Journal of Contemporary Religion

Scope & Guideline

Navigating the Complexities of Modern Belief

Introduction

Delve into the academic richness of Journal of Contemporary Religion with our guidelines, detailing its aims and scope. Our resource identifies emerging and trending topics paving the way for new academic progress. We also provide insights into declining or waning topics, helping you stay informed about changing research landscapes. Evaluate highly cited topics and recent publications within these guidelines to align your work with influential scholarly trends.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1353-7903
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1995 to 2024
AbbreviationJ CONTEMP RELIG / J. Contemp. Relig.
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of Contemporary Religion focuses on the dynamic interplay between religion and contemporary society, examining how religious beliefs and practices evolve and manifest in the modern world. It aims to provide a platform for interdisciplinary studies that explore the intersections of religion with culture, politics, and social movements.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
The Journal of Contemporary Religion has identified several emerging themes that reflect current societal trends and shifts in religious practice. This section outlines these trending topics, demonstrating the journal's adaptability to contemporary issues.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

While the Journal of Contemporary Religion has broadened its focus on various emerging themes, some traditional areas of study appear to be waning in prominence. This section highlights these declining scopes, indicating a shift in the journal's overall research landscape.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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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