ON THE WEB \ Interesting sites
Explore cyberspace and your inner spiritual space through these Web sites.
www.peacepole.org: Global Heart is a nonprofit group in Miami that borrows from various faith traditions in its promotion of peace. Its Web site presents an amalgamation of spiritual, new-agey ideas (and its hokey, dated logo belies the organization's youth). The site offers a brief introduction to peace poles -- poles painted with the message "May peace prevail on earth" and erected just about anywhere (schools, churches, homes, civic centers, parks). There are more than 200,000 poles around the world.
www.faithfitness.net: Faith Fitness Network is a Web-based source of "kick in the pants" coaching and mentoring for spiritual growth. A search of the site offers audio downloads of spiritually uplifting words and prayers.
www.stnews.org: The Web site of Science and Theology News reports on research findings and discussions on the relationship among religion, science and health. The site seeks to increase communication among those interested in science, health and religion.
www.sacredspace.ie: The Irish Jesuits offer daily prayers at this Web site, encouraging users to tune out distractions and find serenity wherever there's Internet access. It's suggested that users spend 10 minutes with the daily prayer, presented in six self-paced stages: the presence of God, freedom, consciousness, Scripture, conversation and a conclusion. The user reads each passage and clicks to continue when ready. The presentation matches the message -- it's a quiet, calm site with no splashy backgrounds or flashing graphics. People from around the world (prayers are written in 20 languages) have submitted praise for the Jesuits' work.
www.hscnet.org: The Hindu Students Council site suffers what many volunteer sites do -- inconsistent updates and links. The content that is here is an interesting glimpse into the lives of young Hindus in North America.
The council gives Hindu students and young professionals in the United States and Canada a forum for sharing their culture. "We often feel isolated and lost within ourselves because of our upbringing in a dual culture Hindu and Judeo-Christian," the site says.
Go to the "About" page for musings on the mission of Hindus and their opportunities and evolving culture outside India.
Under "Latest News," read about Akhil Chopra, a 28-year-old who was killed in an apparent robbery while meditating in Houston this summer. Chopra's short life seems to embody the spirit of the organization -- faithful, giving and compassionate.
Knight Ridder