Journal of Contemporary Religion
Scope & Guideline
Decoding the Contemporary Religious Landscape
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Interdisciplinary Approaches to Religion:
The journal encourages research that crosses disciplinary boundaries, integrating insights from sociology, anthropology, cultural studies, and religious studies to present a holistic understanding of contemporary religious phenomena. - Focus on Lived Religion:
A consistent emphasis on lived religion allows for an exploration of how individuals and communities experience and practice their faith in everyday life, highlighting personal narratives and local contexts. - Engagement with Current Societal Issues:
The journal addresses contemporary social issues such as migration, gender, and political activism, analyzing how these factors influence religious practices and beliefs. - Global Perspectives on Religion:
It emphasizes a global perspective, showcasing diverse religious traditions and their interactions within various cultural contexts, thus fostering a broader understanding of global religious dynamics. - Critical Examination of Religious Authority:
The journal critiques and explores the concept of authority within religions, examining how authority figures and institutions navigate contemporary challenges and societal changes.
Trending and Emerging
- Digital Religion and New Media:
An increasing number of papers are exploring the intersection of religion and digital technology, focusing on how online platforms are reshaping religious practices, community formation, and identity. - Political Engagement and Activism:
There is a growing emphasis on how religious groups and individuals engage in political activism, reflecting the relevance of faith in contemporary social justice movements and political landscapes. - Gender and Religion:
Research focusing on gender dynamics within religious contexts is on the rise, addressing issues of representation, authority, and the role of women in various religious traditions. - Religious Pluralism and Interfaith Dialogue:
Emerging themes include the exploration of religious pluralism and interfaith dialogue, reflecting a growing interest in how different faiths coexist and interact in multicultural societies. - Health, Well-being, and Spirituality:
The journal shows an increasing trend towards exploring the connections between health, well-being, and spirituality, particularly in the context of mental health and community resilience.
Declining or Waning
- Historical Studies of Religion:
There has been a noticeable decline in papers focusing on historical analyses of religious movements and figures, suggesting a shift towards contemporary issues rather than historical contexts. - Theoretical Approaches to Religion:
The journal's emphasis on empirical research and lived experiences may have led to a reduced focus on purely theoretical discussions, with fewer articles dedicated to abstract philosophical or theological debates. - Traditional Religious Practices:
Studies centered on established religious rituals and practices appear less frequently, indicating a possible shift towards exploring innovative expressions of faith rather than traditional forms. - Monolithic Views of Religions:
There is a reduction in papers that depict religions in a monolithic manner; instead, the journal increasingly favors nuanced explorations of diversity within religious traditions. - Secularization Narratives:
While secularization remains an important theme, the journal seems to be moving away from narratives that present secularization as a linear process, opting instead for more complex and varied understandings of religious change.
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