International Journal of Public Theology

Scope & Guideline

Exploring the Nexus of Faith and Society

Introduction

Delve into the academic richness of International Journal of Public Theology with our guidelines, detailing its aims and scope. Our resource identifies emerging and trending topics paving the way for new academic progress. We also provide insights into declining or waning topics, helping you stay informed about changing research landscapes. Evaluate highly cited topics and recent publications within these guidelines to align your work with influential scholarly trends.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1872-5171
PublisherBRILL
Support Open AccessNo
CountryNetherlands
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2013 to 2024
AbbreviationINT J PUBLIC THEOL / Int. J. Public Theol.
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 International Journal of Public Theology aims to bridge the gap between theological discourse and public engagement, emphasizing the relevance of faith in addressing contemporary social, political, and ethical issues. Through a diverse range of methodologies, the journal fosters interdisciplinary dialogue and encourages critical reflections on theology's role in the public sphere.
  1. Public Engagement and Social Justice:
    The journal consistently focuses on how theology interacts with pressing social issues, advocating for justice, reconciliation, and inclusivity in various contexts.
  2. Contextual and Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    A significant aim is to explore theological insights in diverse cultural and political contexts, emphasizing how public theology can adapt and respond to local challenges.
  3. Critical Examination of Political Theology:
    The journal addresses the intersections of faith and politics, critiquing ideologies such as nationalism and exploring the implications of faith in democratic societies.
  4. Theological Responses to Global Crises:
    It highlights theological perspectives on global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and social inequality, engaging with issues of ecological and social ethics.
  5. Diversity and Pluralism in Theology:
    The journal promotes discussions around ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity, encouraging a pluralistic approach to public theology.
Recent publications in the International Journal of Public Theology indicate a dynamic evolution in research themes, reflecting contemporary societal challenges and theological responses. The following emerging trends highlight significant areas of focus in the journal's recent issues.
  1. Disability and Inclusion:
    Emerging themes around disability inclusion in public theology indicate a growing awareness of marginalized voices and the need for a theology that embraces diversity and advocates for social justice.
  2. Environmental Theology and Climate Justice:
    A significant uptick in discussions regarding ecological crises and climate justice reflects an urgent call within public theology to address environmental degradation and its ethical implications.
  3. Intersectionality in Theology:
    There is an increasing focus on intersectional approaches that consider how various identities (race, gender, sexuality) interact within theological discourse, promoting a more nuanced understanding of public theology.
  4. Digital and Media Theology:
    The rise of digital spaces and social media has led to an emerging interest in how public theology can engage with contemporary communication platforms and their impact on faith and society.
  5. Postcolonial and Global Perspectives:
    The journal is increasingly exploring postcolonial themes and global perspectives, emphasizing the need for theology that addresses the complexities of identity and power in a globalized world.

Declining or Waning

While the journal has maintained a robust engagement with various themes, certain areas have shown signs of declining prominence in recent years. This may reflect shifts in societal concerns or the evolving landscape of public theology.
  1. Traditional Doctrinal Debates:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in papers focusing solely on traditional doctrinal debates, as the journal shifts towards more practical and contextual applications of theology.
  2. Eurocentric Perspectives:
    Themes centered around Eurocentric theological discussions appear to be waning, with a growing emphasis on global and localized contexts that reflect a broader spectrum of experiences.
  3. Historical Theology:
    While historical perspectives remain important, there is a decline in papers solely dedicated to historical theology, as contemporary issues take precedence in public theological discussions.
  4. Individualistic Approaches to Faith:
    The journal has moved away from individualistic interpretations of faith, focusing instead on communal and social aspects that address collective challenges faced by societies.
  5. Apologetics and Defensiveness:
    There is a diminishing focus on apologetic literature, as the journal emphasizes constructive dialogue and engagement over defensive stances in the face of secularism.

Similar Journals

In die Skriflig-In Luce Verbi

Cultivating Sound Scholarship in the Light of Scripture
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.

Acta Theologica

Exploring contemporary issues through scholarly research.
Publisher: UNIV FREE STATE, FAC THEOLOGYISSN: 1015-8758Frequency: 2 issues/year

Acta Theologica is a distinguished, peer-reviewed open-access journal published by the University of the Free State, Faculty of Theology since 2002. With ISSN 1015-8758 and E-ISSN 2309-9089, this journal serves as a vital platform for scholarly discourse in the field of Religious Studies. Hailing from South Africa, it has achieved a 2023 Scopus rank of #298 out of 644 within its category, placing it in the 53rd percentile and Q2 quartile—a testament to its reputable standing in academic circles. Acta Theologica aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and publish innovative research that addresses contemporary theological issues, providing valuable insights to researchers, professionals, and students alike. With an ever-growing repository of articles accessible to the global academic community, this journal exemplifies the commitment to advancing theological scholarship and enhancing public understanding of religious phenomena.

Perichoresis

Advancing Knowledge in Faith and Practice
Publisher: SCIENDOISSN: 1224-984XFrequency: 6 issues/year

Perichoresis is a peer-reviewed academic journal specializing in the field of Religious Studies, published by SCIENDO. Since its inception in 2009, the journal has established itself as a significant platform for scholars exploring various dimensions of religious thought and practice. With an impact factor reflecting its citation metrics and its categorization in the Q3 quartile for 2023, Perichoresis ranks within the 37th percentile among its peers in the Arts and Humanities discipline, specifically in Religious Studies. The journal has embraced open access since 2012, ensuring that high-quality research is readily available to researchers, students, and practitioners worldwide, contributing to the broader discourse within the field. Based in Romania, with an address in Warsaw, Poland, Perichoresis aims to foster an environment of scholarly exchange and innovation, providing valuable insights and diverse perspectives that drive further inquiry and understanding in religious contexts.

Toronto Journal of Theology

Advancing Scholarship in Religious Studies
Publisher: UNIV TORONTO PRESS INCISSN: 0826-9831Frequency: 2 issues/year

The Toronto Journal of Theology, published by University of Toronto Press Inc, is a premier academic journal dedicated to the exploration of theological discourse and religious studies. Established in 1990 and converging its insights from 2011 to 2024, this journal serves as a vital platform for researchers and scholars to publish innovative and impactful studies in the realm of theology. With an impressive ISSN of 0826-9831 and an E-ISSN of 1918-6371, the journal boasts a robust reputation, achieving a Q3 ranking in Religious Studies as per the 2023 category quartiles. It further ranks within the 49th percentile in the Scopus database, positioning it in the midst of esteemed academic discourse. Although it does not currently offer open access options, its rich content and pertinent studies are invaluable to professionals and students alike aiming to deepen their understanding of religious phenomena. As it continues to foster scholarly dialogue, the Toronto Journal of Theology remains a cornerstone for those advancing research in theology and related fields.

Teologia y Vida

Exploring the Intersection of Faith and Knowledge
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.

ZEITSCHRIFT FUR THEOLOGIE UND KIRCHE

Enriching ecclesiastical research for a deeper understanding.
Publisher: J C B MOHRISSN: 0044-3549Frequency: 4 issues/year

ZEITSCHRIFT FUR THEOLOGIE UND KIRCHE is a distinguished academic journal published by J C B MOHR, renowned for contributing to the field of Religious Studies. With its ISSN 0044-3549 and E-ISSN 1868-7377, this journal has been serving scholars and practitioners since its first publication in 2002 and continues to be relevant through 2024. The journal holds a Q2 ranking in the 2023 category of Religious Studies, placing it in the top half of its field, and it is positioned at rank #414 out of 644 in Scopus's Arts and Humanities rankings, highlighting its importance and growing influence in the academic community. Although the journal is not open access, it features a variety of scholarly articles that foster discourse and advancements in theology and ecclesiastical research. Researchers and students alike will find an invaluable resource in ZEITSCHRIFT FUR THEOLOGIE UND KIRCHE, where innovative theological thought meets rigorous academic examination in an accessible format.

ZYGON

Innovating Research at the Nexus of Culture and Religion
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0591-2385Frequency: 4 issues/year

ZYGON, an esteemed journal published by Wiley, has been at the forefront of interdisciplinary research since its inception in 1966. With a strong focus on Cultural Studies, Religious Studies, and Education, ZYGON plays a vital role in fostering dialogue and scholarly discourse across these fields. It is categorized in the Q1 quartile for both Cultural and Religious Studies, underscoring its high impact and relevance in contemporary academic discussions. The journal is indexed with impressive rankings in Scopus, including a rank of #112 out of 644 in Religious Studies, placing it in the 82nd percentile, which reflects its contributions to advancing knowledge and understanding in the humanities and social sciences. ZYGON is committed to cultivating rigorous scholarship without an open access model, ensuring that its rich content remains well-curated for researchers, professionals, and students alike. With plans to continue its publication through 2024, ZYGON remains a critical platform for innovative research and is essential for anyone engaged in the exploration of cultural and religious intersections.

Studia Theologica-Czech Republic

Advancing Knowledge in Religious Studies
Publisher: UNIV PALACKEHO OLOMOUCIISSN: 1212-8570Frequency: 4 issues/year

Studia Theologica-Czech Republic is a leading academic journal dedicated to the field of religious studies, published by UNIV PALACKEHO OLOMOUCI. With an impressive Q1 ranking in 2023, it showcases rigorous and innovative research in theology and religious studies. Since its inception, this Open Access journal has been committed to disseminating scholarly articles that explore a broad spectrum of religious phenomena, interpretations, and historical contexts, making it an invaluable resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. The journal has transitioned from its initial print format to an Open Access model since 2015, allowing for wider accessibility and engagement within the academic community. Operating from Olomouc, Czech Republic, Studia Theologica not only contributes significantly to global discourse in the humanities but also provides a vital platform for interdisciplinary dialogue among theological scholars.

Estudos Teologicos

Unlocking the depths of theology through open dialogue.
Publisher: ESCOLA SUPERIOR TEOLOGIAISSN: 0101-3130Frequency: 2 issues/year

Estudos Teologicos is a prestigious academic journal published by the Escola Superior Teologia, dedicated to advancing the field of theology through rigorous scholarship and interdisciplinary dialogue. Established as an Open Access publication since 2003, it allows free access to its rich repository of articles, fostering inclusivity and wider dissemination of theological research. The journal serves an important role in engaging researchers, professionals, and students by providing a platform for diverse theological perspectives and contemporary issues. With its ISSN 0101-3130 and E-ISSN 2237-6461, Estudos Teologicos aims to contribute to the global discourse on theology, making it a key resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding and engage with theological thought in a rapidly evolving world.

Stellenbosch Theological Journal

Nurturing ethical discourse in the realm of theology.
Publisher: PIETER WAAL NEETHLING TRUSTISSN: 2413-9459Frequency: 2 issues/year

Stellenbosch Theological Journal is a premier scholarly publication dedicated to advancing the field of theology and religious studies. Published by the PIETER WAAL NEETHLING TRUST, this journal has embraced Open Access since 2015, ensuring that groundbreaking research is readily available to scholars, professionals, and students globally. With its roots in the vibrant academic community of Stellenbosch University, South Africa, the journal serves as a significant platform for high-quality research that engages with contemporary theological debates and issues. Although specific metrics such as H-index and Scopus rankings are currently unavailable, the journal is committed to enhancing academic discourse in theology and invites contributions that explore diverse theological perspectives, historical context, and ethical implications. Accessing the journal aligns with the pursuit of knowledge and expertise in a rapidly evolving field, making it an invaluable resource for today's theologians and religious scholars.