Beliefnet's picks for the coolest, most interesting faith-based weblogs. Not every spiritual blog is worth reading, of course. Many blogs aren't updated frequently; others are updated far too often with everyday minutiae. Some blogs function as the daily organs of established media outlets or institutes. Beliefnet has chosen to highlight some of the best spiritual blogs on the web. These blogs are all worth checking in with daily or weekly.:: General Religion Blogs
The Revealer
The Revealer, run out of New York University's Center for Religion and Media, describes itself as a "daily review of religion and the press." Though a big part of its mission is to review how religion is portrayed in the media, it's a great place to start for the latest--and often obscure-religion news, as well as excellent links to a wide range of religion news resources and other blogs.
Get Religion
This joint blog between conservative-leaning religion reporters Terry Mattingly and Douglas LeBlanc offers smart analysis of major religion stories and how they're reported in the mainstream press.
A Hadeeth Blog
Putting on the sacred tradition of Prophet Muhammad.
Also check out:
Holy Weblog
This longtime Beliefnet favorite is currently down for maintenance, but well worth a look when it's back online.
:: Christian Blogs
Relapsed Catholic
There are dozens of well-written and frequently updated Catholic blogs, but Relapsed Catholic seems to be a must-read for the Catholic community. It bills itself as one of the oldest and most popular blogs around. The blogger, Canadian journalist Kathy Shaidle, offers a conservative take on Catholicism, politics, and other religions (and often links to Beliefnet's Loose Canon).
Evangelical Outpost
This is a conservative blog from an "evangelical worldview." The posts are intelligent and cover a wide variety of topics, from science to the media to discussing "What's an Evangelical?" Evangelical Outpost includes a frequent series called "Know Your Evangelicals," a brief bio of important people in the evangelical community, like Chuck Colson, T.D. Jakes, and Jim Wallis.
The Village Gate (Formerly The Right Christians)
A progressive Christian blog, whose goal is to bring more attention to the role of liberal Christians in the public arena. The Village Gate is managed by a Lutheran pastor but functions as a gathering place for other progressives and relevant blogs.
ChristDot
ChristDot describes itself as "News for Jesus Freaks." It offers short takes on Christian news and, unlike many Christian blogs, doesn't claim a political affiliation.
:: Also check out:
Blogs4God | A compilation of Christian weblogs
Amy Welborn's Open Book | Another popular Catholic blog
Orson's Telescope | A Mormon blog, with links to many others
Dylan's lectionary blog
:: Jewish Blogs
The Velveteen Rabbi
Among the many personal Jewish blogs on the web, this is one of the best. The blog entries are beautiful musings on prayer, holidays, blessings, and Jewish spirituality. The writer, Rachel Barenblat, who is not actually a rabbi, also offers a Beliefnet-like mix of posts about other religions and traditions.
The Jewsweek Blog
The "Yada yada yada blog," the weblog of the weekly online magazine Jewsweek, is a fun read for the latest celebrity kabbalah news, unusual Jewish links, and other Jewish-related gossip.
Kosher Blog
This blog is a frequent update of news in the kosher world--the writer taste-tests recipes and new products, and provides certification information. Indispensable for anyone who takes keeping kosher--and eating gourmet food--seriously.
Also check out:
PaleoJudaica
Weblog about ancient Judaism (yet updated surprisingly often)
Nextbook
A daily roundup of Jewish literature and culture.
:: Muslim Blogs
Dervish Du'a
This Australian blogger calls herself a "modern dervish," someone in need of God's mercy. Her blog is often very personal but also includes good Muslim updates and opinions, as well as news about interfaith efforts between Muslims and Jews. The Dervish also links to a host of other religious blogs, not just her fellow Muslims, with symbols identifying which religion each is affiliated with.
Veiled4Allah
Frequent updates and commentary on Muslim news, as well as a comprehensive list of other Muslim blogs.
Islamic Parenting
This unique blog by a Muslim mother recounts her struggles as a parent and a Muslim. She includes posts on "mindful parenting" and also posts a hadith that has helped keep her from yelling at her children.
Sunni Siter
Musings of a Muslim woman in New York
Other Faith of Interest
:: List of Quaker Blogs
:: Scientology Blog
:: Uniterian Universalist Blog
:: Facing Inward | One of many yoga practice blogs, Facing Inward covers "motherhood, marriage, and yoga." The blogger discusses yoga classes and her daily practice, trying out new postures and new yoga products, as well as personal stories.
:: Woodmoor Village Zendo | A great-looking and frequently updated weblog about Buddhist news and practice. Offers thoughts on family, politics, and Buddhist basics. Posts include essays on mindful politics and walking meditation
:: The Raving Atheist | Yes Atheist should also have their voice
:: Update: Check out the best spiritual and religious blogs in Beliefnet's new feature, Blog Heaven.
:: Credit: Beliefnet's feature on Best Spiritual Blogs
The Revealer
The Revealer, run out of New York University's Center for Religion and Media, describes itself as a "daily review of religion and the press." Though a big part of its mission is to review how religion is portrayed in the media, it's a great place to start for the latest--and often obscure-religion news, as well as excellent links to a wide range of religion news resources and other blogs.
Get Religion
This joint blog between conservative-leaning religion reporters Terry Mattingly and Douglas LeBlanc offers smart analysis of major religion stories and how they're reported in the mainstream press.
A Hadeeth Blog
Putting on the sacred tradition of Prophet Muhammad.
Also check out:
Holy Weblog
This longtime Beliefnet favorite is currently down for maintenance, but well worth a look when it's back online.
:: Christian Blogs
Relapsed Catholic
There are dozens of well-written and frequently updated Catholic blogs, but Relapsed Catholic seems to be a must-read for the Catholic community. It bills itself as one of the oldest and most popular blogs around. The blogger, Canadian journalist Kathy Shaidle, offers a conservative take on Catholicism, politics, and other religions (and often links to Beliefnet's Loose Canon).
Evangelical Outpost
This is a conservative blog from an "evangelical worldview." The posts are intelligent and cover a wide variety of topics, from science to the media to discussing "What's an Evangelical?" Evangelical Outpost includes a frequent series called "Know Your Evangelicals," a brief bio of important people in the evangelical community, like Chuck Colson, T.D. Jakes, and Jim Wallis.
The Village Gate (Formerly The Right Christians)
A progressive Christian blog, whose goal is to bring more attention to the role of liberal Christians in the public arena. The Village Gate is managed by a Lutheran pastor but functions as a gathering place for other progressives and relevant blogs.
ChristDot
ChristDot describes itself as "News for Jesus Freaks." It offers short takes on Christian news and, unlike many Christian blogs, doesn't claim a political affiliation.
:: Also check out:
Blogs4God | A compilation of Christian weblogs
Amy Welborn's Open Book | Another popular Catholic blog
Orson's Telescope | A Mormon blog, with links to many others
Dylan's lectionary blog
:: Jewish Blogs
The Velveteen Rabbi
Among the many personal Jewish blogs on the web, this is one of the best. The blog entries are beautiful musings on prayer, holidays, blessings, and Jewish spirituality. The writer, Rachel Barenblat, who is not actually a rabbi, also offers a Beliefnet-like mix of posts about other religions and traditions.
The Jewsweek Blog
The "Yada yada yada blog," the weblog of the weekly online magazine Jewsweek, is a fun read for the latest celebrity kabbalah news, unusual Jewish links, and other Jewish-related gossip.
Kosher Blog
This blog is a frequent update of news in the kosher world--the writer taste-tests recipes and new products, and provides certification information. Indispensable for anyone who takes keeping kosher--and eating gourmet food--seriously.
Also check out:
PaleoJudaica
Weblog about ancient Judaism (yet updated surprisingly often)
Nextbook
A daily roundup of Jewish literature and culture.
:: Muslim Blogs
Dervish Du'a
This Australian blogger calls herself a "modern dervish," someone in need of God's mercy. Her blog is often very personal but also includes good Muslim updates and opinions, as well as news about interfaith efforts between Muslims and Jews. The Dervish also links to a host of other religious blogs, not just her fellow Muslims, with symbols identifying which religion each is affiliated with.
Veiled4Allah
Frequent updates and commentary on Muslim news, as well as a comprehensive list of other Muslim blogs.
Islamic Parenting
This unique blog by a Muslim mother recounts her struggles as a parent and a Muslim. She includes posts on "mindful parenting" and also posts a hadith that has helped keep her from yelling at her children.
Sunni Siter
Musings of a Muslim woman in New York
Other Faith of Interest
:: List of Quaker Blogs
:: Scientology Blog
:: Uniterian Universalist Blog
:: Facing Inward | One of many yoga practice blogs, Facing Inward covers "motherhood, marriage, and yoga." The blogger discusses yoga classes and her daily practice, trying out new postures and new yoga products, as well as personal stories.
:: Woodmoor Village Zendo | A great-looking and frequently updated weblog about Buddhist news and practice. Offers thoughts on family, politics, and Buddhist basics. Posts include essays on mindful politics and walking meditation
:: The Raving Atheist | Yes Atheist should also have their voice
:: Update: Check out the best spiritual and religious blogs in Beliefnet's new feature, Blog Heaven.
:: Credit: Beliefnet's feature on Best Spiritual Blogs
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