Critical Research on Religion

Scope & Guideline

Challenging Perspectives, Enriching Understanding

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of Critical Research on Religion 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
ISSN2050-3032
PublisherSAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2013 to 2024
AbbreviationCRIT RES RELIG / Crit. Res. Relig.
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2455 TELLER RD, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91320

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Critical Research on Religion' aims to provide a critical analysis of the intersections between religion and various social, political, and cultural dynamics. It emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the complexities of religious phenomena in contemporary contexts.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Global and Local Contexts:
    It balances discussions of global religious trends with local practices, emphasizing the importance of context in understanding religious phenomena.
The journal 'Critical Research on Religion' has been increasingly focusing on several emerging themes that reflect current societal changes and the evolving landscape of religious studies.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

While the journal continues to explore a diverse array of themes, some areas seem to be receiving less focus in recent publications. This section highlights those declining themes.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

Nordic Journal of Religion and Society

Unveiling the Dynamics of Belief and Community Across the Nordics
Publisher: SCANDINAVIAN UNIV PRESS-UNIVERSITETSFORLAGET ASISSN: 0809-7291Frequency: 2 issues/year

The Nordic Journal of Religion and Society is a leading academic journal dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of religion within societal contexts, published by Scandinavian University Press - Universitetsforlaget AS. With its ISSN 0809-7291 and E-ISSN 1890-7008, this journal proudly occupies a significant position in the field, reflected by its Q2 ranking in Religious Studies (2023) and a commendable Scopus percentile of 77, ranking 147 out of 644 in its category. The Nordic Journal of Religion and Society aims to publish high-quality, original research that explores how religious beliefs and practices intersect with societal transformations across the Nordic context. The journal emphasizes the importance of diverse methodological approaches and theoretical frameworks, fostering scholarly dialogue that enhances understanding of contemporary socio-religious phenomena. Though it operates under a subscription model, the journal’s commitment to academic excellence makes it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students keen on advancing knowledge within this dynamic and evolving field.

STUDIES IN RELIGION-SCIENCES RELIGIEUSES

Connecting Scholars in the Evolving Landscape of Religion
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 0008-4298Frequency: 4 issues/year

STUDIES IN RELIGION - SCIENCES RELIGIEUSES, published by SAGE Publications Ltd, serves as a premier platform for scholarly research in the field of Religious Studies, with an ISSN of 0008-4298 and an E-ISSN of 2042-0587. As a journal with a distinguished history dating back to 1971, it has established itself in the Q1 category of Religious Studies and ranks an impressive 173 out of 644 in Scopus, positioning itself in the 73rd percentile among its peers. The journal not only aims to disseminate innovative research that advances understanding of religious phenomena but also fosters critical dialogue among scholars, professionals, and students alike. Although it does not currently offer Open Access options, its rigorous peer-review process ensures that published articles meet the highest academic standards. Situated in the United States, the journal is committed to maintaining scholarly excellence and relevance in an ever-evolving field of study, making it an essential resource for anyone engaged in the academic exploration of religion.

Religions

Advancing Interdisciplinary Insights in Religious Studies
Publisher: MDPIISSN: Frequency: 12 issues/year

Religions, published by MDPI, stands as a premier open-access journal in the field of religious studies, having been established in 2010. With its E-ISSN 2077-1444, this journal is dedicated to advancing scholarly dialogue and research on a broad spectrum of religious phenomena, examined through interdisciplinary lenses that encompass historical, sociocultural, and philosophical perspectives. Based in Switzerland at ST ALBAN-ANLAGE 66, the journal has garnered a reputation for its rigorous academic standards, as evidenced by its 2023 Q1 ranking in Religious Studies and its impressive position within the top 90th percentile among its peers, ranking #59 out of 644 in the Scopus Arts and Humanities category. Access to cutting-edge research is made freely available to all readers, promoting inclusivity and collaboration in study pursuits. With a commitment to exploring the complexities of belief systems worldwide up to the year 2024, Religions is an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to deepen their understanding of the dynamics that shape religious experience and discourse.

Journal of Religion in Europe

Advancing Knowledge on Religion's Role in Europe
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 1874-8910Frequency: 4 issues/year

The 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.

Religious Studies Review

Catalyzing Scholarly Conversations in Faith
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0319-485XFrequency: 4 issues/year

Religious Studies Review is a prestigious academic journal published by WILEY, serving as a critical platform for scholarly discourse in the field of religious studies. With an ISSN of 0319-485X and an E-ISSN of 1748-0922, the journal has played an influential role in the academic community since its inception, showcasing rigorous research, book reviews, and critical essays that explore various aspects of religion and spirituality. Despite its current categorization as Q4 in the 2023 quartiles, it has a history of sharing valuable insights that provoke thought and foster dialogue among researchers, professionals, and students alike. The journal has undergone several convergence years, indicating its adaptability and ongoing relevance in the ever-evolving landscape of religious studies. While it does not currently offer open access, the wealth of knowledge contained within its pages makes it an essential resource for anyone engaged in the study of religion, particularly in the context of contemporary societal issues. Located at 111 River St, Hoboken, NJ, this journal continues to contribute to the academic discourse through its comprehensive reviews and analyses, solidifying its position as a must-read publication in the field.

ZEITSCHRIFT FUR RELIGIONS-UND GEISTESGESCHICHTE

Connecting Past Ideologies to Present Understanding
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 0044-3441Frequency: 4 issues/year

ZEITSCHRIFT 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.

RELIGION

Engaging with the Dynamics of Religious Thought
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0048-721XFrequency: 4 issues/year

RELIGION, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, stands as a preeminent scholarly journal dedicated to the multifaceted study of religion across various disciplines. With an ISSN of 0048-721X and an E-ISSN of 1096-1151, this journal provides a rich platform for the exploration of religious phenomena, their historical contexts, and their sociopolitical implications. Since its inception in 1971, RELIGION has continually adapted to the evolving landscape of religious studies and maintains a prestigious Q1 ranking in History and Q2 in Sociology and Political Science, affirming its significance within these fields. Researchers and professionals will benefit from a robust selection of peer-reviewed articles that engage with contemporary issues, making significant contributions to both academic discourse and practical applications in society. While the journal is not open access, it continues to reach a wide audience, enhancing understanding in a diverse range of religious contexts and practices. This journal not only captures the pulse of current debates but also shapes the trajectory of future scholarship.

TEMENOS

Unveiling the Nuances of Global Religions
Publisher: FINNISH SOC STUDY RELIGIONISSN: 0497-1817Frequency: 2 issues/year

TEMENOS, 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.

Politics and Religion Journal

Navigating the Complexities of Governance and Belief Systems
Publisher: CENTER STUDY RELIGION & RELIGIOUS TOLERANCEISSN: 1820-6581Frequency: 2 issues/year

Politics and Religion Journal, published by the CENTER STUDY RELIGION & RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE in Serbia, stands as a pivotal platform for scholarly dialogue at the intersection of political science, sociology, and religious studies. Established as an Open Access journal since 2007, it provides unrestricted access to research findings, fostering a comprehensive understanding of how religion influences political dynamics across various cultures and societies. With ISSN 1820-6581 and E-ISSN 1820-659X, the journal has consistently contributed to the academic discourse, evident in its ranking within the 63rd percentile for Religious Studies and 22nd percentile for Sociology and Political Science, according to Scopus metrics. The journal aims to present innovative research, critical essays, and reviews that examine the nuanced relationships between faith, governance, and societal norms, ultimately enhancing the dialogue among researchers, professionals, and students globally.

Material Religion

Bridging Disciplines through Material Culture and Spirituality
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1743-2200Frequency: 4 issues/year

Material Religion is a premier scholarly journal dedicated to examining the interplay between material culture and religious practices, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, based in the United Kingdom. Since its inception in 2005, the journal has established itself as a vital resource in the fields of Religious Studies and Visual Arts and Performing Arts, holding a commendable Q2 quartile ranking and featuring a robust Scopus ranking that places it in the top 13% of its discipline. Designed to foster interdisciplinary dialogue, Material Religion offers a platform for innovative research that explores how material objects influence and are influenced by religious beliefs and practices. With no open access options, this journal continues to thrive as an essential reference for researchers, professionals, and students eager to understand the complexities of materiality in the context of religion and art. Positioned at the intersection of diverse academic fields, Material Religion not only contributes to scholarly discourse but also encourages critical reflections on how society engages with the material aspects of spirituality.