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
As part of a larger site that includes a photo area, video, blogs, event schedules, downloads and informational topics, the forum is powered by NING. A general discussion area is included, along with more specific topics, such as theology, the Bible, prophecy, Christian living, health, prayer requests, and study topics. Membership is free but registration and a login are required for participation in forum discussions.
http://www.adventistonline.com/forum/
Powered by vBulletin, the forum is intended for people of the Apostolic faith and friends of the Apostolic heritage, with an emphasis on cordial discussion, 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.
http://www.apostolicfriendsforum.com/
Several topics are available, including general discussions and a brief description of the Baha'i faith, as well as Baha'i teachings, Baha'i stories and prayers, mysticism and spirituality, social practices, culture and arts, and youth. A topic category for regional communities, divided into continents, is also available. Using a vBulletin script, the forum requires registration in order to participate, although anyone is welcome to read forum posts.
http://bahaiforums.com/
The Xenforo powered Internet forum has a focus 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. Membership is free, but required for participation in forum discussions.
https://www.baptistboard.com/
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 modern world. Membership is required for participation.
https://www.cathinfo.com/
Operated through a vBulletin script, the forum includes and 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, and doctrine, theology and canon law. Membership is free.
http://www.catholicforum.com/
Offering a Protestant perspective, Christ Forums serves to share Christian content, including related interests, teaching, education, dialogue, worship and prayer requests. Powered by vBulletin, the forum includes blogs, groups that may be created or joined, and a shopping area. The forum features several topics such as current events, prayer requests, apologetics and theology, Bible study, prophecy, and others. Membership is required in order to post.
https://www.christforums.org/
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 and debate, as well as various Christian communities and faith groups, Christian outreach, and other topics. 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.
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 who are 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. Membership is required for participation, but not for reading the posts of others.
http://christianforums.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 phpBB, the forum does require membership and a login for participation. Topics include a prayer area, a family section, Christian news, reviews of Orthodox books, music and periodicals, as well as an area where languages other than English may be used.
http://orth-church.com/
As with most forums, membership and a login are required for participation in discussions and for full access to the site. Online since 2002 and operating through an IPBoard script, the site’s topics are divided into three general categories: Thinking Jewish, Living Jewish, and Miscellaneous Advice and Help, with several subtopics within each of these larger categories. Recent topics are highlighted in a sidebar.
http://www.hashkafah.com/
The forum’s focus is on Islam, although non-Muslims are welcome to participate in discussions so long as their contributions are respectful of 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, and others. An area is also provided for discussions in languages other than English.
https://www.gawaher.com/
Part of a larger site that includes several informational articles, a calendar of events and other resources, the forum is operated by MyBB. Membership and a login are required in order to post to forum topics, which include 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.
http://www.thehebrewcafe.com/forum/
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 other topics, even a humor section. Membership is required for participation, but anyone may read the forum.
http://forum.mennonet.com/
Dedicated to the discussion of Confessionally Reformed Christian theology, including the historic creeds and confessions. Board rules and terms are are presented, and there is a place in the forum for updates, tutorials, and user guides. Other main topics include the Scriptures, theology, the Church, the Christian walk, apologetics, and education, as well as sub-forums and an are for topics not otherwise provided for.
https://www.puritanboard.com/
Saint Euphrosynos Cafe Discussion Forum
Operated on a phpBB forum script, this is a discussion forum for traditional Orthodox Christians and inquirers. Anyone may read, but a membership is required for participation. Topics include monasteries and monastic life, traditional Orthodox churches, book and media reviews, Scripture, the priesthood, political and social issues, liturgies and mysteries, theology and tradition, and past and current heresies. A non-English section is also included.
http://www.euphrosynoscafe.com/forum/
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 or debate, Bible study, or other subjects. Membership is free, but restricted to those who have reached the age of fifty. First and last names are used rather than handles, although pseudonyms are permitted.
http://www.seniorsonly.club/forums/faith-religion/
Using an 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, a place where participants can share their experience with Sai Baba, spiritual discussions, and inter-faith discussions. Other topic areas include short stories, inspirational articles, and a children's area.
http://forum.spiritualindia.org/
Intended to be a place where Christians from differing denominational and theological beliefs can come together to discuss a variety of theological issues in communion. Forum rules and participation guidelines are presented, and recently active members are highlighted, along with those who are currently online. Topics include general theology, open view theology, reformed theology, dispensationalism, systematic theology, and Catholic theology, and several others.
https://theologyforums.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, and other subjects.
https://www.worthychristianforums.com/
