Religion Compass

Scope & Guideline

Exploring the Intersections of Faith and Culture

Introduction

Welcome to the Religion Compass 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 Religion Compass, 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
ISSN1749-8171
PublisherWILEY
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2007 to 2016, from 2019 to 2024
AbbreviationRELIG COMPASS / Relig. Compass
Frequency12 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ

Aims and Scopes

Religion Compass is dedicated to the multidisciplinary exploration of religious studies, engaging with diverse traditions, contemporary issues, and theoretical frameworks. The journal aims to contribute significantly to the understanding of religion in various contexts, emphasizing both historical perspectives and modern applications.
  1. Interdisciplinary Research:
    The journal encourages the integration of various academic disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, history, and theology, to provide a comprehensive understanding of religious phenomena.
  2. Global Perspectives:
    Religion Compass emphasizes the importance of examining religions from a global viewpoint, highlighting diverse cultural contexts and their impact on religious practices and beliefs.
  3. Contemporary Issues in Religion:
    The journal focuses on current topics, such as climate change, identity politics, and social dynamics, that intersect with religious studies, ensuring relevance to modern challenges.
  4. Historical Contextualization:
    A core aim is to explore the historical developments of religious traditions and their contemporary adaptations, providing depth and insight into current practices.
  5. Innovative Methodologies:
    The journal promotes the use of innovative methodologies, including digital humanities, material culture studies, and feminist ethnography, to address complex religious phenomena.
Recent publications in Religion Compass reveal emerging themes that are gaining prominence, reflecting the evolving landscape of religious studies and the pressing issues faced by contemporary societies.
  1. Interfaith Relations and Peace Studies:
    Recent papers emphasize the dynamics of interfaith relations, particularly in contexts like Nigeria, highlighting the importance of peaceful coexistence and dialogue among different religious communities.
  2. Environmental Ethics in Religion:
    There is a growing focus on the intersection of religion and environmental issues, particularly climate change, as faith communities engage with ecological concerns and promote sustainability.
  3. Digital Religion and Identity:
    The impact of digital technology on religious practices and identity formation is increasingly prominent, with studies exploring how online platforms influence religious engagement and community building.
  4. Gender and Religion:
    Topics related to gender, particularly women's roles in religious movements and feminist perspectives, are gaining traction, reflecting broader societal discussions on gender equality and representation.
  5. New Religious Movements:
    There is a notable increase in research on new religious movements, particularly their social implications and interactions with established traditions, indicating a vibrant area of inquiry.

Declining or Waning

While Religion Compass continues to explore a wide range of topics, certain themes have shown a decline in publication frequency or relevance in recent years. This may reflect shifts in academic interest or broader societal changes.
  1. Traditional Religious Practices:
    There has been a noticeable decline in papers focused on purely traditional religious practices without contemporary relevance, as scholars increasingly seek to connect historical practices with modern implications.
  2. Homogeneous Religious Narratives:
    Research that presents singular, homogeneous narratives of religious traditions is waning, as there is a growing recognition of the diversity and complexity within religious communities.
  3. Static Historical Analyses:
    Papers that focus solely on static historical analyses without considering contemporary interpretations or applications are becoming less prevalent, indicating a shift towards more dynamic approaches.
  4. Localized Studies Without Global Context:
    Studies that do not connect local religious phenomena to global trends are decreasing, reflecting an increasing awareness of the interconnectedness of religious experiences across the world.
  5. Theoretical Approaches Lacking Empirical Evidence:
    There is a trend away from theoretical explorations that do not engage with empirical data, as the field moves towards more evidence-based research.

Similar Journals

RELIGION

Navigating the Complexities of Spirituality and Society
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0048-721XFrequency: 4 issues/year

RELIGION, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, stands as a preeminent scholarly journal dedicated to the multifaceted study of religion across various disciplines. With an ISSN of 0048-721X and an E-ISSN of 1096-1151, this journal provides a rich platform for the exploration of religious phenomena, their historical contexts, and their sociopolitical implications. Since its inception in 1971, RELIGION has continually adapted to the evolving landscape of religious studies and maintains a prestigious Q1 ranking in History and Q2 in Sociology and Political Science, affirming its significance within these fields. Researchers and professionals will benefit from a robust selection of peer-reviewed articles that engage with contemporary issues, making significant contributions to both academic discourse and practical applications in society. While the journal is not open access, it continues to reach a wide audience, enhancing understanding in a diverse range of religious contexts and practices. This journal not only captures the pulse of current debates but also shapes the trajectory of future scholarship.

Cross Currents

Advancing Interdisciplinary Understanding of Social Dynamics
Publisher: UNIV NORTH CAROLINA PRESSISSN: 0011-1953Frequency: 4 issues/year

Cross Currents, an esteemed journal published by the University of North Carolina Press, serves as a vital platform in the field of interdisciplinary studies, deeply exploring the intersections of culture, politics, and social change. With a commitment to scholarly rigor, this journal fosters critical dialogue among researchers, professionals, and students, encouraging contributions that illuminate contemporary issues and historical perspectives alike. Although it currently does not offer open access, Cross Currents remains highly regarded for its impactful analyses and innovative approaches, aiming to elevate discourse across various academic domains. With a unique blend of theoretical and empirical research, the journal's contributions are essential for those seeking to understand and engage with the complexities of our globalized world.

Studia Theologica-Nordic Journal of Theology

Nurturing Critical Essays and Research in Religious Studies
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0039-338XFrequency: 2 issues/year

Studia Theologica-Nordic Journal of Theology, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, serves as a vital platform for scholarly discourse in the field of Religious Studies. With an ISSN of 0039-338X and an E-ISSN of 1502-7791, this esteemed journal has been contributing to theological scholarship since 1947, exploring diverse theological perspectives and contemporary issues within religiosity. Its impressive categorization in the Q2 quartile underscores its significance, while a ranking of #213 out of 644 in the Scopus database places it well within the 66th percentile in the realm of Arts and Humanities. Although not open access, the journal provides a comprehensive repository of research articles, reviews, and critical essays that engage researchers, professionals, and students alike. Addressing both historical and modern theological debates, Studia Theologica fosters a rich academic environment for innovative thought and rigorous inquiry, making it an essential resource for anyone engaged in the study of theology today.

Cultura y Religion

Unveiling the cultural dimensions of religious practices.
Publisher: UNIV ARTURO PRAT, INST ESTUDIOS INDIGENASISSN: 0718-5472Frequency: 2 issues/year

Cultura y Religión is a pioneering academic journal dedicated to exploring the intersections of culture and religion within various socio-cultural contexts. Published by the Universidad Arturo Prat's Instituto de Estudios Indígenas, this journal has been an invaluable resource for researchers, professionals, and students since its inception, adopting an Open Access model since 2007 to enhance the dissemination of knowledge. With an ISSN of 0718-5472 and an E-ISSN of 0718-4727, this journal aims to provide a multidisciplinary platform for the examination of religious practices, beliefs, and their cultural implications, particularly in indigenous contexts. Situated in Iquique, Tarapacá, Chile, Cultura y Religión plays a critical role in enriching the academic discourse and fostering a deeper understanding of the cultural dimensions of religion, making it a must-read for those invested in cultural studies, anthropology, and religious studies.

Material Religion

Fostering Dialogue between the Material and the Divine
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.

Numen-Revista de Estudos e Pesquisa da Religiao

Illuminating Diverse Perspectives on Faith
Publisher: UNIV FEDERAL JUIZ FORA, INST CIENCIAS HUMANASISSN: 1516-1021Frequency: 2 issues/year

Numen-Revista de Estudos e Pesquisa da Religião is a distinguished academic journal dedicated to the multifaceted study of religion, published by the Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, specifically within the Institute of Human Sciences. With its ISSN 1516-1021 and E-ISSN 2236-6296, this journal serves as an essential platform for scholars and researchers interested in exploring diverse aspects of religious studies, including theological, sociological, and anthropological perspectives. Although the journal currently does not offer open access, it provides a rich repository of peer-reviewed articles aimed at advancing the understanding of religious phenomena across cultural contexts. Located in Brazil, the journal aims to foster academic discourse and contribute to the global conversation on religion, drawing connections between local practices and global trends. The absence of H-index and quartile rankings does not detract from its significance; rather, it invites emerging researchers to contribute valuable insights to this evolving field.

Nordic Journal of Religion and Society

Advancing Understanding of Religion's Role in Modern Nordic Societies
Publisher: SCANDINAVIAN UNIV PRESS-UNIVERSITETSFORLAGET ASISSN: 0809-7291Frequency: 2 issues/year

The Nordic Journal of Religion and Society is a leading academic journal dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of religion within societal contexts, published by Scandinavian University Press - Universitetsforlaget AS. With its ISSN 0809-7291 and E-ISSN 1890-7008, this journal proudly occupies a significant position in the field, reflected by its Q2 ranking in Religious Studies (2023) and a commendable Scopus percentile of 77, ranking 147 out of 644 in its category. The Nordic Journal of Religion and Society aims to publish high-quality, original research that explores how religious beliefs and practices intersect with societal transformations across the Nordic context. The journal emphasizes the importance of diverse methodological approaches and theoretical frameworks, fostering scholarly dialogue that enhances understanding of contemporary socio-religious phenomena. Though it operates under a subscription model, the journal’s commitment to academic excellence makes it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students keen on advancing knowledge within this dynamic and evolving field.

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF RELIGION

Exploring the depths of faith and tradition.
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESS INCISSN: 0002-7189Frequency: 4 issues/year

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.

Journal of World Christianity

Unveiling the Dynamics of Christianity Worldwide
Publisher: PENN STATE UNIV PRESSISSN: 2377-8784Frequency: 2 issues/year

Journal of World Christianity, published by Penn State University Press, is a distinguished academic journal that serves as a vital platform for scholarship in the field of global Christianity. With an ISSN of 2377-8784 and E-ISSN 1943-1538, this journal aims to explore the diverse expressions, cultural contexts, and historical developments of Christianity around the world. By fostering interdisciplinary research, it invites contributions that encompass theology, sociology, history, and religious studies, addressing both contemporary issues and historical trends. Although currently not open access, the journal maintains a commitment to high-quality peer-reviewed research, making significant contributions to academic discourse. Scholars, practitioners, and students alike will find valuable insights in the Journal of World Christianity, reflecting the complexities and dynamism of global faith traditions.

Journal of Religion in Europe

Bridging Disciplines to Illuminate Religious Dynamics
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 1874-8910Frequency: 4 issues/year

The 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.