Literature and Theology

Scope & Guideline

Where Words Meet Worship.

Introduction

Welcome to the Literature and Theology information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Literature and Theology, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0269-1205
PublisherOXFORD UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1987 to 2023
AbbreviationLIT THEOL / Lit. Theol.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressGREAT CLARENDON ST, OXFORD OX2 6DP, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Literature and Theology' explores the intricate relationships between literary studies and theological discourse. Its primary focus is on how literature interacts with, reflects, and critiques religious thought and practice across various cultural contexts.
  1. Interdisciplinary Dialogue:
    The journal fosters an interdisciplinary approach that combines literary analysis with theological inquiry, allowing for a rich exploration of how literature shapes and is shaped by religious beliefs.
  2. Cultural Contextualization:
    It emphasizes the importance of cultural and historical contexts in understanding the interplay between literature and theology, often examining texts from diverse traditions and time periods.
  3. Exploration of Religious Themes:
    The journal consistently publishes works that analyze specific religious themes within literary texts, such as forgiveness, grace, and existential questions, highlighting their relevance in contemporary discourse.
  4. Innovative Methodologies:
    Utilizing a variety of methodologies, including cognitive approaches, feminist critiques, and ecocritical perspectives, the journal seeks to provide fresh insights into the intersections of faith and literature.
  5. Focus on Contemporary Issues:
    The journal often addresses contemporary social issues through the lens of literature and theology, exploring themes such as postcolonialism, feminism, and ecotheology.
Recent publications in 'Literature and Theology' reveal emerging themes that indicate a dynamic engagement with contemporary issues, reflecting the journal's adaptability to current scholarly conversations.
  1. Ecotheology and Environmental Literature:
    An increasing number of articles explore the intersection of ecological concerns and theological reflections, highlighting the relevance of literature in addressing environmental crises.
  2. Postcolonial and Feminist Perspectives:
    There is a growing emphasis on postcolonial and feminist critiques, particularly in examining how literature engages with issues of identity, race, and gender within religious contexts.
  3. Intersections of Popular Culture and Theology:
    The journal is seeing an uptick in works that analyze popular culture phenomena (such as speculative fiction and graphic novels) through a theological lens, indicating a broader engagement with contemporary cultural narratives.
  4. Experiential and Practical Theology:
    Emerging themes focus on lived experiences and social transformations through literature, suggesting a shift towards practical theology that resonates with current societal challenges.
  5. Global Perspectives on Faith and Literature:
    There is a notable trend towards exploring non-Western literary traditions and their theological implications, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and global discourse.

Declining or Waning

While 'Literature and Theology' continues to expand its scope, certain themes seem to be receding in prominence over recent years. These waning scopes reflect shifts in academic focus and changing societal interests.
  1. Traditional Doctrinal Theology:
    There has been a noticeable decline in papers focused solely on traditional doctrinal theology, as the journal increasingly prioritizes interdisciplinary approaches that engage with contemporary cultural issues.
  2. Historical Literary Criticism:
    Research that primarily engages with historical literary criticism without connecting to modern theological implications appears less frequently, indicating a shift towards more contemporary and applied literary studies.
  3. Secularization Narratives:
    Themes surrounding secularization and its implications for literature are less prevalent, suggesting that the discourse may be evolving towards a more nuanced understanding of faith in post-secular contexts.
  4. Canonical Literature:
    Papers focusing on canonical literary texts in isolation from broader cultural or theological discussions are showing signs of decline, reflecting a broader trend towards inclusion of diverse voices and texts.

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