International Journal of Systematic Theology

Scope & Guideline

Connecting rigorous scholarship with practical theological applications.

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of International Journal of Systematic Theology 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
ISSN1463-1652
PublisherWILEY
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1999 to 2024
AbbreviationINT J SYST THEOL / Int. J. Syst. Theol.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ

Aims and Scopes

The International Journal of Systematic Theology focuses on in-depth theological discussions that integrate historical, philosophical, and contemporary contexts. It aims to foster scholarly dialogue on systematic theology, its methodologies, and its implications in various dimensions of faith and practice.
  1. Systematic Theology:
    The journal emphasizes systematic theology as a discipline that seeks to articulate and analyze the Christian faith in a coherent and comprehensive manner, addressing core doctrines and their interrelations.
  2. Historical Theology:
    A significant focus is on historical theology, exploring the development of Christian thought through the ages, examining influential theologians and their contributions to contemporary theological discourse.
  3. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    The journal promotes interdisciplinary research, integrating insights from philosophy, ethics, and social sciences to enrich theological understanding and address modern challenges.
  4. Ecumenical Dialogue:
    The journal encourages ecumenical dialogue among various Christian traditions, aiming to bridge theological divides and promote mutual understanding and cooperation.
  5. Contemporary Issues:
    It addresses contemporary theological issues, including ethics, ecology, and social justice, reflecting on how theology interacts with pressing societal concerns.
  6. Pneumatology and Christology:
    There is a consistent focus on the doctrines of the Holy Spirit and Christ, particularly in relation to their implications for soteriology and ecclesiology.
The journal has seen a rise in several emerging themes that reflect current theological inquiries and societal challenges. These trends indicate a dynamic engagement with contemporary issues and a willingness to explore new theological landscapes.
  1. Ecological Theology:
    There is an increasing emphasis on ecological theology, reflecting a growing concern for environmental issues and the role of theology in addressing ecological crises.
  2. Theology and Science:
    A significant trend is the exploration of the relationship between theology and science, particularly in discussions surrounding creation, evolution, and the integration of scientific insights into theological frameworks.
  3. Postcolonial Theology:
    Emerging themes in postcolonial theology highlight the need to address historical injustices and the voices of marginalized communities within theological discourse.
  4. Gender and Theology:
    There is a noticeable increase in discussions surrounding gender, sexuality, and their implications for theology, reflecting broader societal conversations about inclusion and justice.
  5. Theology of the Body:
    Papers focusing on the theology of the body, particularly in relation to contemporary issues of identity, embodiment, and sexuality, are becoming more prominent, showcasing an interest in the intersection of theology and lived experience.

Declining or Waning

While the journal has consistently addressed a variety of theological themes, certain topics appear to be declining in prominence in recent years. This shift may reflect broader changes in theological discourse or emerging interests among scholars.
  1. Classical Theism:
    There has been a noticeable decline in papers focusing on classical theism, particularly discussions surrounding the nature of God in traditional philosophical terms, as contemporary theology increasingly engages with relational and process-oriented perspectives.
  2. Historical Criticism of Scripture:
    The prominence of historical-critical methods in biblical studies has waned, with fewer articles exploring this approach, suggesting a shift towards more constructive and theological interpretations of scripture.
  3. Reformed Confessions:
    Engagement with specific Reformed confessions, such as the Westminster Confession, appears to be decreasing, indicating a potential move towards broader or more diverse theological frameworks.
  4. Metaphysics:
    There seems to be less focus on metaphysical discussions, especially those rooted in classical philosophy, as the journal increasingly prioritizes practical and ethical implications of theology.
  5. Moral Theology:
    Papers specifically addressing moral theology, particularly in relation to traditional moral frameworks, are less frequent, potentially reflecting a shift towards more contextual and situation-based ethical discussions.

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