Material Religion

Scope & Guideline

Exploring the Sacred in the Material World

Introduction

Welcome to the Material Religion 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 Material Religion, 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
ISSN1743-2200
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2005 to 2024
AbbreviationMATER RELIG / Mater. Relig.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Material Religion' serves as a platform for interdisciplinary studies that explore the intersection of material culture and religious practice. It focuses on how material objects, spaces, and practices shape religious beliefs and experiences across various cultural contexts.
  1. Material Culture and Religion:
    The journal emphasizes the role of material culture in shaping and expressing religious beliefs, rituals, and identities. This includes the study of artifacts, architecture, and everyday objects in religious contexts.
  2. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    'Material Religion' encourages interdisciplinary research that combines insights from anthropology, sociology, art history, and religious studies to analyze the complexities of materiality in religion.
  3. Global Perspectives:
    The journal features research from diverse cultural and geographical contexts, highlighting how material religion manifests differently across the globe and in various religious traditions.
  4. Agency and Relationality:
    A focus on the agency of objects and the relational dynamics between people, objects, and spaces is central to the journal's exploration of how materiality influences religious practices.
  5. Historical and Contemporary Studies:
    The journal publishes both historical analyses and contemporary case studies, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of material religion over time.
Recent publications in 'Material Religion' have highlighted several emerging themes that reflect current scholarly interests and societal issues. These trends indicate a dynamic engagement with materiality in contemporary religious practices.
  1. Materiality and Digital Culture:
    There is an increasing exploration of how digital technologies intersect with material religious practices, reflecting the influence of online spaces and digital artifacts on contemporary spirituality.
  2. Embodied Practices and Sensory Experience:
    Recent studies emphasize the sensory aspects of religious experience, focusing on how physical engagement with objects and spaces shapes belief and practice.
  3. Environmental and Ecological Concerns:
    Emerging themes include the relationship between religion and environmental issues, examining how material practices reflect and respond to ecological challenges and sustainability.
  4. Globalization and Transnationalism:
    The journal is seeing a rise in research that investigates the impacts of globalization on religious practices, including the movement of religious objects and the hybridization of beliefs in transnational contexts.
  5. Politics of Materiality:
    There is a growing focus on the political dimensions of material religion, exploring how material practices can both challenge and reinforce power structures within religious communities.

Declining or Waning

As the field of material religion evolves, certain themes have seen a decline in prominence within the journal's recent publications. This shift reflects changing scholarly interests and the emergence of new topics.
  1. Traditional Textual Analysis:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in studies focusing solely on textual analysis of religious scriptures, as the journal increasingly prioritizes material and embodied practices that go beyond written texts.
  2. Static Representations of Religion:
    Themes centered on static representations of religious beliefs, such as iconography without context, are becoming less frequent as the journal shifts towards dynamic interactions between materiality and lived religious experience.
  3. Historical Exclusivity:
    While historical studies remain important, there is a waning focus on overly specific historical narratives that do not connect to contemporary material practices, as scholars seek more integrative approaches.

Similar Journals

Journal of Religion and Popular Culture

Fostering Dialogue Between Spirituality and Popular Trends
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.

Archive for the Psychology of Religion-Archiv fur Religionspsychologie

Bridging Disciplines: Religion Meets Psychology
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 0084-6724Frequency: 3 issues/year

Archive for the Psychology of Religion - Archiv für Religionspsychologie, published by SAGE Publications Ltd, stands as a leading journal dedicated to the interdisciplinary exploration of religion through the lens of psychology. With its rich history dating back to its first issuance in 1914 and a robust scholarly presence, this journal continues to influence the field of religious studies, evidenced by its prestigious Q1 ranking in Religious Studies and notable Q2 and Q3 rankings in Philosophy and Psychology respectively. Operating from the Netherlands, the journal offers a comprehensive platform that engages with diverse theoretical and empirical research, making it invaluable for researchers and professionals alike. Although it does not currently offer open access options, its contributions to the understanding of religious experience, cognition, and behavior remain pivotal, especially as it navigates historical perspectives and contemporary issues alike. Scholars interested in advancing their knowledge in the psychology of religion will find a wealth of information and cutting-edge analyses within its pages, reflecting the journal's commitment to academic rigor and relevance in a rapidly evolving field.

Studia Ceranea

Illuminating History and Religion through Scholarly Discourse
Publisher: WYDAWNICTWO UNIWERSYTETU LODZKIEGOISSN: 2084-140XFrequency: 1 issue/year

Studia Ceranea is an esteemed academic journal published by WYDAWNICTWO UNIWERSYTETU LODZKIEGO, dedicated to advancing research in the fields of Cultural Studies, History, and Religious Studies. With an ISSN of 2084-140X and an E-ISSN matching, this journal has been a pivotal platform for scholarly dialogue since its establishment, now enjoying an Open Access format since 2016, which fosters greater accessibility of its articles. Based in Poland, Studia Ceranea has witnessed significant convergence, with publication efforts spanning from 2011 to 2024. The journal's current standing is reflected in its quartile rankings, placing it in the Q4 category for 2023 across Cultural Studies, History, and Religious Studies. Additionally, it sits at rank #1124 in History and #414 in Religious Studies within Scopus ranks, evidencing its role in the wider academic landscape. Researchers, professionals, and students alike are encouraged to engage with this journal as it continues to explore and illuminate critical themes within the humanities and social sciences.

REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS RESEARCH

Bridging Traditions and Contemporary Thought
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 0034-673XFrequency: 4 issues/year

REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS RESEARCH, published by SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC, is a premier, peer-reviewed journal that plays a pivotal role in advancing the fields of Religious Studies and Philosophy. With an impressive categorization in the Q1 quartile for both disciplines in 2023, this journal stands out in the arts and humanities, supported by its notable Scopus rankings—18th out of 644 in Religious Studies and 78th out of 806 in Philosophy—placing it in the top percentiles (97th and 90th, respectively). Emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches, the journal promotes scholarly dialogue through its comprehensive analysis of religious phenomena, theological developments, and moral questions stemming from varied cultural contexts. With publishing years extending back to 1977, the journal has consistently provided a robust platform for researchers, professionals, and students alike, who seek to explore the complex relationships between religion, society, and philosophy. As a crucial resource in understanding contemporary religious dynamics, REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS RESEARCH invites contributions that are insightful, well-researched, and thought-provoking, making it an essential publication for anyone invested in the study of religion today.

Jahrbuch der Oesterreichischen Byzantinistik

Navigating the intricate world of Byzantine literature and archaeology.
Publisher: OSTERREICHISCHE AKADEMIE WISSENSCHAFTENISSN: 0378-8660Frequency: 1 issue/year

Jahrbuch der Oesterreichischen Byzantinistik, published by the esteemed Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften, is a vital academic journal dedicated to advancing the study of Byzantine studies, history, and related fields. Situated in Austria, this journal serves as a critical platform for scholars and researchers, offering a rich collection of articles that reflect the diverse aspects of Byzantine culture, literature, and archaeological findings. Despite its recent categorization in the Q4 quartile in areas such as Archaeology, History, and Literary Theory, it commands impressive rankings within Scopus, particularly in Literature and Literary Theory at the 87th percentile, highlighting its growing impact in the arts and humanities. Researchers and professionals can access comprehensive studies that span from 2010 to 2018 and continue from 2020 to 2023, paving the way for interdisciplinary dialogue and exploration within the Byzantine field. As a continually evolving resource, the Jahrbuch is essential for those committed to deepening their understanding of this historically rich domain.

Religion Compass

Pioneering Insights into Global Religious Practices
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 1749-8171Frequency: 12 issues/year

Religion Compass is a distinguished academic journal published by WILEY that focuses on the dynamic and multifaceted field of religious studies. With its ISSN 1749-8171, this journal serves as a pivotal platform for scholars, researchers, and students, providing in-depth analyses and contemporary discussions on various aspects of religion across cultures and societies. Ranking in the Q2 category within the 2023 Religious Studies quartiles, and positioned at #88 out of 644 in the Scopus Arts and Humanities rankings, Religion Compass achieves an impressive 86th percentile in its field, underscoring its significance in advancing knowledge in religious studies. The journal, which covers converged years from 2007 to 2016 and from 2019 to 2024, is committed to publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed research that stimulates scholarly dialogue and exploration. Although it does not operate under an open access model, it remains a vital resource for those seeking to engage with the latest research and theoretical advancements in the study of religion, with its base located at 111 River St, Hoboken, NJ, USA.

ARTIBUS ASIAE

Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of Asian Arts
Publisher: ARTIBUS ASIAEISSN: 0004-3648Frequency: 2 issues/year

ARTIBUS ASIAE, published by ARTIBUS ASIAE, is a distinguished journal focused on the fields of Archeology and Visual Arts and Performing Arts. Based in Switzerland and with a history of converged years from 2002 to 2024, this journal serves as a vital platform for scholarly discourse and research dissemination within the arts and humanities. Although it currently does not offer open access, ARTIBUS ASIAE maintains a commitment to academic integrity and quality, as evidenced by its presence in Scopus rankings, which places it in the Q4 tier for both Archeology and its niche in the arts and humanities, while achieving a Q3 ranking in Visual Arts and Performing Arts. With an emphasis on advancing knowledge and understanding across various disciplines, ARTIBUS ASIAE is an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to enrich their understanding and contribute to the ongoing dialogue in these significant areas of study.

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.

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.

RIVISTA DI STORIA E LETTERATURA RELIGIOSA

Illuminating the Tapestry of Religious Literature
Publisher: CASA EDITRICE LEO S OLSCHKIISSN: 0035-6573Frequency: 3 issues/year

RIVISTA DI STORIA E LETTERATURA RELIGIOSA, published by CASA EDITRICE LEO S OLSCHKI, is an esteemed Italian journal dedicated to the interdisciplinary exploration of religious literature and its historical contexts. With an ISSN of 0035-6573 and an E-ISSN of 2035-7583, this journal serves as a platform for scholarly dialogue among researchers, professionals, and students in the fields of Literature, Religious Studies, and the Visual and Performing Arts. Although classified in the Q4 quartile for its categories in 2023, the journal presents a unique opportunity for contributors to engage deeply with underrepresented narratives and theories, thus fostering a richer understanding of the intersections between literature and religion. While currently not available as open access, the journal's poignant insights and rigorous scholarship make it a critical resource for those seeking to deepen their knowledge in these rich and diverse fields.