JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF RELIGION

Scope & Guideline

Elevating academic standards in the study of religion.

Introduction

Welcome to the JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY 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 OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY 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
ISSN0002-7189
PublisherOXFORD UNIV PRESS INC
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1933 to 2023
AbbreviationJ AM ACAD RELIG / J. Am. Acad. Relig.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressJOURNALS DEPT, 2001 EVANS RD, CARY, NC 27513

Aims and Scopes

The JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF RELIGION (JAAR) serves as a platform for scholarly discourse in the field of religious studies, reflecting a diverse range of methodologies and perspectives. The journal's main aims and scopes encompass the following areas:
  1. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Religion:
    JAAR encourages interdisciplinary research that intersects with various fields such as sociology, anthropology, history, and theology, fostering a comprehensive understanding of religious phenomena.
  2. Contemporary Issues in Religion:
    The journal frequently addresses contemporary religious issues, exploring how religion interacts with modern societal challenges, including politics, race, gender, and technology.
  3. Global Perspectives on Religious Practices:
    JAAR emphasizes the importance of global perspectives, providing insights into diverse religious practices and beliefs across cultures, particularly focusing on marginalized and underrepresented communities.
  4. Critical Analysis of Religious Texts and Traditions:
    The journal includes rigorous analyses of religious texts, historical narratives, and traditions, aiming to uncover deeper meanings and implications within various faiths.
  5. Theoretical Innovations in Religious Studies:
    JAAR promotes theoretical advancements in the study of religion, encouraging scholars to develop new frameworks and methodologies that can enhance the academic discourse.
The JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF RELIGION has recently embraced a variety of trending and emerging themes that reflect the evolving landscape of religious studies. These themes highlight the journal's responsiveness to contemporary issues and innovative research directions:
  1. Digital Religion and Media:
    There has been a significant increase in studies focusing on the intersection of religion and digital media, exploring how technology influences religious practices, identity formation, and community-building.
  2. Religion and Social Justice:
    The journal has seen a rise in articles addressing the role of religion in social justice movements, examining how faith communities engage with issues such as racial equality, environmentalism, and human rights.
  3. Embodiment and Materiality in Religion:
    Emerging research on embodiment and materiality highlights the physical aspects of religious practices, focusing on how bodies, spaces, and objects shape religious experiences and identities.
  4. Interreligious Dialogue and Pluralism:
    There is a growing emphasis on interreligious dialogue and the study of pluralism, reflecting a broader interest in understanding how different faiths interact and coexist in diverse societies.
  5. Postcolonial and Decolonial Perspectives:
    The journal increasingly features postcolonial and decolonial approaches, critiquing traditional narratives and exploring the implications of colonial histories on contemporary religious practices and identities.

Declining or Waning

While the JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF RELIGION continues to explore a wide range of topics, certain themes have shown signs of declining prominence in recent publications. The following areas appear to be waning:
  1. Traditional Historical Narratives:
    There is a noticeable decline in the focus on traditional historical narratives of major religions, as scholars increasingly prioritize contemporary issues and lived experiences over historical accounts.
  2. Eurocentric Perspectives in Religious Studies:
    The journal has shifted towards more inclusive and diverse perspectives, resulting in a decrease in Eurocentric analyses and studies that center on Western religions at the expense of global religious dynamics.
  3. Static Theological Discussions:
    The examination of static theological frameworks and dogmas has diminished, with a growing preference for dynamic, contextual, and lived religious experiences that reflect the complexities of modern faith.

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