Journal for the Academic Study of Religion

Scope & Guideline

Illuminating the Role of Religion in Modern Life

Introduction

Welcome to the Journal for the Academic Study of Religion 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 Journal for the Academic Study of Religion, 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
ISSN2047-704x
PublisherEQUINOX PUBLISHING LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2013 to 2024
AbbreviationJ ACAD STUDY RELIG / J. Acad. Study Relig.
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address415, THE WORKSTATION, 15 PATERNOSTER ROW, SHEFFIELD S1 2BX, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The Journal for the Academic Study of Religion serves as a platform for scholarly discourse on the multifaceted dimensions of religion and its interplay with various aspects of society, culture, and individual experience. It encompasses a wide array of methodologies and theoretical frameworks, making significant contributions to the understanding of religious phenomena across different contexts.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
The Journal for the Academic Study of Religion is currently witnessing a dynamic shift in its thematic focus, with several emerging trends reflecting the evolving landscape of religious studies. These themes highlight the journal's responsiveness to contemporary societal challenges and academic inquiries.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

While the Journal for the Academic Study of Religion has seen a broad range of topics, certain themes appear to be waning in prominence. This decline may reflect shifts in scholarly interest or broader societal changes that affect the relevance of these topics.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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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