Critical Research on Religion
Scope & Guideline
Exploring the Complexities of Faith and Society
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Interdisciplinary Approaches to Religion:
This journal embraces a wide range of methodologies from various disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, theology, and cultural studies to explore religious practices and beliefs. - Focus on Marginalized Perspectives:
It consistently highlights voices and perspectives from marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and indigenous groups, aiming to reclaim agency and representation in religious discourse. - Critical Examination of Religious Authority:
The journal critically examines the structures of religious authority and power, exploring how these influence societal norms and individual identities. - Engagement with Contemporary Issues:
The journal addresses contemporary social issues such as climate change, nationalism, and secularism, investigating how these intersect with religious beliefs and practices. - Global and Local Contexts:
It balances discussions of global religious trends with local practices, emphasizing the importance of context in understanding religious phenomena.
Trending and Emerging
- Queer Theology and LGBTQ+ Issues:
Recent publications are increasingly exploring themes of queer theology and the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals within religious contexts, indicating a significant trend towards inclusivity and representation. - Intersectionality in Religion:
There is a growing emphasis on intersectionality, examining how various identities (such as race, gender, and class) interact with religious beliefs and practices, thus enriching the discourse on religious studies. - Political and Religious Nationalism:
As global political climates shift, there is an emerging focus on the intersections of religion and nationalism, particularly in the context of identity politics and social movements. - Environmental Ethics in Religion:
With rising concerns about climate change, the journal is increasingly publishing works that explore the role of religion in environmental ethics and activism. - Religious Practices in Multicultural Contexts:
There is a trend towards examining how religious practices adapt and transform in multicultural settings, reflecting the complexities of globalization and migration.
Declining or Waning
- Traditional Religious Studies:
There appears to be a waning interest in traditional religious studies frameworks that focus solely on doctrinal analysis or historical perspectives, as the journal shifts towards more critical and contemporary analyses. - Mainstream Religious Practices:
Topics centered on mainstream religious practices, particularly those not intersecting with contemporary issues or marginalized voices, are becoming less prominent, reflecting a shift towards more critical and inclusive discussions. - Secularization Narratives:
The narratives surrounding secularization as a linear, universal process are being less frequently discussed, indicating a move towards more nuanced interpretations of secularism's relationship with religion.
Similar Journals
Numen-Revista de Estudos e Pesquisa da Religiao
Cultivating Academic Excellence in Religious StudiesNumen-Revista de Estudos e Pesquisa da Religião is a distinguished academic journal dedicated to the multifaceted study of religion, published by the Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, specifically within the Institute of Human Sciences. With its ISSN 1516-1021 and E-ISSN 2236-6296, this journal serves as an essential platform for scholars and researchers interested in exploring diverse aspects of religious studies, including theological, sociological, and anthropological perspectives. Although the journal currently does not offer open access, it provides a rich repository of peer-reviewed articles aimed at advancing the understanding of religious phenomena across cultural contexts. Located in Brazil, the journal aims to foster academic discourse and contribute to the global conversation on religion, drawing connections between local practices and global trends. The absence of H-index and quartile rankings does not detract from its significance; rather, it invites emerging researchers to contribute valuable insights to this evolving field.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF RELIGION
Fostering scholarly dialogue across traditions.The Journal of the American Academy of Religion, established in 1933, is a leading peer-reviewed journal published by Oxford University Press that serves as a significant platform for scholarly discourse in the field of religious studies. Recognized for its impact factor and esteemed ranking as Q1 in the 2023 category of Religious Studies, this journal is indexed among the top-tier publications, holding the 52nd position out of 644 in the Scopus Arts and Humanities classification. With a focus on advancing the understanding of various religious phenomena, the journal publishes innovative research that spans a wide array of contexts and traditions, making it an essential resource for researchers, scholars, and practitioners alike. While the journal does not offer open access options, its rigorous standards and rich archival content ensure that it remains a pivotal locus for academic engagements on religion in contemporary society.
TEMENOS
Advancing Comparative Understanding of ReligionsTEMENOS, a respected journal in the field of Religious Studies, is published by the Finnish Society for the Study of Religion and has been a pivotal platform for scholarly discourse since its inception. With an ISSN of 0497-1817 and a commendable ranking of #77 out of 644 in the Scopus Arts and Humanities category, TEMENOS stands out in the 88th percentile, demonstrating its academic rigor and impact. The journal, categorized in the Q2 quartile for 2023, focuses on the comparative study of religions, fostering an understanding of diverse belief systems, practices, and philosophical implications. Currently based in Finland, at the University of Turku's Department of Comparative Religion, TEMENOS offers a platform for innovative research and critical analysis, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students eager to delve into the complexities of religion in modern society. Although it is not an open-access publication, the journal's rich content and scholarly contributions are invaluable for those seeking to engage deeply with current developments in the field.
Journal of Contemporary Religion
Unveiling Contemporary Religious DynamicsJournal of Contemporary Religion is an esteemed academic journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, situated in the United Kingdom. With a strong focus on the dynamic interplay between religion and contemporary issues, this journal provides a vital platform for interdisciplinary scholarship, bringing together perspectives from cultural studies, philosophy, and religious studies. The journal, which has been a contributing voice in its field since 1995, boasts impressive 2023 Scopus rankings, placed in the first quartile of its categories—ranking #66/644 in Religious Studies and #278/1304 in Cultural Studies, reflecting its high impact and relevance. Researchers and academics will find access to a wealth of original research, theoretical discourse, and critical analysis that challenges and expands the understanding of contemporary religious phenomena. Although not open access, the journal ensures rich content that engages a diverse readership, making it a pivotal resource for those at the forefront of religious studies scholarship.
ZEITSCHRIFT FUR RELIGIONS-UND GEISTESGESCHICHTE
Advancing Scholarly Dialogue on Belief and PhilosophyZEITSCHRIFT FUR RELIGIONS-UND GEISTESGESCHICHTE is a prominent academic journal published by BRILL, focusing on the intricacies of religious and intellectual history. Since its inception in 1929, this journal has provided a key platform for scholarly discourse, offering insights into the historical evolution of religious beliefs and philosophical thought. Although it currently holds a Q4 ranking in the fields of History, Philosophy, and Religious Studies according to the 2023 category quartiles, it serves as an important resource for researchers and students alike who are engaged in these disciplines. With an ISSN of 0044-3441, the journal strives to foster academic dialogue and critical analysis, contributing to the understanding of how religious and philosophical ideologies shape human experience. The journal is based in Leiden, Netherlands, and while it does not currently offer open access, it supports the academic community by providing essential research articles that are invaluable for those exploring the intersections of faith, culture, and thought.
Journal of Religion and Popular Culture
Exploring the Intersections of Faith and CultureJournal of Religion and Popular Culture is a unique academic platform dedicated to the exploration and analysis of the intricate relationships between religious practices and popular culture. Published by University of Toronto Press, Inc., this journal provides a critical forum for scholarly discourse, appealing to researchers, students, and professionals in the fields of Cultural Studies and Religious Studies. Since its inception in 2013, the journal has established itself as a significant contributor to the academic community, evidenced by its current category quartiles: Q4 in Cultural Studies and Q3 in Religious Studies as of 2023, alongside its Scopus rankings. Although it operates on a subscription basis, the journal's accessibility enhances its reach within the scholarly community. With a focus on fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, the Journal of Religion and Popular Culture invites contributions that illuminate the dynamic interplay between faith and the vibrant expressions of popular culture, making it a vital resource for understanding contemporary societal trends.
REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS RESEARCH
Advancing Scholarly Dialogue in Religious StudiesREVIEW OF RELIGIOUS RESEARCH, published by SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC, is a premier, peer-reviewed journal that plays a pivotal role in advancing the fields of Religious Studies and Philosophy. With an impressive categorization in the Q1 quartile for both disciplines in 2023, this journal stands out in the arts and humanities, supported by its notable Scopus rankings—18th out of 644 in Religious Studies and 78th out of 806 in Philosophy—placing it in the top percentiles (97th and 90th, respectively). Emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches, the journal promotes scholarly dialogue through its comprehensive analysis of religious phenomena, theological developments, and moral questions stemming from varied cultural contexts. With publishing years extending back to 1977, the journal has consistently provided a robust platform for researchers, professionals, and students alike, who seek to explore the complex relationships between religion, society, and philosophy. As a crucial resource in understanding contemporary religious dynamics, REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS RESEARCH invites contributions that are insightful, well-researched, and thought-provoking, making it an essential publication for anyone invested in the study of religion today.
SOCIAL COMPASS
Decoding the Dynamics of Culture and SocietySOCIAL COMPASS, published by SAGE Publications Ltd, stands as a leading interdisciplinary journal in the domains of Anthropology, Religious Studies, and the Social Sciences, with a rich history dating back to 1953. Recognized with prestigious Q1 rankings in both Anthropology and Religious Studies for 2023, and a Q2 ranking in Sociology and Political Science, this journal makes a significant impact in its field, evidenced by its high Scopus rankings, including a commendable rank of #26/644 in Religious Studies. The journal is committed to advancing scholarly discourse by publishing cutting-edge research that analyzes social phenomena through various lenses. Although it is not an open-access publication, it offers a platform that fosters innovation and critical thinking, encouraging contributions that are both empirically grounded and theoretically informed. With its base in the United Kingdom, SOCIAL COMPASS continues to shape the academic landscape, appealing to researchers, professionals, and students who seek to understand the complexities of human behavior and social structures.
Religion and Society-Advances in Research
Advancing Knowledge on Religion's Societal ImpactReligion and Society-Advances in Research is a distinguished journal published by BERGHAHN JOURNALS, focusing on the multifaceted relationship between religion and societal dynamics. With an ISSN of 2150-9298 and E-ISSN 2150-9301, this journal has earned its reputation within the realm of Religious Studies, achieving an impressive Q1 ranking as of 2023, which places it among the top quartile of scholarly journals in its category. It features comprehensive research on various aspects of religion in contemporary society, making it a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students aiming to explore this dynamic field. Since transitioning to Open Access in 2020, the journal enhances its commitment to disseminating knowledge widely, fostering greater academic dialogue and outreach. The journal's emphasis on advancing rigorous scholarship, alongside its Scopus rank of #146/644 with a 77th percentile standing amongst peers in the Arts and Humanities, highlights its significant contributions to ongoing conversations in religious studies. Based in Brooklyn, NY, the journal welcomes submissions that deepen our understanding of the roles religions play in shaping societies today.
Journal of Religion in Europe
Bridging Disciplines to Illuminate Religious DynamicsThe Journal of Religion in Europe is a prestigious academic publication dedicated to exploring the intricate relationships between religion and European society. Published by BRILL, one of the world’s foremost publishers in the humanities, this journal holds a remarkable Q1 ranking in Religious Studies and is positioned in the 77th percentile of Scopus ranks, underscoring its significance in the field. With a focus on interdisciplinary research, the journal covers topics ranging from historical analyses to contemporary issues relating to religion across Europe. Although it operates under a traditional subscription model, readers can access a wealth of peer-reviewed articles that seek to advance scholarly discourse. The Journal of Religion in Europe serves as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of religion in a rapidly changing European landscape.