researching religions
 

i'm interested in finding a website that lists and describes the basic beliefs of different religions. i know there has to be one somewhere out there on the net.

i'm tentatively considering checking out new religions but don't know where to really get started.

anyone know of any websites that can help?

Try this place as a starter: http://www.beliefnet.com/

ETA: You beat me to it Betarose. LOL.

ditto on Beliefnet-it's really good...

I agree on Beliefnet -- it's a great site. I've also read "The Idiot's Guide to World Religions" -- it's very simple and not terribly detailed, but it does give an overview of some, but not all, religions.

Something that I find interesting is to read sites for disgruntled former members of religions, to get the bad with the good I guess. I don't want to just read the "sunshine and roses" stuff. There's an ex-mormon community on Live Journal that is quite interesting (I'm not intending to bash Mormonism -- I'm just using it as an example).

I think that beliefnet is good, but visiting is even better - if you're doing this for personal growth, that is. If it's just for a paper or such, then you're set.

If you're also interested in cults and sects, the Rick Ross Institute is a good resource. http://www.rickross.com/