Journal of Africana Religions

Scope & Guideline

Unveiling the Intersection of Culture and Faith in the African Diaspora

Introduction

Welcome to the Journal of Africana Religions 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 of Africana Religions, 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
ISSN2165-5405
PublisherPENN STATE UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2017 to 2024
AbbreviationJ AFR RELIG / J. Afr. Relig.
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address820 NORTH UNIV DRIVE, U S B 1, STE C, UNIVERSITY PK, PA 16802

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of Africana Religions focuses on the diverse religious practices and beliefs of African peoples and the African diaspora. It aims to explore the intersections of religion with culture, identity, politics, and social issues across various contexts.
  1. Exploration of African Traditional Religions:
    The journal examines the beliefs, practices, and transformations of African Traditional Religions, offering insights into their historical and contemporary significance.
  2. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    Utilizing methodologies from anthropology, theology, sociology, and cultural studies, the journal encourages diverse perspectives on Africana religions.
  3. Diaspora Studies:
    A significant focus is placed on the religious experiences of African diaspora communities, analyzing how African religions adapt and transform in new contexts.
  4. Cultural Entanglements:
    The journal investigates the interactions between African religions and other belief systems, including Christianity and Islam, highlighting syncretism and religious hybridity.
  5. Social Justice and Political Dimensions:
    There is an emphasis on the role of Africana religions in social justice movements, political activism, and the quest for identity among marginalized communities.
The Journal of Africana Religions has seen a rise in specific themes that reflect contemporary issues and growing areas of interest within the study of Africana religions.
  1. Religious Responses to Global Crises:
    Recent publications address how Africana religions respond to global issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing their relevance in contemporary society.
  2. Intersection of Religion and Politics:
    There is an increasing focus on the political dimensions of Africana religions, especially regarding their roles in social movements and governance.
  3. Reimagining Gender and Sexuality:
    Emerging discussions on gender and sexuality highlight the complexities of these themes within Africana religions, reflecting broader societal changes.
  4. Cultural Exchange and Syncretism:
    The journal is increasingly publishing works that explore cultural exchanges and religious syncretism, particularly in the context of the African diaspora.
  5. Environmental and Ecological Perspectives:
    There is a growing interest in how Africana religions engage with environmental issues, including discussions on ecology, sustainability, and spirituality.

Declining or Waning

As the journal evolves, certain themes have seen a decline in focus, reflecting shifting interests and emerging priorities within the field of Africana religious studies.
  1. Historical Narratives of Religious Practices:
    While historical studies remain important, there has been a noticeable decrease in the publication of papers focused solely on historical narratives without contemporary relevance.
  2. Narrowly Focused Ethnographies:
    Ethnographic studies that narrowly focus on specific communities without broader implications or connections to larger themes have become less frequent.
  3. Traditional Gender Roles in Religion:
    Discussions centered around traditional gender roles within religious practices are appearing less frequently, as newer discourses on gender and sexuality emerge.
  4. Exclusively Theoretical Discussions:
    Papers that solely engage in theoretical debates without applying these theories to practical or empirical contexts are declining, as there is a push for more applied research.

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