JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF RELIGION

Scope & Guideline

Advancing the Frontiers of Religious Inquiry

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF RELIGION 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
ISSN0021-8294
PublisherWILEY
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Converge1977, from 1979 to 1980, from 1983 to 1984, from 1987 to 1988, from 1996 to 2001, from 2005 to 2024
AbbreviationJ SCI STUD RELIG / J. Sci. Stud. Relig.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ

Aims and Scopes

The "Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion" focuses on the empirical research of religion, integrating diverse methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches to understand the role of religion in society. The journal emphasizes the relationship between religion and various social, political, and cultural factors, providing a platform for rigorous scholarly analysis.
  1. Empirical Research on Religion:
    The journal prioritizes empirical studies that provide quantitative and qualitative insights into religious behaviors, beliefs, and institutions.
  2. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    Research published in the journal often intersects with sociology, psychology, political science, and cultural studies, fostering a comprehensive understanding of religious phenomena.
  3. Social and Political Contexts of Religion:
    A significant focus is placed on how religion interacts with social movements, political ideologies, and cultural dynamics, particularly in the context of contemporary issues such as nationalism, race, and gender.
  4. Diversity of Religious Experiences:
    The journal explores a wide range of religious expressions, including mainstream, minority, and non-religious identities, highlighting the complex landscape of belief systems.
  5. Impact of Religion on Social Issues:
    There is a consistent examination of how religion influences social issues such as health, well-being, morality, and community engagement, providing valuable insights for policy and practice.
Recent publications in the "Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion" reveal emerging themes that are gaining traction within the field. These trends reflect the evolving landscape of religious studies and the increasing relevance of religion in contemporary social discourse.
  1. Intersectionality in Religion:
    There is a growing focus on how intersecting identities—such as race, gender, and sexuality—shape religious experiences and practices, highlighting the complexity of personal faith in diverse contexts.
  2. Religion and Social Justice Movements:
    Recent studies emphasize the role of religion in social justice initiatives, particularly regarding racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental activism, indicating a trend towards activism within religious communities.
  3. Impact of COVID-19 on Religious Life:
    The pandemic has sparked a surge of research on how COVID-19 has affected religious practices, community engagement, and individual beliefs, revealing significant shifts in how faith is experienced.
  4. Digital Religion and Technology:
    An increasing number of studies explore the intersections of religion and technology, including how digital platforms are reshaping religious practices and community engagement in the modern age.
  5. Religious Disaffiliation and Secularization Trends:
    Emerging themes focus on the dynamics of religious disaffiliation, particularly among younger generations, and the implications of these trends for traditional religious institutions.

Declining or Waning

While the journal has maintained a robust focus on various aspects of religion, certain themes appear to be declining in prominence over recent years. This trend may reflect shifts in societal interest or changes in the academic landscape surrounding the study of religion.
  1. Traditional Doctrinal Studies:
    Research focused solely on doctrinal or theological aspects of specific religions has decreased, as the journal increasingly emphasizes empirical and sociological perspectives.
  2. Historical Analysis of Religion:
    There appears to be a waning interest in purely historical analyses of religious traditions, with a shift towards contemporary applications and implications of religious beliefs and practices.
  3. Religious Exclusivism:
    Themes centered around the exclusivity of particular religious beliefs or practices are less frequently addressed, as the journal increasingly highlights pluralism and interreligious dialogue.
  4. Static Models of Religiosity:
    There is a decline in studies that utilize static models of religiosity, with a growing interest in dynamic and contextual approaches that account for changes in religious identity over time.
  5. Conventional Religious Practices:
    Research exploring conventional religious practices without considering their broader social implications is becoming less common, as the journal seeks to connect religion with contemporary societal issues.

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