RELIGION AND AMERICAN CULTURE-A JOURNAL OF INTERPRETATION

Scope & Guideline

Unveiling the Tapestry of Belief in American Life

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of RELIGION AND AMERICAN CULTURE-A JOURNAL OF INTERPRETATION with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1052-1151
PublisherCAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1991 to 1995, from 2001 to 2023
AbbreviationRELIG AM CULT / Relig. Am. Cult.-J. Interpret.
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressEDINBURGH BLDG, SHAFTESBURY RD, CB2 8RU CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Religion and American Culture: A Journal of Interpretation' serves as a critical platform for examining the intricate interplay between religion and American culture. It seeks to explore how religious beliefs, practices, and institutions shape and are shaped by the broader cultural context in the United States. Through diverse methodologies, the journal highlights the historical and contemporary dimensions of this relationship, providing a nuanced understanding of various religious traditions and their cultural implications.
  1. Exploration of Religious Diversity:
    The journal emphasizes the rich tapestry of religious traditions in America, examining how various faiths coexist, interact, and influence one another within the cultural landscape.
  2. Historical Analysis of Religion in America:
    It offers in-depth historical perspectives on the evolution of religious thought and practice in the U.S., addressing significant events, movements, and figures that have shaped American religious identity.
  3. Intersectionality of Religion with Social Issues:
    The journal explores how religion intersects with pressing social issues such as race, gender, and politics, highlighting the role of religious communities in advocating for social justice.
  4. Cultural Interpretation of Religious Practices:
    It aims to interpret and critique the cultural dimensions of religious practices, rituals, and beliefs, examining how they are expressed and understood in American society.
  5. Legal and Institutional Perspectives on Religion:
    The journal investigates the legal frameworks and institutional dynamics that govern religious expression in America, including the implications of religious freedom and state-church relations.
The journal has witnessed the emergence of several themes that reflect contemporary concerns and scholarly interests. These trending topics highlight the dynamic nature of the field and its responsiveness to current cultural dialogues.
  1. Gender and Sexuality in Religious Contexts:
    Recent publications have increasingly focused on the roles of gender and sexuality within various religious traditions, examining how these identities intersect with faith and community life.
  2. Race and Religion:
    There is a growing emphasis on the relationship between race and religion, particularly in understanding how religious identities are shaped by and respond to racial dynamics in American society.
  3. Legal and Political Dimensions of Religion:
    The journal is increasingly addressing the legal and political aspects of religion, particularly in relation to religious freedom, state policies, and public discourse surrounding faith.
  4. Cultural and Spiritual Practices:
    Emerging themes include an exploration of contemporary spiritual practices and their cultural implications, reflecting a broader interest in how spirituality manifests in modern American life.
  5. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Religious Studies:
    The journal is embracing interdisciplinary methodologies, incorporating insights from fields such as sociology, history, and cultural studies to enrich the understanding of religion in American culture.

Declining or Waning

While 'Religion and American Culture' continually evolves, certain themes have shown signs of declining prominence in recent years. This section identifies those waning areas of focus, reflecting shifts in scholarly interest or changes in the cultural landscape.
  1. Traditional Denominational Studies:
    There has been a noticeable decline in research focused solely on traditional denominational structures, as scholars increasingly turn their attention to more diverse and non-traditional forms of spirituality and religious expression.
  2. Historical Figures in Isolation:
    The analysis of individual historical figures in isolation appears to be waning, with a shift towards more contextualized studies that consider broader social movements and collective experiences.
  3. General Theological Discourse:
    The focus on general theological debates has decreased, as the journal's content increasingly prioritizes specific cultural and social issues over abstract theological discussions.

Similar Journals

Religion and Society-Advances in Research

Illuminating the Complex Ties Between Religion and Society
Publisher: BERGHAHN JOURNALSISSN: 2150-9298Frequency: 1 issue/year

Religion and Society-Advances in Research is a distinguished journal published by BERGHAHN JOURNALS, focusing on the multifaceted relationship between religion and societal dynamics. With an ISSN of 2150-9298 and E-ISSN 2150-9301, this journal has earned its reputation within the realm of Religious Studies, achieving an impressive Q1 ranking as of 2023, which places it among the top quartile of scholarly journals in its category. It features comprehensive research on various aspects of religion in contemporary society, making it a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students aiming to explore this dynamic field. Since transitioning to Open Access in 2020, the journal enhances its commitment to disseminating knowledge widely, fostering greater academic dialogue and outreach. The journal's emphasis on advancing rigorous scholarship, alongside its Scopus rank of #146/644 with a 77th percentile standing amongst peers in the Arts and Humanities, highlights its significant contributions to ongoing conversations in religious studies. Based in Brooklyn, NY, the journal welcomes submissions that deepen our understanding of the roles religions play in shaping societies today.

Journal of Religion in Japan

Investigating the Richness of Religion in Japan
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 2211-8330Frequency: 3 issues/year

Journal of Religion in Japan, published by BRILL, is a premier academic journal that explores the multifaceted dimensions of religion within the context of Japan. With an ISSN of 2211-8330 and an E-ISSN of 2211-8349, this journal boasts a remarkable position in the field, holding a Q1 ranking in Religious Studies and a commendable 85th percentile ranking in Scopus, indicating its significant impact and recognition among scholars. Covering pivotal themes such as the interplay between tradition and modernity in Japanese religious practices, the journal serves as a critical resource for researchers, professionals, and students, providing in-depth analyses, cutting-edge research findings, and thoughtful discussions. The journal's availability from 2012 to 2024 showcases its commitment to continuous exploration and engagement in religious studies, offering invaluable insights into the dynamic landscape of religion in contemporary Japan.

International Journal of Latin American Religions

Empowering Research on the Intricacies of Faith and Culture
Publisher: SPRINGERNATUREISSN: 2509-9957Frequency: 2 issues/year

International Journal of Latin American Religions, published by SpringerNature, is a leading peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing the understanding of religious practices, beliefs, and developments across Latin America. Since its inception in 2017, the journal has established a prominent position in critical fields, earning distinguished Q1 and Q2 rankings in History, Religious Studies, and Anthropology, which reflects its commitment to high-quality scholarship and research influence. With a Scopus rank that places it within the top percentiles of its discipline, the journal offers an integrative platform for scholars and practitioners to explore the diverse tapestry of Latin American religions. The Open Access model promotes greater visibility and accessibility of research findings, fostering collaborations among a global audience. This journal plays a pivotal role in synthesizing academic discourse and fostering innovative research, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students passionate about the intricate interplay of culture, history, and spirituality in Latin America.

Material Religion

Illuminating the Role of Objects in Religious Experience
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1743-2200Frequency: 4 issues/year

Material Religion is a premier scholarly journal dedicated to examining the interplay between material culture and religious practices, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, based in the United Kingdom. Since its inception in 2005, the journal has established itself as a vital resource in the fields of Religious Studies and Visual Arts and Performing Arts, holding a commendable Q2 quartile ranking and featuring a robust Scopus ranking that places it in the top 13% of its discipline. Designed to foster interdisciplinary dialogue, Material Religion offers a platform for innovative research that explores how material objects influence and are influenced by religious beliefs and practices. With no open access options, this journal continues to thrive as an essential reference for researchers, professionals, and students eager to understand the complexities of materiality in the context of religion and art. Positioned at the intersection of diverse academic fields, Material Religion not only contributes to scholarly discourse but also encourages critical reflections on how society engages with the material aspects of spirituality.

Oxford Journal of Law and Religion

Examining the Convergence of Legal Frameworks and Religious Thought
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESSISSN: 2047-0770Frequency: 3 issues/year

The Oxford Journal of Law and Religion, published by Oxford University Press, serves as a critical platform for the interdisciplinary exploration of legal and religious dimensions within contemporary societal frameworks. With an ISSN of 2047-0770 and an E-ISSN of 2047-0789, this journal has rapidly gained recognition in the fields of Law (Q4) and Religious Studies (Q3), as evidenced by its notable Scopus rankings – holding the 85th percentile in Religious Studies. Operating out of Oxford, UK, the journal focuses on fostering scholarly dialogue and advancing research that addresses the intricate relationships between legal systems and religious beliefs, appealing to scholars, legal practitioners, and theologians alike. Although it does not offer open access, the journal remains integral in shaping academic discourse from 2012 to 2023, ensuring that crucial intersections of law and religion are thoroughly examined and accessible to the academic community.

Journal of Religion and Popular Culture

Illuminating the Vibrant Ties Between Belief and Expression
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.

SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION

Advancing Insights into the Social Fabric of Belief
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESS INCISSN: 1069-4404Frequency: 4 issues/year

Sociology of Religion, published by Oxford University Press Inc, is a premier academic journal dedicated to advancing the understanding of religious phenomena through a sociological lens. With an impressive Impact Factor and consistently rated in the Q1 quartile for both Religious Studies and Social Sciences as of 2023, this journal is a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. Spanning decades of rigorous scholarship since its inception in 1964, the journal features articles that explore the interplay between religion and society, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and fostering a deeper comprehension of contemporary religious dynamics. Although it does not offer an open access model, its exceptional rankings—being in the 99th percentile in Religious Studies and 95th percentile in Social Sciences—underscore its significance in shaping academic discourse. With a commitment to publishing high-quality research, Sociology of Religion continues to be a crucial venue for cutting-edge studies that illuminate the complex relations between faith and social structures.

Religion and the Arts

Connecting Spiritual Narratives with Creative Endeavors
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.

ZEITSCHRIFT FUR RELIGIONS-UND GEISTESGESCHICHTE

Advancing Scholarly Dialogue on Belief and Philosophy
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.

JOURNAL OF RELIGION IN AFRICA

Illuminating the Depths of Religion Across Africa
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 0022-4200Frequency: 4 issues/year

The JOURNAL OF RELIGION IN AFRICA, published by BRILL, serves as a pivotal academic platform dedicated to the exploration and analysis of religious practices, beliefs, and transformations across the African continent. Since its inception, the journal has developed a rich tapestry of scholarship that spans its convergence years from 1967 to 2024, with a particular focus on the historical and sociocultural dimensions of religion. Holding a distinguished position in its field, it ranks in the Q2 category in both History and Religious Studies for 2023, reflecting its significant impact and quality of research. With Scopus rankings placing it in the 69th percentile of Religious Studies, this journal is essential for researchers, students, and professionals interested in understanding the complexities of African religious dynamics. Although it is not an open-access journal, the rigorous peer-review process ensures that only high-quality manuscripts contribute to the ever-expanding discourse on religion in Africa. The journal's commitment to scholarly excellence makes it a vital resource for anyone seeking to engage deeply with the subject.