Journal for the Academic Study of Religion
Scope & Guideline
Illuminating the Role of Religion in Modern Life
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Interdisciplinary Approaches to Religion:
The journal emphasizes interdisciplinary methodologies, integrating insights from psychology, sociology, anthropology, literature, and theology to provide a comprehensive understanding of religious phenomena. - Cultural and Historical Contextualization:
A core focus of the journal is the exploration of religion within its cultural and historical contexts, examining how religious beliefs and practices evolve over time and influence social structures. - Contemporary Issues in Religion:
The journal addresses contemporary issues such as secularism, religious pluralism, and the impact of globalization on religious practices, providing critical analyses of current trends and challenges. - Engagement with Marginalized Voices:
There is a consistent effort to amplify the voices of marginalized groups within religious studies, including feminist, queer, and postcolonial perspectives. - Exploration of Spirituality and Wellbeing:
The journal explores the intersections of spirituality, health, and wellbeing, investigating how religious beliefs and practices contribute to personal and communal resilience.
Trending and Emerging
- Psychological Perspectives on Religion:
There is a growing emphasis on psychological approaches to understanding religion, as seen in studies linking attachment theory with ethical evaluations of religious practices. - Intersection of Religion and Secularism:
Emerging themes explore the complex relationship between religion and secularism, particularly in Western contexts, reflecting the journal's engagement with contemporary societal changes. - Responses to Global Crises:
Research focusing on how religious communities respond to global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is increasingly prominent, indicating a trend towards examining the resilience and adaptability of faith practices. - Queer and Feminist Studies:
There is a notable increase in the exploration of queer and feminist perspectives within religious contexts, reflecting a broader societal recognition of diversity in gender and sexuality. - Environmental and Ecological Theology:
The journal is increasingly publishing works that address the intersection of religion and ecological issues, highlighting the role of faith in promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Declining or Waning
- Traditional Doctrinal Studies:
There has been a noticeable decrease in papers strictly focusing on traditional doctrinal analyses of major world religions, suggesting a shift towards more contextual and experiential studies of religion. - Historical Exclusivity:
Research solely centered on historical accounts of religion without contemporary relevance is becoming less frequent, indicating a trend towards integrating historical analysis with current societal issues. - Monolithic Views of Religion:
The portrayal of religions as monolithic entities is declining, as the journal increasingly emphasizes the diversity and pluralism within religious traditions, moving away from oversimplified narratives. - Focus on Religious Fundamentalism:
While still relevant, the focus on religious fundamentalism as a singular theme has diminished in favor of more nuanced discussions that consider the complexities of religious identity and practice. - Solely Theoretical Frameworks:
Papers that rely exclusively on theoretical frameworks without empirical research are becoming less common, as the journal values empirical studies that provide grounded insights into religious practices.
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