Journal of Pastoral Theology

Scope & Guideline

Advancing the Dialogue Between Faith and Practice

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of Journal of Pastoral Theology with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1064-9867
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
Country-
Type-
Converge-
AbbreviationJ PASTORAL THEOL / J. Pastoral Theol.
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 Pastoral Theology aims to explore the intersection of spiritual care, pastoral practice, and socio-cultural dynamics. It emphasizes the importance of context in the practice of pastoral theology and seeks to address contemporary issues through a theological lens.
  1. Pastoral Care Practices:
    The journal highlights various approaches to pastoral care, focusing on how spiritual care can be effectively delivered in diverse contexts, including healthcare, educational institutions, and community settings.
  2. Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue:
    A significant focus is placed on the dynamics of spirituality and care within multicultural and interfaith environments, examining how these interactions shape pastoral practices.
  3. Social Justice and Advocacy:
    The journal frequently addresses themes of justice, equity, and advocacy, particularly in relation to marginalized communities, exploring how pastoral theology can inform social movements and activism.
  4. Theological Education and Training:
    There is a strong emphasis on the education and training of pastoral caregivers, exploring innovative teaching methods and curricula that prepare future leaders for contemporary challenges.
  5. Research Methodologies in Pastoral Theology:
    The journal promotes qualitative research methodologies in pastoral theology, encouraging rigorous scholarship that reflects lived experiences and contextual realities.
Recent publications in the Journal of Pastoral Theology indicate a dynamic evolution in focus, with emerging themes that reflect current societal challenges and the changing landscape of spiritual care. These trends illustrate a responsive engagement with contemporary issues.
  1. Postcolonial Perspectives:
    A growing number of articles are exploring postcolonial themes, examining how colonial histories impact spiritual care and pastoral practices, particularly in multicultural contexts.
  2. Mental Health and Spirituality:
    There is an increasing emphasis on the intersection of mental health and spirituality, with discussions focusing on how pastoral care can be a vital resource for mental well-being.
  3. Social Movements and Chaplaincy:
    Recent publications highlight the role of chaplains in social movements, emphasizing how pastoral theology can support activism and community organizing in the face of social injustices.
  4. Diversity and Inclusion in Pastoral Care:
    The journal is increasingly addressing issues of diversity and inclusion, focusing on how pastoral care can be inclusive of various identities and backgrounds, particularly in relation to race, gender, and sexuality.
  5. Digital and Remote Pastoral Care:
    In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a noticeable trend towards exploring digital pastoral care practices, reflecting on how technology can facilitate spiritual care in times of crisis.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of Pastoral Theology has consistently engaged with various themes, some areas seem to be losing prominence in recent publications. This decline may reflect shifting priorities within the field or a response to evolving societal contexts.
  1. Traditional Doctrinal Discussions:
    There appears to be a waning focus on traditional doctrinal debates and theological dogmas, as the journal increasingly prioritizes lived experiences and contemporary issues over purely doctrinal discussions.
  2. Institutional Church Critique:
    While the critique of institutional structures within the church has been significant in past discussions, recent titles suggest a shift towards more practical applications of pastoral care rather than critiques of church institutions.
  3. Historical Theological Analysis:
    There is a noticeable decline in papers focusing solely on historical theological analysis, indicating a move towards practical and contextual applications of theology rather than historical examinations.

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