JOURNAL OF RELIGION IN AFRICA

Scope & Guideline

Illuminating the Depths of Religion Across Africa

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of JOURNAL OF RELIGION IN AFRICA 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
ISSN0022-4200
PublisherBRILL
Support Open AccessNo
CountryNetherlands
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1967 to 1976, from 1978 to 1983, from 1985 to 2024
AbbreviationJ RELIG AFR / J. Relig. Afr.
Frequency4 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 Religion in Africa focuses on the dynamic interplay between religion and various aspects of African societies, including politics, culture, and identity. It aims to provide a platform for scholarly discourse on the diverse religious landscapes in Africa and their implications for social dynamics.
  1. Interplay of Religion and Politics:
    The journal extensively explores how religion influences political structures, state formation, and governance across various African contexts.
  2. Cultural Interactions and Religious Syncretism:
    It investigates the intersections between indigenous beliefs, Christianity, and Islam, highlighting processes of cultural exchange and syncretism.
  3. Impact of Globalization on African Religions:
    The journal addresses how globalization affects religious practices, identities, and movements in Africa, particularly in relation to the diaspora.
  4. Historical Perspectives on Religion:
    A strong emphasis is placed on historical analyses of religion, examining colonial and post-colonial influences on African religious practices and institutions.
  5. Contemporary Religious Movements:
    The journal features studies on emerging religious movements, including Pentecostalism and other new religious expressions, analyzing their social and cultural impacts.
  6. Gender and Religion:
    There is a focus on gender dynamics within religious contexts, exploring how religious practices shape gender identities and roles.
The Journal of Religion in Africa has witnessed the rise of several emerging themes that reflect current societal challenges and the evolving nature of religious practice in the continent.
  1. Secularity and Pluralism:
    Recent publications highlight the complexities of secularism and religious pluralism in African contexts, exploring how these concepts shape inter-religious relations and societal cohesion.
  2. Health and Religion:
    There is a growing focus on the intersection of health, religion, and contemporary crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, examining how religious institutions respond to health challenges.
  3. Decolonization of Religious Studies:
    Emerging discussions are centered around decolonizing religious studies in Africa, challenging Eurocentric narratives and emphasizing indigenous knowledge systems and perspectives.
  4. Religious Violence and Conflict:
    There is an increasing interest in studying the dynamics of religious violence and conflict, particularly in regions experiencing political instability and extremism.
  5. Gender and Religious Activism:
    Research on the role of women and gender dynamics in religious movements and activism is becoming more prominent, reflecting broader societal changes and feminist discourse.
  6. Cultural and Religious Resilience:
    Emerging studies focus on how cultural and religious practices adapt and resist in the face of globalization and modernization, showcasing the resilience of African communities.

Declining or Waning

In recent years, certain themes within the Journal of Religion in Africa have become less prominent, reflecting a shift in scholarly focus and possibly the evolving religious landscape in Africa.
  1. Traditional African Religions:
    While still a topic of interest, the exploration of traditional African religions appears to be waning as the journal increasingly emphasizes contemporary religious movements and their socio-political implications.
  2. Colonial Missionary Studies:
    Research specifically focused on colonial missionary activities, while historically significant, has seen a decline as scholars shift towards examining post-colonial religious dynamics and indigenous responses.
  3. Static Historical Analyses:
    The journal has moved away from static historical narratives in favor of more dynamic studies that consider contemporary implications and interactions between past and present religious practices.

Similar Journals

Journal of Religion in Japan

Unveiling Japan's Religious Heritage
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 2211-8330Frequency: 3 issues/year

Journal of Religion in Japan, published by BRILL, is a premier academic journal that explores the multifaceted dimensions of religion within the context of Japan. With an ISSN of 2211-8330 and an E-ISSN of 2211-8349, this journal boasts a remarkable position in the field, holding a Q1 ranking in Religious Studies and a commendable 85th percentile ranking in Scopus, indicating its significant impact and recognition among scholars. Covering pivotal themes such as the interplay between tradition and modernity in Japanese religious practices, the journal serves as a critical resource for researchers, professionals, and students, providing in-depth analyses, cutting-edge research findings, and thoughtful discussions. The journal's availability from 2012 to 2024 showcases its commitment to continuous exploration and engagement in religious studies, offering invaluable insights into the dynamic landscape of religion in contemporary Japan.

International Journal of Latin American Religions

Unveiling the Spiritual Landscape of Latin America
Publisher: SPRINGERNATUREISSN: 2509-9957Frequency: 2 issues/year

International Journal of Latin American Religions, published by SpringerNature, is a leading peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing the understanding of religious practices, beliefs, and developments across Latin America. Since its inception in 2017, the journal has established a prominent position in critical fields, earning distinguished Q1 and Q2 rankings in History, Religious Studies, and Anthropology, which reflects its commitment to high-quality scholarship and research influence. With a Scopus rank that places it within the top percentiles of its discipline, the journal offers an integrative platform for scholars and practitioners to explore the diverse tapestry of Latin American religions. The Open Access model promotes greater visibility and accessibility of research findings, fostering collaborations among a global audience. This journal plays a pivotal role in synthesizing academic discourse and fostering innovative research, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students passionate about the intricate interplay of culture, history, and spirituality in Latin America.

Journal of Media and Religion

Fostering Interdisciplinary Conversations on Faith and Communication
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1534-8423Frequency: 4 issues/year

The Journal of Media and Religion is a leading interdisciplinary journal dedicated to exploring the complex interactions between media and religion. Published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, this journal serves as a critical platform for researchers and practitioners within the fields of communication and religious studies. With an impressive impact factor and a distinguished ranking—placing it in the top quartile for Religious Studies and the second quartile for Communication—Journal of Media and Religion showcases high-quality research that enhances our understanding of how media influences religious practices and vice versa. The journal has been converging insightful contributions from 2010 to 2024, fostering scholarly dialogue and innovative methodologies. As an essential resource for academics, professionals, and students alike, it promotes open access to groundbreaking studies, facilitating the exchange of ideas that shape both fields.

RELIGION AND AMERICAN CULTURE-A JOURNAL OF INTERPRETATION

Interpreting Religion's Role in Cultural Dynamics
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 1052-1151Frequency: 3 issues/year

Religion and American Culture: A Journal of Interpretation, published by Cambridge University Press, is an essential platform for scholars interested in the dynamic interplay between religion and various facets of American life. With its ISSN 1052-1151 and E-ISSN 1533-8568, this journal has been contributing to the fields of Cultural Studies and Religious Studies since its inception in 1991. It is recognized for its diverse and interdisciplinary approach, reflecting the complexities of religious practices and beliefs in the American context. Positioned in the Q4 quartile for Cultural Studies and Q3 for Religious Studies in 2023, the journal ranks #304/644 in Religious Studies and #766/1304 in Cultural Studies according to Scopus, indicating a growing influence among researchers and academics. Although it operates under a traditional subscription model, it continually seeks to publish innovative research that fosters greater understanding of the cultural implications of religion in America. As a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike, Religion and American Culture invites contributions that advance scholarly dialogue and interpretation within this significant area of study.

Journal of Religion and Popular Culture

Exploring the Intersections of Faith and Culture
Publisher: UNIV TORONTO PRESS INCISSN: Frequency: 3 issues/year

Journal of Religion and Popular Culture is a unique academic platform dedicated to the exploration and analysis of the intricate relationships between religious practices and popular culture. Published by University of Toronto Press, Inc., this journal provides a critical forum for scholarly discourse, appealing to researchers, students, and professionals in the fields of Cultural Studies and Religious Studies. Since its inception in 2013, the journal has established itself as a significant contributor to the academic community, evidenced by its current category quartiles: Q4 in Cultural Studies and Q3 in Religious Studies as of 2023, alongside its Scopus rankings. Although it operates on a subscription basis, the journal's accessibility enhances its reach within the scholarly community. With a focus on fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, the Journal of Religion and Popular Culture invites contributions that illuminate the dynamic interplay between faith and the vibrant expressions of popular culture, making it a vital resource for understanding contemporary societal trends.

Islamic Africa

Deepening Insights into the Dynamics of Islam in Africa
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 0803-0685Frequency: 2 issues/year

Islamic Africa, published by BRILL, is a vital academic journal that serves as a scholarly platform dedicated to the exploration of Islamic culture and its multifaceted interactions with the African continent. With a focus on cultural studies, history, literature and literary theory, religious studies, and the social sciences, this journal invites contributions that deepen our understanding of the historical and contemporary dynamics of Islam in Africa. Although categorized in various quartiles, it holds significance as a resource for researchers and students, particularly those engaged in areas ranked within the Q3 and Q4 categories. Since its inception, Islamic Africa has evolved through converged years, actively promoting interdisciplinary dialogue among scholars. With its commitment to high-quality research, this journal aims to illuminate the complexities of Islamic traditions and societies in Africa, fostering a deeper appreciation of their contributions to global cultural heritage.

Material Religion

Challenging Perspectives on Faith through Material Culture
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1743-2200Frequency: 4 issues/year

Material Religion is a premier scholarly journal dedicated to examining the interplay between material culture and religious practices, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, based in the United Kingdom. Since its inception in 2005, the journal has established itself as a vital resource in the fields of Religious Studies and Visual Arts and Performing Arts, holding a commendable Q2 quartile ranking and featuring a robust Scopus ranking that places it in the top 13% of its discipline. Designed to foster interdisciplinary dialogue, Material Religion offers a platform for innovative research that explores how material objects influence and are influenced by religious beliefs and practices. With no open access options, this journal continues to thrive as an essential reference for researchers, professionals, and students eager to understand the complexities of materiality in the context of religion and art. Positioned at the intersection of diverse academic fields, Material Religion not only contributes to scholarly discourse but also encourages critical reflections on how society engages with the material aspects of spirituality.

Politics and Religion

Unraveling the Dynamics of Power and Belief
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 1755-0483Frequency: 4 issues/year

Politics and Religion is a leading journal published by Cambridge University Press, focusing on the intricate interrelationships between political systems and religious beliefs. With an ISSN of 1755-0483 and an E-ISSN of 1755-0491, this esteemed journal has achieved notable recognition, being classified in the Q1 category for Religious Studies and Q2 in Sociology and Political Science in 2023. Its exceptional standing is underscored by its Scopus rankings, placing it in the 98th percentile for Religious Studies and 73rd percentile for Sociology and Political Science. Spanning research and discourse from 2008 to 2024, the journal aims to foster a deeper understanding of how political ideologies shape and are shaped by religious contexts globally. Though not open access, the journal remains a crucial resource for researchers, professionals, and students eager to explore contemporary issues at the intersection of faith and governance, uncovering insights that are relevant to diverse audiences throughout the United Kingdom and beyond.

Review of Religion and Chinese Society

Contributing to the Understanding of Socio-Religious Dynamics
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 2214-3947Frequency: 2 issues/year

The Review of Religion and Chinese Society, published by BRILL, is an esteemed journal that provides a critical platform for scholarly discourse at the intersection of religion and society within the Chinese context. Since its inception, the journal has devoted itself to exploring the complexities of religious practices, beliefs, and their socio-cultural implications in China, making it an invaluable resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. With an H-index indicative of its academic rigor and a commendable ranking in the Q3 quartile across multiple fields including Arts and Humanities and Cultural Studies, this journal stands out for its insightful articles that contribute significantly to the advancement of knowledge and understanding in religious studies. Although currently not open access, it ensures wide academic reach through its distribution channels and maintains a strong emphasis on high-quality, peer-reviewed research. For those invested in the dynamic interplay of religion and society in contemporary China, the Review of Religion and Chinese Society is an essential publication that fosters academic engagement and dialogue.

Journal of Contemporary Religion

Innovating Perspectives in Religious Studies
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1353-7903Frequency: 3 issues/year

Journal of Contemporary Religion is an esteemed academic journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, situated in the United Kingdom. With a strong focus on the dynamic interplay between religion and contemporary issues, this journal provides a vital platform for interdisciplinary scholarship, bringing together perspectives from cultural studies, philosophy, and religious studies. The journal, which has been a contributing voice in its field since 1995, boasts impressive 2023 Scopus rankings, placed in the first quartile of its categories—ranking #66/644 in Religious Studies and #278/1304 in Cultural Studies, reflecting its high impact and relevance. Researchers and academics will find access to a wealth of original research, theoretical discourse, and critical analysis that challenges and expands the understanding of contemporary religious phenomena. Although not open access, the journal ensures rich content that engages a diverse readership, making it a pivotal resource for those at the forefront of religious studies scholarship.