions of the site. Members must be at least sixteen years old, agree to be courteous in their posts, and follow other rules stated here, along with a statement of faith. In order to facilitate ordered discussions, the forum is sorted into various categories and sub-forums, most of which relate to Christianity and the Scriptures.
https://christcentered.community.forum/
Christian Chat is a moderated online community that allows Christians worldwide to fellowship with one another in real-time via webcam, voice, and text using the Christian Chat application. Also available is Christian Chat Forums, where members can share videos, photos, or their favorite music, as well as carry on discussions that are archived so that others can participate at a later time. Several forum topics are preset. Registration is required, although there is no charge.
https://christianchat.com/
The Christian social network includes a real-time chat, as well as a discussion forum area. The difference between a chat and a forum is that the latter is a discussion area where members can hold conversations in the form of posted messages that may be replied to immediately or later. In contrast, chats are responded to in real-time. Its forum area includes pre-set topics for Bible studies, end-time events in the news, Christian news, exposing false teachings, and general discussion.
https://christianchat.net/
Unaffiliated with any specific Christian denomination or association, the site serves as a place for Christians of all flavors to discussion a variety of issues that may include to Christian doctrines and beliefs, as well as to find fellowship, offer and request prayer, Bible study and evangelism. Topics relating to college and youth, marriage, families, and parenting issues, and many other topics are included. Memberships are free but registration is required for participation.
https://christianforumsite.com/
Powered by a Xenforo script, the forum discusses topics related to Christianity and the Christian faith. Topics include prayer and encouragement, theology, discussion, debate, various Christian communities and faith groups, Christian outreach, and other subjects. Participation in some areas of the forum is restricted to Christians only, while others allow for engagement by non-Christians. Membership is required for participation in all discussions. Forum statistics are posted.
https://www.christianforums.com/
Christian Forums aspires to be a place where Christians can come together for encouragement, inspiration, and strength while welcoming non-Christians seeking answers to questions about the faith. Powered by a Xenforo script, the forum’s topics include general discussion, Christian growth, discussion and debate, and hobbies and interests. Anyone can read threads and posts on the forum. By registering a free account, members can participate on the site by adding their topics and posts.
https://christianforums.net/
Online since 2010, the Christianity-oriented online discussion forum welcomes unbiased, critical discussion among people of various backgrounds. Powered by an Xenforo script, registration is required to participate in discussions. Registration is free, although contributions are accepted. Its vision, rules, and topics requiring special consideration are defined, and some specific areas of the forum are reserved for Christians only. A blog section is also available.
https://www.christianityboard.com/
Created for the discussion of various issues among Christians, promoting non-Christian beliefs on this forum is not allowed, and "Christian Only" portions of the site are restricted to Christians who agree with the Nicene Creed, particularly as it pertains to the Trinity. Powered by an Xenforo script, membership registration is required for participation in discussions, although there is no charge for this. Several topic areas are pre-arranged, providing a wide variety of subjects.
https://www.christianityhaven.com/
Associated with Dhamma Wheel, Dharma Paths, Dhamma Wiki, and The Dhamma, the online discussion forum is powered by a phpBB forum script. Designed for discussion of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, (free) registration is required for participation in discussions. Topics are arranged into categories and forums, including the following categories: Welcome, Bodhisattvacarya, General Dharma, Upaya, and Teahouse of the Compassionate One, with several forum topics in each.
https://www.dharmawheel.net/
Eastern Orthodox Christian Forum
This is not an apologetics forum but a place for Orthodox Christians to discuss their faith and communicate with one another in a friendly environment. Powered by a phpBB script, the platform requires membership and a login to participate in discussions. Topics include a prayer area, a family section, Christian news, reviews of Orthodox books, music, periodicals, and a place where discussions in languages other than English may be included. Links to other Orthodox sites may be added.
https://orth-church.com/
Designed for fundamental Christians, the Internet forum allows for discussing several subjects, including Bible versions, Calvinism vs. Arminianism, apologetics, history, end-time events, Bible interpretation, and several defined fundamental colleges, with a sub-forum for other schools. There are also areas for fellowship, debate, politics, current news, conspiracies, and other subjects. Registration is free but required for participation in forum discussions.
https://www.fundamentalforums.org/
HCF is a global platform for Hindus to discuss topics relevant to the Hindu community, including politics, current affairs, and educating the public about the Hindu religion. Besides its discussion forums, a blog and an art shop are featured. Forum topics include Hinduphobia, Yoga, Hindu Spirituality, Books on India & Hindus, Media & Journalism, Building Hindu Confidence, U.S. Politics, U.S. and U.K. Politicians, Pakistan & China, Hindu Deities, Kashmir & Kashmiris, Kundalini Yoga, and others.
https://www.hinducommunityforum.com/
Online since 2005, this online discussion has been designed for Muslims to discuss various topics with other Muslims and for anyone who wants to learn more about Islam or to interact with Muslims from all over the world. The forum's FAQ section covers Forum user and moderator guidelines and posting etiquette; other information may also be found there. Several topical categories and sub-forums are set up to direct posts to areas where they can be found and responded to.
https://www.islamicboard.com/
The forum focuses on Islam, although non-Muslims are welcome to participate in discussions as long as their contributions respect Islam. The forum’s rules are specified, and its topics are divided into categories and sub-forums, including general Islamic discussions, refuting non-Muslims, Islamic-Western dialogue, questions and answers, a library section, and others. An area is also provided for discussions in languages other than English and an area for general subjects.
https://www.gawaher.com/
Launched in 1995, IslamiCity provides a non-sectarian, comprehensive, and holistic view of Islam and Muslims, with several information pages and resources. Web Wiz Forums powers its online discussion forum. Forum guidelines are stated in a post entitled "Guidelines for Discussion." Categories include General, Islam, Culture & Community, Politics, Media, and Regional, with several sub-forums within each category. Registration is required to participate in discussions.
https://www.islamicity.org/forum/
Part of a larger site that includes several informational articles, a calendar of events, and other resources, the forum is operated by a MyBB script. Membership and a login are required to post to forum topics, which include a general discussion of Judaism, counter-missionary concerns, questions and answers about Judaism, a formal debate section, and Jewish secularism and humanism, as well as an area for introductions and general conversation. Site statistics are included.
http://www.thehebrewcafe.com/forum/
Living Faith Christian Forums and Discussion
Intended for Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians, the online discussion forum is powered by vBulletin. Registration for a membership is required to participate in discussions, although there is no charge for membership. Several categories and sub-forums have been set up to facilitate discussions, including studying Scripture, eschatology, and discussion of movies, television, books, music, videos, and arcades, as well as a hot topic area for debate-type discussion.
https://livingfaithforum.com/
Intended as a place where Mennonites and others can connect for online discussions, MennoNet is powered by a phpBB script. Topics include Anabaptist theology and practice, general theology, current events and politics, books, articles, other websites, and spoken messages, a support section, and areas for history, Scripture, politics, tech talk, and other subjects, even a humor section. Membership is required for participation, but anyone may read the forum threads and posts.
https://forum.mennonet.com/
Our Bible Forums Christian Message Board
Powered by Simple Machines, the online discussion forum is designed for Christian discussions or about Christianity and related topics. Sorted into three categories (General, Bible Talk, Other), various forums have been preset, including, but not limited to, theology, devotions, eschatology, apologetics, Bible, prayer requests, testimonies, encouragement, poetry, controversial issues, and others, as well as a section for men and another for women. Statistics are reported.
https://bibleforums.us/
Using a vBulletin platform, Pagan Forum is a multi-faith discussion board where members of all faiths and paths can share their experiences and knowledge of various religious traditions, although proselytizing and preaching are discouraged. The rules of conduct are spelled out, along with an introduction to the site. A login is not required to read forum posts; membership is required to participate in forum conversations. Several categories and sub-forums are set up to organize discussions.
http://paganforum.com/
Dedicated to discussing Confessionally Reformed Christian theology, including the historic creeds and confessions. Board rules and terms are presented, and the forum has a place for updates, tutorials, and user guides. Other main topics include the Scriptures, theology, the Church, the Christian walk, apologetics, education, sub-forums, and an area for subjects not otherwise provided for. Other resources include articles, photographs, and other media. Forum statistics are posted.
https://www.puritanboard.com/
While forum topics may be read without logging into a member account, registration is required to reply to discussions, create your threads, gain access to private conversations with other members, and access its chat room. Registration is free, however. The forum has been online since 2004, when vBulletin powered it, although it currently uses an XenForo script. Several pre-defined topics are set up to facilitate finding a topic or posting in the appropriate place. Recent posts are highlighted.
https://www.religiousforums.com/
Seniors Only Club: Faith & Religion
In this forum, powered by Xenforo, baby boomers and seniors, fifty years old or older, may discuss topics related to faith and religion, whatever the faith, denomination, or sect. Topics might include general discussion, debate, Bible study, or other subjects. Membership is free but restricted to those who have reached the age of fifty. Although pseudonyms are permitted, first and last names are used rather than handles. A subtopic includes atheism and antitheism.
http://www.seniorsonly.club/forums/faith-religion/
Using an Invision script, the online discussion forum allows Sikhs to discuss various topics and others to learn about Sikhism and interact with participating Sikhs. While anyone can read forum posts, participation in discussions requires registration for a member account. Categories include Spirit Zone, Discussion Zone, Other Faiths and Philosophies, The Lounge, Share Zone, Chill Zone, and a category for feedback, suggestions, or complaints. Other resources are posted on the site, as well.
https://www.sikhawareness.com/
Created by Matt Warne as a venue for people of all backgrounds to discuss spiritual, paranormal, metaphysical, philosophical, supernatural, and esoteric subjects, from astral projection to Zen. Without registration, guests are given limited access to discussions and articles. By joining the free community, members can post messages, communicate privately with other members, respond to polls, upload photos, and have access to other areas of the site, which is powered by Xenforo.
https://www.spiritualforums.com/
Using a Simple Machines Forum script, the online discussion group is not specific to India but is based on the life and teachings of Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi, India, and includes an introductory area. Participants can share their experiences with Sai Baba in this place, spiritual discussions, and inter-faith discussions. Other subject areas include short stories, books, inspirational articles, philosophy, mantras, and a children's area. A photo gallery is also provided.
http://forum.spiritualindia.org/
Theistic Satanism Discussion Forum
Hosted on ProBoards, membership is free, although registration is required for participation in forum discussions. Members can opt to pay a fee for an advertising-free experience. Category headings include General Information, Religious Discussion, Satanic Witchcraft, and This and That, the latter being a catch-all area for topics not otherwise defined. Forum statistics are posted, and a help section is available to assist those not familiar with ProBoards.
https://theisticsatanism.proboards.com/
Sponsored by the Worthy Network, a Christian organization based in Israel, the site offers a chat area, discussion forum, devotionals, and news. Operating through an Invision script, the site’s topics include a welcome area, a section for nonbelievers to ask questions or interact with Christians, and an area for Christians to participate in online Bible study, theological discussion, videos, current news, and other subjects, such as announcements from Worthy Ministries.
https://www.worthychristianforums.com/
