Journal of Empirical Theology

Scope & Guideline

Navigating the Dynamics of Belief and Social Science

Introduction

Welcome to the Journal of Empirical Theology 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 Empirical Theology, 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
ISSN0922-2936
PublisherBRILL
Support Open AccessNo
CountryNetherlands
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1988 to 1994, from 2010 to 2024
AbbreviationJ EMPIR THEOL / J. Empir. Theol.
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressPLANTIJNSTRAAT 2, P O BOX 9000, 2300 PA LEIDEN, NETHERLANDS

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of Empirical Theology focuses on the intersection of empirical research and theological inquiry, aiming to bridge the gap between faith and empirical evidence. Its scope encompasses a wide range of topics that explore the lived experiences of individuals and communities in relation to their religious beliefs and practices.
  1. Empirical Research in Theology:
    The journal emphasizes empirical methodologies to study theological concepts, exploring how these ideas are lived out in various contexts.
  2. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    It integrates insights from psychology, sociology, education, and environmental studies to provide a holistic understanding of religious phenomena.
  3. Focus on Religious Education:
    A significant portion of the journal's content addresses religious education, exploring how religious literacy and teaching methodologies impact student understanding and social cohesion.
  4. Social Justice and Inclusion:
    It investigates themes of social justice, inclusion, and the role of religion in addressing societal challenges, reflecting on how faith communities engage with contemporary issues.
  5. Spirituality and Well-being:
    The journal also delves into the relationship between spirituality and well-being, examining how religious practices influence mental health and personal development.
The Journal of Empirical Theology is currently experiencing a rise in interest in several key areas that reflect contemporary societal issues and the evolving landscape of religious practice. These emerging themes are indicative of the journal's responsiveness to current events and academic discourse.
  1. Impact of COVID-19 on Religion:
    Recent publications highlight the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on religious practices, spirituality, and mental health, emphasizing the need for empirical studies in crisis contexts.
  2. Environmental Theology and Sustainability:
    There is an increasing focus on the relationship between religion and ecological issues, particularly how faith communities engage with environmental challenges and sustainability.
  3. Religious Education and Social Cohesion:
    The journal is seeing a trend towards exploring the role of religious education in promoting social cohesion, addressing diverse religious identities in educational settings.
  4. Interfaith Dialogue and Pluralism:
    Emerging themes also include interfaith dialogue and the experiences of pluralism, particularly in multicultural contexts, reflecting a growing interest in religious coexistence.
  5. Mental Health and Spirituality:
    The intersection of mental health and spirituality is gaining traction, with studies investigating how religious beliefs and practices contribute to well-being and coping strategies.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of Empirical Theology has seen a growth in certain areas, some themes appear to be declining in prominence. These waning scopes indicate a shift in focus or a reduction in published research in specific areas.
  1. Traditional Doctrinal Studies:
    There is a noticeable decrease in papers focusing solely on traditional doctrinal theology, suggesting a shift towards more empirical and experiential studies.
  2. Historical Analysis of Religious Practices:
    Research centered on historical events or practices within religious contexts seems to be less frequent, indicating a preference for contemporary issues and empirical studies.
  3. Theological Debates without Empirical Basis:
    The journal appears to be moving away from purely theoretical theological debates that lack empirical support, favoring studies that incorporate lived experiences and data.
  4. Narrow Denominational Focus:
    Papers that focus exclusively on specific denominations or sects are becoming less common, as the journal increasingly emphasizes broader, more inclusive discussions of religion.

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