Journal for the Study of Religion
Scope & Guideline
Challenging Paradigms in the Study of Religion
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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.
Trending and Emerging
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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
Method & Theory in the Study of Religion
Pioneering Scholarly Discourse in the Study of ReligionMethod & Theory in the Study of Religion is a prestigious academic journal published by BRILL, renowned for its significant contributions to the field of Religious Studies. Established in 1989, this journal has consistently maintained its reputation for excellence, currently holding a remarkable Q1 ranking in the 2023 category for Religious Studies and an impressive position of 53rd out of 644 journals in the Scopus Arts and Humanities rankings, placing it in the 91st percentile. The journal provides a platform for scholarly discourse, focusing on innovative methodologies and theoretical frameworks that enhance our understanding of religion in the contemporary world. With a commitment to rigorous peer review and a diverse array of research articles, Method & Theory in the Study of Religion is an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students dedicated to exploring the complexities of faith, practice, and belief systems. Based in the Netherlands, this journal continually seeks to expand its readership and influence, making it a key player in the ongoing dialogue within the field.
Journal of Religion and Popular Culture
Fostering Dialogue Between Spirituality and Popular TrendsJournal 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.
Faith and Philosophy
Illuminating the Dialogue Between Tradition and ModernityFaith 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.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF RELIGION
Advancing the discourse in religious studies.The Journal of the American Academy of Religion, established in 1933, is a leading peer-reviewed journal published by Oxford University Press that serves as a significant platform for scholarly discourse in the field of religious studies. Recognized for its impact factor and esteemed ranking as Q1 in the 2023 category of Religious Studies, this journal is indexed among the top-tier publications, holding the 52nd position out of 644 in the Scopus Arts and Humanities classification. With a focus on advancing the understanding of various religious phenomena, the journal publishes innovative research that spans a wide array of contexts and traditions, making it an essential resource for researchers, scholars, and practitioners alike. While the journal does not offer open access options, its rigorous standards and rich archival content ensure that it remains a pivotal locus for academic engagements on religion in contemporary society.
Cahiers d Etudes du Religieux-Recherches Interdisciplinaires
Illuminating the Complexities of Religious ExperienceCahiers d Etudes du Religieux-Recherches Interdisciplinaires, published by the CENTRE INTERDISCIPLINAIRE ETUDES RELIGIEUX, is a premier open-access journal dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of religion. Since its inception in 2007, this journal has fostered scholarly communication and innovative research in the field of religious studies, providing a platform for varied perspectives that range across history, sociology, theology, and anthropology. With its ISSN of 1760-5776, it is easily accessible to researchers, professionals, and students seeking to expand their knowledge and engage with cutting-edge studies in religion. Situated in Montpellier, France, this journal plays a vital role in disseminating impactful research and enhancing academic dialogue among scholars of diverse backgrounds. By emphasizing open access, Cahiers d Etudes du Religieux ensures that significant insights into religious phenomena are available to a global audience, encouraging collaboration and exploration within the scholarly community.
Estudos de Religiao
Promoting Global Collaboration in Religious ResearchEstudos de Religiao is a prestigious academic journal published by UNIV METODISTA SAO PAULO, dedicated to the study of religious phenomena, practices, and thought. Since its establishment in 2007, this open-access journal has served as a crucial platform for researchers, scholars, and students interested in exploring various aspects of religion, spirituality, and their socio-cultural impacts. With an ISSN of 0103-801X and an E-ISSN of 2176-1078, the journal aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and promote scholarly communication in the field of religious studies. The editorial team is committed to maintaining high academic standards and ensuring the visibility of research through a rigorous peer-review process. By providing free access to its content, Estudos de Religiao not only enhances the dissemination of knowledge but also encourages global collaboration among researchers interested in the complexities of religious life.
Journal of Religion in Europe
Bridging Disciplines to Illuminate Religious DynamicsThe Journal of Religion in Europe is a prestigious academic publication dedicated to exploring the intricate relationships between religion and European society. Published by BRILL, one of the world’s foremost publishers in the humanities, this journal holds a remarkable Q1 ranking in Religious Studies and is positioned in the 77th percentile of Scopus ranks, underscoring its significance in the field. With a focus on interdisciplinary research, the journal covers topics ranging from historical analyses to contemporary issues relating to religion across Europe. Although it operates under a traditional subscription model, readers can access a wealth of peer-reviewed articles that seek to advance scholarly discourse. The Journal of Religion in Europe serves as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of religion in a rapidly changing European landscape.
Politics and Religion Journal
Unveiling the Dynamics of Belief and PowerPolitics and Religion Journal, published by the CENTER STUDY RELIGION & RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE in Serbia, stands as a pivotal platform for scholarly dialogue at the intersection of political science, sociology, and religious studies. Established as an Open Access journal since 2007, it provides unrestricted access to research findings, fostering a comprehensive understanding of how religion influences political dynamics across various cultures and societies. With ISSN 1820-6581 and E-ISSN 1820-659X, the journal has consistently contributed to the academic discourse, evident in its ranking within the 63rd percentile for Religious Studies and 22nd percentile for Sociology and Political Science, according to Scopus metrics. The journal aims to present innovative research, critical essays, and reviews that examine the nuanced relationships between faith, governance, and societal norms, ultimately enhancing the dialogue among researchers, professionals, and students globally.
ETUDES THEOLOGIQUES ET RELIGIEUSES
Challenging Paradigms, Expanding PerspectivesETUDES THEOLOGIQUES ET RELIGIEUSES, published by the prestigious Institut Protestant de Théologie in France, is a pivotal journal dedicated to advancing the field of religious studies. With an ISSN of 0014-2239, this academic publication showcases a diverse array of scholarly articles, reviews, and discussions that delve deep into theological discourse and religious phenomena. Despite its current Q4 category ranking in the broader scope of the Arts and Humanities, the journal serves as an invaluable platform for researchers, professionals, and students who seek to explore the complexities of religion in contemporary society. Covering a convergence of insights from 2002 to 2024, the journal aims to foster dialogue, critical thinking, and expanded knowledge within the religious studies community. Aiming to enhance its impact and visibility, ETUDES THEOLOGIQUES ET RELIGIEUSES invites contributions that challenge existing paradigms while encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration. Although it does not offer open access, the journal remains a respected source of scholarly content for those invested in the dynamic landscape of theology and religious inquiry, published in the vibrant academic context of Montpellier, France.
NUMEN-INTERNATIONAL REVIEW FOR THE HISTORY OF RELIGIONS
Advancing Scholarship in the Study of ReligionsNUMEN-INTERNATIONAL REVIEW FOR THE HISTORY OF RELIGIONS is a prestigious academic journal published by BRILL, renowned for its rigorous scholarship in the fields of history and religious studies. Since its inception in 1954, this journal has served as a vital resource for researchers and scholars, covering diverse aspects of religious phenomena across cultures and epochs. With an impressive ranking of #76 in history and #29 in religious studies according to Scopus, its Q1 category distinction showcases its significant impact and relevance in the academic community, holding a remarkable 95th percentile ranking in these disciplines. While it does not currently offer Open Access, NUMEN ensures the dissemination of vital scholarly contributions to the history of religion. Researchers, professionals, and students alike will find in its pages a wealth of insightful articles that not only reflect the dynamic nature of religious studies but also stimulate further inquiry and debate in this critical field.