Nova Religio-Journal of Alternative and Emergent Religions

Scope & Guideline

Charting New Territories in Religious Studies

Introduction

Welcome to the Nova Religio-Journal of Alternative and Emergent Religions 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 Nova Religio-Journal of Alternative and Emergent Religions, 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
ISSN1092-6690
PublisherUNIV CALIFORNIA PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2009 to 2024
AbbreviationNOVA RELIG / Nova Relig.
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address155 GRAND AVE, SUITE 400, OAKLAND, CA 94612-3758

Aims and Scopes

The journal "Nova Religio: Journal of Alternative and Emergent Religions" seeks to explore the dynamic and evolving landscape of religious beliefs and practices, particularly those that emerge outside traditional frameworks. It emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to understanding new and alternative religions, their cultural contexts, and their social implications.
  1. Exploration of New Religious Movements (NRMs):
    The journal focuses on the study of new religious movements, examining their origins, beliefs, and practices, as well as their interactions with mainstream religions and society.
  2. Interdisciplinary Methodologies:
    Utilizing a variety of methodologies from anthropology, sociology, history, and cultural studies, the journal encourages diverse perspectives on the study of alternative religions.
  3. Cultural Contextualization:
    It emphasizes the importance of cultural context in understanding the development and expression of alternative religious practices, particularly in relation to race, gender, and identity.
  4. Contemporary Issues and Trends:
    The journal addresses contemporary issues facing alternative religions, such as the impact of technology, globalization, and social movements on religious practices.
  5. Re-examining Historical Narratives:
    By revisiting historical events and figures within alternative religions, the journal seeks to challenge established narratives and provide new insights into their significance.
The journal has observed several emerging themes that reflect current societal changes and interests within the field of religious studies, particularly in the context of alternative and emergent religions.
  1. Digital Religion and Online Communities:
    A growing body of work explores how digital platforms are reshaping religious practices and communities, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the intersection between technology and spirituality.
  2. Intersectionality in Religious Studies:
    There is an increasing emphasis on intersectional analyses that consider how race, gender, and sexuality intersect within religious practices, particularly in minority and marginalized groups.
  3. Health and Spirituality:
    Research focusing on the relationship between spirituality and health practices, including alternative healing modalities, has gained prominence, reflecting broader societal interests in holistic wellness.
  4. Environmental Spirituality and Eco-Theology:
    Emerging themes related to ecological concerns and the spiritual dimensions of environmentalism are becoming more prevalent, addressing the intersection of faith and climate activism.
  5. Psychedelic Spirituality:
    The exploration of psychedelics within spiritual contexts is gaining traction, reflecting a renewed interest in altered states of consciousness and their implications for understanding spirituality.

Declining or Waning

While the journal continues to cover a wide range of topics, certain themes have become less prominent in recent publications, indicating a potential shift in focus or scholarly interest.
  1. Traditional Religious Studies Approaches:
    There seems to be a waning interest in conventional religious studies methodologies that do not incorporate contemporary cultural or social dynamics, as newer, more contextually aware methodologies gain traction.
  2. Focus on Established Religions:
    The journal appears to be moving away from in-depth analyses of established religious traditions in favor of newer movements, suggesting a diminishing prominence of traditional religious scholarship.
  3. Historical Studies without Contemporary Relevance:
    Papers that focus solely on historical aspects without linking them to current issues or movements are less frequently published, indicating a shift towards relevance in contemporary discussions.
  4. Static Constructs of Religion:
    There is a decline in works that treat religions as static entities, as the journal favors analyses that reflect the fluid and evolving nature of spiritual practices.
  5. Gender Norms in Religious Contexts:
    While gender issues are still present, there is a noticeable decrease in articles that solely focus on traditional gender roles within established religions, as the discourse shifts towards intersectionality and broader identities.

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