Acta Theologica

Scope & Guideline

Innovating pathways in the study of theology.

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of Acta Theologica with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1015-8758
PublisherUNIV FREE STATE, FAC THEOLOGY
Support Open AccessYes
CountrySouth Africa
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2002 to 2023
AbbreviationACTA THEOL / Acta Theol.
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressPUBLICATIONS OFFICE, UFS-SASOL LIBRARY, PO BOX 301, BLOEMFONTEIN 9300, SOUTH AFRICA

Aims and Scopes

Acta Theologica is dedicated to the exploration of various theological topics, with a significant focus on contextual and practical theology. The journal aims to provide a platform for scholarly discussions that bridge traditional theological frameworks with contemporary issues, especially within African contexts.
  1. Contextual Theology:
    The journal emphasizes the importance of contextual theology, addressing how theological concepts apply and adapt to diverse cultural and social settings, particularly in Africa.
  2. Practical Theology:
    There is a strong focus on practical theology, exploring how theological insights can inform and transform practice within church communities and society.
  3. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    Acta Theologica encourages interdisciplinary research, integrating insights from various fields such as sociology, anthropology, and environmental studies to enrich theological discourse.
  4. Decolonial Perspectives:
    The journal frequently addresses decolonial themes, examining how colonial histories shape contemporary theological thought and practice, and advocating for a re-examination of theological foundations.
  5. Gender and Social Justice:
    There is a consistent engagement with issues of gender, sexuality, and social justice, reflecting a commitment to exploring the intersection of faith and societal challenges.
  6. Ecological Theology:
    The journal includes discussions on ecological theology, particularly in relation to African perspectives, highlighting the need for a theological response to environmental crises.
Recent publications in Acta Theologica reflect emerging trends that highlight the journal's responsiveness to contemporary issues facing theology today. These trends indicate a growing engagement with pressing social, cultural, and ecological challenges.
  1. Ecological Hermeneutics:
    There is a rising interest in ecological hermeneutics, emphasizing the relationship between theology and environmental stewardship, particularly within the context of African theology.
  2. Gender and Leadership:
    Emerging themes around women's leadership within religious contexts are gaining traction, reflecting broader societal movements towards gender equality and empowerment.
  3. Digital Theology:
    The exploration of digital theology, including the implications of digital spaces for faith and community, is increasingly relevant, particularly in the wake of global shifts towards online engagement due to the pandemic.
  4. Indigenous and African Theologies:
    A notable trend is the exploration of indigenous theologies and their interplay with Christian beliefs, which reflects a commitment to understanding and integrating local cultural contexts.
  5. Resilience and Trauma in Theology:
    Recent publications are increasingly addressing themes of resilience and trauma, particularly in the context of societal upheavals and personal crises, suggesting a shift towards pastoral care and emotional support within theological practices.

Declining or Waning

While Acta Theologica continues to address a wide range of theological issues, certain themes appear to be waning in prominence based on recent publications. This may reflect shifts in the academic focus or changing societal concerns.
  1. Traditional Doctrinal Debates:
    There seems to be a decline in papers focused solely on traditional doctrinal disputes without contextual application, indicating a shift towards more practical, real-world theological applications.
  2. Historical Theology:
    The emphasis on historical theological debates and figures has decreased, suggesting a move away from purely historical perspectives towards contemporary relevance and application.
  3. Eurocentric Theological Frameworks:
    There is a noticeable reduction in the use of Eurocentric theological frameworks, as the journal increasingly prioritizes African and contextual approaches to theology.
  4. Individualistic Spirituality:
    Themes centered around individualistic spirituality and personal piety are less frequently addressed, reflecting a growing emphasis on community and collective faith practices.

Similar Journals

New Blackfriars

Connecting Historical Perspectives to Modern Challenges.
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0028-4289Frequency: 6 issues/year

New Blackfriars is a distinguished biannual journal published by WILEY, focusing on the interdisciplinary study of theology, philosophy, and ethics. With its ISSN 0028-4289 and E-ISSN 1741-2005, this journal serves as a vital platform for scholars and practitioners in the field, exploring contemporary issues and insights that shape our understanding of faith and moral philosophy. The journal aims to foster dialogue and scholarship, bridging historical perspectives with modern-day implications, thereby contributing to the intellectual growth of researchers, educators, and students alike. Although New Blackfriars is not an open-access journal, it continues to maintain a robust academic reputation, making significant contributions to the discussions around spirituality and societal values. Located in Hoboken, NJ, at 111 River St, this publication stands as an essential resource for those committed to the study and application of critical theological thought in an ever-evolving world.

Teologia y Vida

Fostering Theological Insight Across Borders
Publisher: PONTIFICIA UNIV CATOLICA CHILE, FACULTAD TEOLOGIAISSN: 0049-3449Frequency: 4 issues/year

Teologia y Vida is a distinguished academic journal dedicated to the field of Religious Studies, published by the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Facultad Teologia. With an ISSN of 0049-3449 and an E-ISSN of 0717-6295, this open-access journal has been a vital resource for scholars since it embraced open-access publishing in 2000. Situated in the heart of Santiago, Chile, this journal plays a pivotal role in fostering theological discourse and reflection across Latin America and beyond. In the 2023 Scopus Rankings, Teologia y Vida is positioned in the Q3 category of Religious Studies, reflecting its growing influence with a rank of #208 out of 644 journals, placing it within the 67th percentile. Researchers, professionals, and students alike benefit from the journal's commitment to high-quality content and accessibility, making it a crucial platform for exploring contemporary theological issues and developments in the discipline.

Theology & Sexuality

Exploring the Intersection of Faith and Identity
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1355-8358Frequency: 3 issues/year

Theology & Sexuality is a pivotal journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd that investigates the intricate relationship between theological discourse and sexual identity, sexuality, and gender. With its ISSN 1355-8358 and E-ISSN 1745-5170, the journal serves as a crucial forum for academics and practitioners alike, reflecting its commitment to advancing scholarship in both Gender Studies and Religious Studies. Operating from the United Kingdom, the journal has been a significant contributor to the field since its inception in 1996, with a publication horizon extending to 2024. Notably, it holds a rank of #211/644 in Religious Studies and #145/213 in Gender Studies according to Scopus, demonstrating its relevance in contemporary academic discourse, despite it falling within Q4 quartile rankings. The journal offers insightful analyses and interdisciplinary perspectives that are essential for understanding the complexities of faith and sexuality, making it an invaluable resource for researchers, professionals, and students dedicated to exploring these critical themes.

HTS Teologiese Studies-Theological Studies

Fostering impactful research in theological studies.
Publisher: AOSISISSN: 0259-9422Frequency: 4 issues/year

HTS Teologiese Studies-Theological Studies, published by AOSIS, is a premier open-access journal dedicated to advancing the field of theological studies. Since its inception in 1943, it has provided a platform for diverse scholarly voices across the globe, promoting rigorous research and discourse in religious studies. This journal holds a commendable Q1 ranking in the field, currently positioned at Rank #68 out of 644 in the Scopus Arts and Humanities category, highlighting its critical influence and relevance. The journal encourages the dissemination of high-quality and impactful research, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students interested in the multifaceted dimensions of theology. Housed in South Africa, HTS Teologiese Studies serves as a vital link between African theological discourse and the global academic community, continuously aiming to explore new paradigms and perspectives within the field.

INTERPRETATION-A JOURNAL OF BIBLE AND THEOLOGY

Pioneering scholarly excellence in theology and scripture.
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 0020-9643Frequency: 4 issues/year

INTERPRETATION: A JOURNAL OF BIBLE AND THEOLOGY is a premier academic journal published by SAGE Publications Inc, dedicated to advancing the scholarship in the fields of Bible and theological studies. With an ISSN of 0020-9643 and an E-ISSN of 2159-340X, this journal has established itself as a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike, particularly noted for its high ranking in the 2023 category quartiles as Q1 in Religious Studies. The journal consistently ranks #101 out of 644 in Scopus, highlighting its significant impact and wide-reaching influence within the academic community. Since its inception, spanning converged years from 1965 to 1966, 1998, and currently from 2002 to 2024, it has presented a wealth of innovative research, critical reviews, and theological discourse. Although it operates under a subscription model, the depth and rigor of published articles make it an indispensable platform for those engaging seriously with theological inquiry. The journal is headquartered in Thousand Oaks, California, and continues to serve as a cornerstone for deepening understanding and scholarship in religious studies.

International Journal of Systematic Theology

Exploring the depths of systematic theology and its implications.
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 1463-1652Frequency: 4 issues/year

International Journal of Systematic Theology is an esteemed publication dedicated to advancing the discourse in the field of religious studies, primarily through rigorous theological analysis and scholarly engagement. Published by WILEY in the United Kingdom, this journal has established itself as a significant contributor to the academic landscape since its inception in 1999. With a commendable Scopus ranking in the 54th percentile within its category and designated as Q2 in the 2023 quartiles, it provides a platform for cutting-edge research that explores systematic theology's methodologies, theories, and applications. While it does not currently offer open access, the journal remains accessible to a wide readership of researchers, professionals, and students striving to deepen their understanding of theology and its implications in contemporary contexts. Located at 111 River St, Hoboken, NJ, the journal continues to foster an intricate dialogue among scholars and practitioners in the field, ensuring its relevancy and impact in shaping theological scholarship through to 2024 and beyond.

Open Theology

Connecting Interdisciplinary Insights with Theological Inquiry
Publisher: DE GRUYTER POLAND SP Z O OISSN: 2300-6579Frequency: 1 issue/year

Open Theology is a leading academic journal dedicated to exploring contemporary issues in the field of religious studies. Published by DE GRUYTER POLAND SP Z O O, this open access journal has been serving the academic community since 2014, providing a platform for innovative research and discourse. With an impressive Scopus rank of #98 out of 644 within the arts and humanities category, and situated in the Q2 quartile for religious studies in 2023, it has established itself as a significant resource in the theological landscape. The journal promotes interdisciplinary scholarship and aims to contribute to the understanding of religion in the modern world. By allowing free access to its publications, Open Theology fosters a broad dissemination of knowledge, making it an essential repository for researchers, professionals, and students alike who are engaged in the ever-evolving conversations around faith, spirituality, and religious practice. For those interested in the intersection of theology and modern societal issues, Open Theology is an invaluable resource that encapsulates the depth and dynamism of the field.

Theology

Illuminating Contemporary Theological Debates
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 0040-571XFrequency: 6 issues/year

Theology is a distinguished academic journal published by SAGE Publications Ltd, focusing on the dynamic intersection of faith, philosophy, and ethical discourse within the field of Religious Studies. Established in 1920, the journal provides a platform for rigorous scholarly dialogue and critical analysis, contributing significantly to contemporary debates and research in theology. With an impressive Scopus rank of 302 out of 644 in the genre of Arts and Humanities, it situates itself within the Q3 quartile in its field for 2023, demonstrating its relevance and scholarly impact. The journal features diverse research articles, reviews, and discussions, aiming to engage both emerging and established voices in theology. While it does not currently offer Open Access options, it remains a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking in-depth knowledge and insights into religious thought and practice. With a publication history spanning multiple decades and a clear commitment to advancing theological inquiry, Theology is an essential read for anyone vested in the ongoing conversations that shape our understanding of faith in an ever-evolving world.

In die Skriflig-In Luce Verbi

Enriching Academic Discourse on Faith and Context
Publisher: AOSISISSN: 1018-6441Frequency: 1 issue/year

In die Skriflig-In Luce Verbi is a distinguished peer-reviewed journal published by AOSIS, focusing on the intricate relationships between theology, biblical studies, and interdisciplinary perspectives. With an ISSN of 1018-6441 and an E-ISSN of 2305-0853, this Open Access journal has been contributing to scholarly discourse since 1966, ensuring that research in the field remains accessible to a broad audience without financial constraints. The journal aims to foster critical dialogue among theologians, researchers, and practitioners through innovative research articles, review papers, and theological reflections, thereby enriching the academic community's understanding of scriptures and their relevance in contemporary society. Based in South Africa, In die Skriflig-In Luce Verbi plays a pivotal role in promoting sound theological scholarship and offers a platform for diverse voices in the quest for deeper insight into the biblical text.

Louvain Studies

Innovating Thought in the Heart of Europe
Publisher: PEETERSISSN: 0024-6964Frequency: 4 issues/year

Louvain Studies is a distinguished academic journal published by PEETERS, specializing in the nuanced fields of Philosophy and Religious Studies. Established in 1977, the journal serves as a critical platform for scholarly discourse, contributing to the understanding and analysis of philosophical and theological concepts through its rigorous peer-reviewed articles. With an ISSN of 0024-6964 and an E-ISSN of 1783-161X, the journal is based in Leuven, Belgium, providing a unique European perspective on an array of interdisciplinary studies. Although not openly accessible, it remains a vital resource for researchers and students, boasting rankings within the 30th percentile for Religious Studies and 26th percentile for Philosophy in the Scopus database. The journal’s commitment to academic excellence is evident in its quartile rankings, placing it among the noteworthy publications in these fields. Louvain Studies fosters dialogue, challenges conventional thought, and encourages innovative research, making it an essential reference for anyone invested in the philosophical and religious discourse.