WHAT IS RELIGION TRANSCENDS?

Religion Transcends is a Web site devoted to providing news about world religions — without prejudice. It includes commentary, reporting, and education to eliminate misconceptions about religions and to give context and meaning to stories in the news.

WHY IS THIS SITE CALLED RELIGION TRANSCENDS?

Despite the tagline, the name of this site really has a double meaning. First, the purpose of the information on this Web site is certainly meant to help us educate ourselves about various world religions in order to transcend our present state of affairs and come to a more coexistent, peaceful understanding.

The second meaning points to an inherent characteristic of most religions: the idea that there is some sort of power or being outside of ourselves, transcendent and beyond. We can either become one with that power (as in Hinduism), become that power (as in Buddhism), understand that power exists (as in religious studies), or worship and follow that power (as in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity). But usually it is something outside of ourselves, beyond ourselves, or (if it is within) beyond what we presently know of ourselves. It transcends the present.

WHY SHOULD I LEARN ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE’S RELIGIONS?

Religion has always had a prominent place in society — whether as an institution helping the poor, as a refuge for the lost or the weak or the needy, as a way to connect with a transcendent power, or as a debate with or against society. In the recent past, news about religion has entered the mainstream media: often through moral debates during presidential elections or through extremists’ ideas and actions. In a post-9/11 world, it has never been more important to understand what others believe. It is critical that each person work to comprehend others’ beliefs before deciding how one feels toward members of a religion or how one might act toward a member of a certain religion. The media has been too hasty to draw simplistic conclusions about various religions: Islam is a religion of peace, Christianity is a religion of love, etc. Instead of drawing these conclusions, we should explore the beliefs and actions of all religions as a way to put current events in perspective and to examine them in context. Only then can we truly enter into a conversation about religions and determine the proper paths to take to work toward peace and understanding.

WHY DO YOU DISCUSS HOLIDAYS ON YOUR SITE?

Holidays are included as a way to introduce you to a variety of religions and religious practices. Chances are, even if you don’t know anything about Islam, you’ve heard of Ramadan. Or you might know a Jewish friend who celebrates Hanukkah. By learning about these celebrations, you can begin to both understand others’ celebrations and activities, as well as some of their beliefs.