Journal for the Study of Religion

Scope & Guideline

Unlocking Insights into Global Religious Phenomena

Introduction

Welcome to your portal for understanding Journal for the Study of Religion, featuring guidelines for its aims and scope. Our guidelines cover trending and emerging topics, identifying the forefront of research. Additionally, we track declining topics, offering insights into areas experiencing reduced scholarly attention. Key highlights include highly cited topics and recently published papers, curated within these guidelines to assist you in navigating influential academic dialogues.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1011-7601
PublisherASSOC STUDY RELIGION SOUTHERN AFRICA
Support Open AccessNo
Country-
Type-
Converge-
AbbreviationJ STUDY RELIG / J. Study Relig.
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressC/O DEPT RELIGIOUS STUDIES, UNIV CAPE TOWN, RONDEBOSCH, KWAZULU-NATAL 7701, SOUTH AFRICA

Aims and Scopes

The Journal for the Study of Religion aims to provide a comprehensive platform for scholarly discourse on diverse religious traditions, practices, and their socio-cultural contexts. Through rigorous methodologies, it seeks to explore the intersection of religion with various societal issues, and to contribute to theoretical frameworks within the field of religious studies.
  1. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Religious Studies:
    The journal emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary methodologies, integrating perspectives from sociology, anthropology, theology, and philosophy to foster a nuanced understanding of religious phenomena.
  2. Contextual Studies of Religion:
    There is a consistent focus on the contextualization of religious practices and beliefs, particularly within African settings, allowing for a deeper exploration of local traditions and contemporary issues.
  3. Critical Engagement with Modernity and Postcolonialism:
    The journal frequently addresses themes of modernity and postcolonialism, examining how these forces shape religious identity and practice, especially in relation to colonial histories and contemporary global dynamics.
  4. Focus on Marginalized Voices and Non-traditional Religions:
    A unique contribution of the journal is its commitment to highlighting the experiences and perspectives of marginalized communities, including indigenous practices and newer religious movements.
  5. Ethical and Moral Dimensions in Religion:
    The journal explores moral economies and ethical practices within various religious traditions, investigating how these dimensions inform community life and individual behaviors.
Recent publications in the Journal for the Study of Religion indicate a clear shift towards emerging themes that reflect contemporary societal issues and the evolving landscape of religious practice. This section outlines these trending topics.
  1. Religious Responses to Global Crises:
    Papers addressing the impact of global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on religious practices and communities are increasingly prominent, highlighting how religions adapt to unprecedented challenges.
  2. Pentecostalism and Its Diverse Expressions:
    There is a growing focus on the various expressions of Pentecostalism, especially within African contexts, examining its socio-economic implications and cultural adaptations.
  3. Postcolonial and Decolonial Perspectives:
    Recent works are increasingly engaging with postcolonial and decolonial theories, exploring how colonial histories continue to influence contemporary religious identities and practices.
  4. Migration and Religion:
    The intersection of migration and religion is becoming a significant theme, with studies examining how religious communities respond to and shape the experiences of migrants.
  5. Moral Economy and Ethical Practices:
    An emerging interest in the concept of moral economy within religious contexts is evident, with papers exploring how economic practices intersect with ethical and moral dimensions in religious communities.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal for the Study of Religion continues to explore a wide array of topics, certain themes appear to be declining in prominence over recent years. This section highlights these waning areas of focus.
  1. Traditional Dogmatic Theology:
    There seems to be a noticeable reduction in papers dedicated to classical dogmatic theology, as the journal shifts towards more contextual and experiential approaches to understanding religious beliefs.
  2. Historical Analysis of Major Religions:
    While historical perspectives remain important, there is a decline in papers focused solely on the historical analysis of major world religions, with a growing preference for contemporary and applied studies.
  3. Solely Western Perspectives on Religion:
    The journal is increasingly moving away from a Western-centric examination of religions, reflecting a broader global perspective that emphasizes non-Western traditions and contexts.
  4. Static Views on Religious Practices:
    There is a waning interest in static or unchanging views of religious practices, as the journal embraces more dynamic and fluid understandings of how religions adapt and evolve.
  5. Focus on Interfaith Dialogue:
    The emphasis on interfaith dialogue, while still relevant, appears to be less frequent, as the journal shifts towards more critical analyses of specific religious identities and their socio-political contexts.

Similar Journals

Religion and the Arts

Celebrating the Dynamic Relationship Between Belief and Artistry
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 1079-9265Frequency: 5 issues/year

Religion and the Arts is a distinguished scholarly journal published by BRILL, based in the Netherlands, with a dedicated focus on the interdisciplinary exploration of religion and its interplay with various artistic expressions from historical and contemporary perspectives. Established in 1996, this journal serves as a vital platform for researchers, professionals, and students interested in Cultural Studies, History, Religious Studies, and the Visual and Performing Arts. Despite its current classification in the Q4 category across multiple fields, it remains committed to advancing academic discourse and fostering innovative approaches to understanding the complex relationships between spirituality and artistic creation. With its ISSN 1079-9265 and E-ISSN 1568-5292, the journal invites submissions that contribute to enriching this dynamic field, ensuring that a diverse range of voices and perspectives are represented. Although not an Open Access publication, the journal’s content continues to be pivotal for scholarly engagement and is essential reading for those dedicated to the study of art's profound connections with religious traditions.

Religion and Theology-A Journal of Contemporary Religious Discourse

Exploring the Depths of Contemporary Faith
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 1023-0807Frequency: 4 issues/year

Religion and Theology - A Journal of Contemporary Religious Discourse is a prestigious scholarly journal published by BRILL, located in the Netherlands. With its ISSN 1023-0807 and E-ISSN 1574-3012, the journal serves as a vital platform for scholarly discourse in the fields of Religious Studies and Social Sciences, achieving notable recognition with a 2023 Q2 ranking in Religious Studies and Q3 in Social Sciences (miscellaneous). Understanding the complexities of contemporary religious dynamics is crucial, and this journal publishes high-quality, peer-reviewed articles that advance knowledge and stimulate thought through interdisciplinary dialogue. With a strong commitment to academic rigor since its inception in 1996, it has created a significant impact within the academic community, evidenced by its Scopus Ranks, where it stands at #196 out of 644 in Religious Studies and #446 out of 604 in Social Sciences. Researchers, professionals, and students engaged in the study of religion, cultures, and societal effects of belief systems will find this journal an indispensable resource. This publication embraces open discussions and encourages diverse perspectives, facilitating an enriching environment for both contributors and readers alike in understanding the evolving landscape of religious thought.

Journal of Contemporary Religion

Challenging Norms, Expanding Understandings
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.

Dinbilimleri Akademik Arastirma Dergisi-Journal of Academic Research in Religious Sciences

Cultivating a deeper understanding of belief systems.
Publisher: DINBILIMLERI AKAD ARASTIRMA MERKEZIISSN: 1303-9199Frequency: 2 issues/year

Dinbilimleri Akademik Arastirma Dergisi - Journal of Academic Research in Religious Sciences is a distinguished periodical dedicated to advancing the field of religious studies through rigorous academic research. Published by DINBILIMLERI AKAD ARASTIRMA MERKEZI, this journal fosters scholarly dialogue and dissemination of knowledge, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. With its ISSN 1303-9199, the journal is committed to providing open access to its rich array of articles, ensuring that valuable insights and findings in religious sciences are widely available. Located at Ondokuz Mayıs University in Samsun, Turkey, this journal contributes significantly to the academic landscape by offering critical examinations of contemporary and historical issues in religion. Emphasizing quality and relevance, the journal aspires to facilitate a deeper understanding of religious phenomena in our increasingly interconnected world.

Nordic Journal of Religion and Society

Bridging Disciplines to Illuminate Nordic Religious Landscapes
Publisher: SCANDINAVIAN UNIV PRESS-UNIVERSITETSFORLAGET ASISSN: 0809-7291Frequency: 2 issues/year

The Nordic Journal of Religion and Society is a leading academic journal dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of religion within societal contexts, published by Scandinavian University Press - Universitetsforlaget AS. With its ISSN 0809-7291 and E-ISSN 1890-7008, this journal proudly occupies a significant position in the field, reflected by its Q2 ranking in Religious Studies (2023) and a commendable Scopus percentile of 77, ranking 147 out of 644 in its category. The Nordic Journal of Religion and Society aims to publish high-quality, original research that explores how religious beliefs and practices intersect with societal transformations across the Nordic context. The journal emphasizes the importance of diverse methodological approaches and theoretical frameworks, fostering scholarly dialogue that enhances understanding of contemporary socio-religious phenomena. Though it operates under a subscription model, the journal’s commitment to academic excellence makes it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students keen on advancing knowledge within this dynamic and evolving field.

Faith and Philosophy

Illuminating the Dialogue Between Tradition and Modernity
Publisher: PHILOSOPHY DOCUMENTATION CENTERISSN: 0739-7046Frequency: 4 issues/year

Faith and Philosophy, an esteemed journal specializing in the interdisciplinary realms of philosophy and religious studies, is published by the Philosophy Documentation Center. With an impressive ranking of Q2 in Philosophy and Q1 in Religious Studies for 2023, as well as a notable placement in the 85th percentile in Scopus' Religious Studies category, this journal serves as a vital forum for scholars and practitioners alike. Covering a diverse range of topics from metaphysical inquiries to ethical discussions, Faith and Philosophy aims to foster dialogue and deepen understanding within the context of faith and reason. Although it does not currently offer open access options, the journal continues to attract a wide readership with its rigorous academic standards and commitment to advancing philosophical discourse. Addressing complex questions that bridge tradition and contemporary thought, Faith and Philosophy is essential for anyone interested in the intersections of faith, reason, and critical inquiry.

STUDIES IN RELIGION-SCIENCES RELIGIEUSES

Connecting Scholars in the Evolving Landscape of Religion
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 0008-4298Frequency: 4 issues/year

STUDIES IN RELIGION - SCIENCES RELIGIEUSES, published by SAGE Publications Ltd, serves as a premier platform for scholarly research in the field of Religious Studies, with an ISSN of 0008-4298 and an E-ISSN of 2042-0587. As a journal with a distinguished history dating back to 1971, it has established itself in the Q1 category of Religious Studies and ranks an impressive 173 out of 644 in Scopus, positioning itself in the 73rd percentile among its peers. The journal not only aims to disseminate innovative research that advances understanding of religious phenomena but also fosters critical dialogue among scholars, professionals, and students alike. Although it does not currently offer Open Access options, its rigorous peer-review process ensures that published articles meet the highest academic standards. Situated in the United States, the journal is committed to maintaining scholarly excellence and relevance in an ever-evolving field of study, making it an essential resource for anyone engaged in the academic exploration of religion.

ZEITSCHRIFT FUR RELIGIONS-UND GEISTESGESCHICHTE

Exploring the Depths of Faith and Thought
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 0044-3441Frequency: 4 issues/year

ZEITSCHRIFT FUR RELIGIONS-UND GEISTESGESCHICHTE is a prominent academic journal published by BRILL, focusing on the intricacies of religious and intellectual history. Since its inception in 1929, this journal has provided a key platform for scholarly discourse, offering insights into the historical evolution of religious beliefs and philosophical thought. Although it currently holds a Q4 ranking in the fields of History, Philosophy, and Religious Studies according to the 2023 category quartiles, it serves as an important resource for researchers and students alike who are engaged in these disciplines. With an ISSN of 0044-3441, the journal strives to foster academic dialogue and critical analysis, contributing to the understanding of how religious and philosophical ideologies shape human experience. The journal is based in Leiden, Netherlands, and while it does not currently offer open access, it supports the academic community by providing essential research articles that are invaluable for those exploring the intersections of faith, culture, and thought.

Critical Research on Religion

Engaging with the Dynamics of Religion Today
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 2050-3032Frequency: 3 issues/year

Critical Research on Religion is a premier academic journal dedicated to the exploration of religious phenomena, offering a critical lens on the complexities of religion in contemporary society. Published by SAGE Publications Inc in the United Kingdom, this journal serves as an essential resource for researchers, practitioners, and students in the field of Religious Studies. With an esteemed Q1 category ranking in 2023, it is positioned within the top 8% of journals, reflecting its significant contribution to the domain, as evidenced by its impressive Scopus Rank of #50 out of 644 in the Arts and Humanities field. Operating on a commitment to rigorous scholarship, the journal accepts articles that engage with theoretical frameworks and empirical research, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and insight. As a vital platform for critical discourse, Critical Research on Religion invites contributions that challenge conventional perspectives and deepen our understanding of religious practices, beliefs, and their socio-cultural implications. With a publication timeline spanning from 2013 to 2024, the journal is dedicated to fostering scholarly collaboration and knowledge dissemination.

Numen-Revista de Estudos e Pesquisa da Religiao

Exploring the Depths of Religious Understanding
Publisher: UNIV FEDERAL JUIZ FORA, INST CIENCIAS HUMANASISSN: 1516-1021Frequency: 2 issues/year

Numen-Revista de Estudos e Pesquisa da Religião is a distinguished academic journal dedicated to the multifaceted study of religion, published by the Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, specifically within the Institute of Human Sciences. With its ISSN 1516-1021 and E-ISSN 2236-6296, this journal serves as an essential platform for scholars and researchers interested in exploring diverse aspects of religious studies, including theological, sociological, and anthropological perspectives. Although the journal currently does not offer open access, it provides a rich repository of peer-reviewed articles aimed at advancing the understanding of religious phenomena across cultural contexts. Located in Brazil, the journal aims to foster academic discourse and contribute to the global conversation on religion, drawing connections between local practices and global trends. The absence of H-index and quartile rankings does not detract from its significance; rather, it invites emerging researchers to contribute valuable insights to this evolving field.