International Journal for the Study of the Christian Church

Scope & Guideline

Deepening Understanding of Christianity's Contemporary Relevance

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of International Journal for the Study of the Christian Church 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
ISSN1474-225x
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2001 to 2024
AbbreviationINT J STUDY CHRIST C / Int. J. Study Christ. Church
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The International Journal for the Study of the Christian Church focuses on the intersection of Christian theology, ecclesiology, and contemporary issues, providing a platform for critical discourse and scholarship in the context of the modern church.
  1. Ecclesiology and Church Identity:
    The journal frequently explores themes related to the identity and role of the church in society, including discussions on Anglicanism, Catholic teachings, and the implications of church authority.
  2. Theological Engagement with Contemporary Issues:
    There is a strong emphasis on how Christian theology interacts with pressing global issues such as climate change, social justice, and political movements, reflecting a commitment to integral ecology and social teachings.
  3. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Theology:
    The journal encourages interdisciplinary perspectives, integrating insights from history, philosophy, and literature to enrich theological discourse.
  4. Diversity and Inclusion in Theology:
    A significant focus is placed on the themes of gender, disability, and inclusivity within the church, promoting discussions on how these issues impact ecclesial practices and beliefs.
  5. Cultural Contexts of Christianity:
    The journal addresses the diverse cultural expressions of Christianity globally, exploring how local contexts shape theological understanding and practice.
Recent publications indicate a shift towards emerging themes that reflect the journal's responsiveness to contemporary societal challenges and evolving theological discourse.
  1. Climate Justice and Ecology:
    There is a notable increase in discussions surrounding climate justice and ecological ethics, highlighting the church's role in addressing environmental concerns and advocating for sustainability.
  2. Political Theology and Social Movements:
    Emerging themes include a focus on political theology, particularly how Christianity interacts with social movements and issues of nationalism, especially in post-colonial contexts.
  3. Intersectionality and Social Justice:
    The journal is increasingly addressing intersectional issues, such as gender, race, and disability within church contexts, advocating for a more inclusive theological framework.
  4. Chaplaincy and Practical Theology:
    There is a growing interest in the role of chaplaincy across various contexts, emphasizing the practical application of theology in contemporary society.
  5. Global Christianity and Cultural Exchange:
    Emerging research focuses on the global dimensions of Christianity, including interreligious dialogue and the cultural exchange of theological ideas, particularly in non-Western contexts.

Declining or Waning

While the journal covers a wide range of themes, certain areas appear to be losing prominence in recent publications, indicating a shift in focus within the research community.
  1. Historical Theology and Ancient Texts:
    There seems to be a declining emphasis on purely historical theological analyses and studies of ancient texts, as more contemporary and practical applications of theology take precedence.
  2. Traditional Liturgical Studies:
    Research centered specifically on traditional liturgical practices appears to be waning, possibly overshadowed by discussions on contemporary worship and inclusive practices.
  3. Static Views on Church Authority:
    There is a reduction in papers that explore static interpretations of church authority, as the discourse increasingly favors dynamic and contextual understandings.
  4. Narrow National Contexts:
    Studies focused solely on national contexts, such as specific local church histories, have decreased in favor of broader global perspectives and transnational discussions.
  5. Conservative Theological Positions:
    There seems to be a diminishing presence of conservative theological perspectives, as the journal increasingly embraces progressive and reformative views.

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