Cross Currents

Scope & Guideline

Navigating the Currents of Change in Society

Introduction

Welcome to the Cross Currents 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 Cross Currents, 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
ISSN0011-1953
PublisherUNIV NORTH CAROLINA PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
Country-
Type-
Converge-
AbbreviationCROSS CURR / Cross Curr.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressBOX 2288, JOURNALS DEPT, CHAPEL HILL, NC 27515-2288

Aims and Scopes

Cross Currents serves as an interdisciplinary journal that focuses on the dynamic intersections of religion, culture, and social issues, emphasizing a diverse range of perspectives and methodologies.
  1. Interdisciplinary Exploration of Religion and Culture:
    The journal aims to explore the multifaceted relationships between various religious traditions and contemporary cultural phenomena, investigating how these interactions shape societal norms and personal identities.
  2. Focus on Marginalized Voices and Experiences:
    Cross Currents consistently highlights the experiences and narratives of marginalized groups, particularly women and ethnic minorities, in the context of religious and cultural studies.
  3. Thematic Issues Addressing Current Social Challenges:
    The journal often curates special issues that respond to pressing social issues, such as violence, environmental sustainability, and interfaith dialogue, fostering critical discussions and innovative solutions.
  4. Artistic and Creative Expressions in Religion:
    The journal encourages submissions that explore the role of art, literature, and performance in expressing and interpreting religious experiences, contributing to a deeper understanding of spirituality and culture.
  5. Comparative Theology and Interreligious Dialogue:
    Cross Currents promotes comparative theological discussions that bridge gaps between different faith traditions, aiming to foster understanding and dialogue in a pluralistic society.
Recent publications in Cross Currents reveal a number of trending and emerging themes that reflect contemporary societal concerns and the evolving landscape of religious studies.
  1. Intersections of Religion, Gender, and Social Justice:
    There is an increasing focus on how gender intersects with religious identity and activism, highlighting issues such as sexual violence, women's rights, and the role of women in faith communities.
  2. Climate Change and Environmental Theology:
    Emerging themes related to environmentalism and theology are gaining traction, with authors exploring the spiritual dimensions of ecological crises and advocating for sustainable practices.
  3. Queer Theology and LGBTQ+ Perspectives:
    The journal is seeing a rise in discussions surrounding queer theology, reflecting a growing interest in LGBTQ+ experiences within religious contexts and the challenge to traditional norms.
  4. Art and Spirituality:
    A notable trend is the exploration of the relationship between art and spirituality, where artistic expressions are examined as vital components of religious experience and cultural commentary.
  5. Global and Indigenous Theologies:
    There is increasing attention to global and indigenous theologies, reflecting a commitment to understanding diverse religious expressions and their implications for contemporary society.

Declining or Waning

As the field evolves, certain themes within Cross Currents appear to be declining in frequency or prominence, reflecting shifts in scholarly focus and societal relevance.
  1. Traditional Religious Practices:
    There is a noticeable decrease in papers focusing solely on traditional religious practices devoid of contemporary relevance, indicating a shift towards exploring how these practices intersect with modern issues.
  2. Historical Theology without Contemporary Application:
    Papers that discuss historical theological concepts without linking them to current debates or societal challenges are less frequently published, suggesting a move towards more applied theology.
  3. Focus on Exclusively Western Religious Contexts:
    The journal has reduced the number of articles centered solely on Western religious contexts, reflecting a broader interest in global religious diversity and the experiences of non-Western traditions.

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