Church History and Religious Culture

Scope & Guideline

Connecting Past Narratives with Contemporary Insights

Introduction

Welcome to the Church History and Religious Culture information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Church History and Religious Culture, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1871-241x
PublisherBRILL
Support Open AccessNo
CountryNetherlands
TypeJournal
Converge1912, 1915, 1927, 1929, 1932, from 1935 to 1936, from 1939 to 1940, 1952, 1955, 1963, 1965, 1968, from 1970 to 1972, 1974, from 1976 to 1977, from 1979 to 1994, from 2006 to 2024
AbbreviationCHURCH HIST RELIG CU / Church Hist. Relig. Cult.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressPLANTIJNSTRAAT 2, P O BOX 9000, 2300 PA LEIDEN, NETHERLANDS

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Church History and Religious Culture' aims to provide a platform for scholarly discourse on the historical and cultural dimensions of Christianity. It focuses on a wide array of topics that intersect with religious studies, history, and cultural analysis, fostering a deeper understanding of the role of Christianity in societal developments across various epochs.
  1. Historical Analysis of Christianity:
    The journal emphasizes the historical development of Christianity from its origins to the present, exploring significant events, figures, and movements that have shaped the faith and its practices.
  2. Cultural Interactions and Influences:
    It investigates the interactions between Christianity and other cultural, social, and religious movements, highlighting how these exchanges have influenced theological perspectives and community practices.
  3. Theological Discussions and Debates:
    The journal delves into theological debates and discussions, particularly focusing on major reformations, doctrinal developments, and the impact of religious thought on society.
  4. Gender and Religious Studies:
    There is a consistent focus on the role of gender in religious contexts, examining how women and men have influenced and experienced religious practices and authorities throughout history.
  5. Global Perspectives on Christianity:
    The journal also seeks to broaden the scope of Christian studies by incorporating global perspectives, addressing the spread of Christianity and its adaptations in diverse cultural contexts.
Recent publications in 'Church History and Religious Culture' reveal several emerging themes and trending topics that reflect current scholarly interests and societal conversations within the field of religious studies.
  1. Intersections of Religion and Politics:
    There is an increasing focus on the intersections of religion and politics, particularly how religious movements have influenced political structures and vice versa, reflecting contemporary discussions about the role of faith in governance.
  2. Global and Transnational Perspectives:
    Emerging themes include a greater emphasis on global and transnational perspectives of Christianity, exploring how the faith interacts with diverse cultures and socio-political contexts outside of the traditional Western narrative.
  3. Gender and Religious Authority:
    The exploration of gender roles within religious contexts is gaining traction, with more studies examining how women have historically navigated authority and influence within church structures.
  4. Religious Diversity and Pluralism:
    There is a heightened interest in religious diversity and pluralism, investigating how Christianity coexists with other faith traditions and how this impacts community dynamics and interfaith relations.
  5. Material Culture and Religious Practices:
    New research is emerging on the material culture associated with religious practices, such as the use of artifacts, art, and architecture in shaping religious experiences and identities.

Declining or Waning

While the journal has seen a robust exploration of various themes, certain areas of focus appear to be waning in prominence. This shift may reflect broader trends in the field of religious studies or changing academic interests.
  1. Traditional Confessional Studies:
    There has been a noticeable decline in papers focusing solely on traditional confessional studies, such as detailed examinations of specific doctrinal disputes within established denominations. This might indicate a shift towards more integrative and interdisciplinary approaches.
  2. Historical Accounts of Local Churches:
    Research focused on the micro-histories of local churches or congregations seems to be less frequent. This decline may suggest a move towards broader historical narratives that encompass larger movements and trends rather than localized studies.
  3. Static Interpretations of Reformation History:
    The journal has published fewer articles that adhere strictly to static or traditional interpretations of Reformation history, indicating a possible move towards more dynamic analyses that consider the complexities and nuances of the period.

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