Religious Studies and Theology

Scope & Guideline

Cultivating New Ideas in Religious Studies

Introduction

Welcome to the Religious Studies 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 Religious Studies 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
ISSN0829-2922
PublisherEQUINOX PUBLISHING LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2012 to 2023
AbbreviationRELIG STUD THEOL / Relig. Stud. Theol.
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address415, THE WORKSTATION, 15 PATERNOSTER ROW, SHEFFIELD S1 2BX, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Religious Studies and Theology' aims to explore the complex interplay of religious thought, practice, and societal issues across various historical and contemporary contexts. It serves as a platform for scholarly inquiry into theological concepts, interfaith dialogue, and the socio-political implications of religious beliefs.
  1. Interdisciplinary Research in Theology:
    The journal emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from history, sociology, philosophy, and cultural studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of religious phenomena.
  2. Historical Analysis of Religious Movements:
    A core focus is the historical examination of significant religious figures, movements, and events, highlighting their impact on contemporary faith practices and theological discourse.
  3. Engagement with Contemporary Issues:
    The journal addresses pressing societal issues through a theological lens, such as religious violence, interfaith relations, and the role of religion in public life.
  4. Comparative Theology and Interreligious Dialogue:
    A significant aim is to foster dialogue between different faith traditions, promoting comparative theology that encourages understanding and respect among diverse religious perspectives.
  5. Theological Reflections on Modernity:
    The journal explores the challenges that modernity poses to traditional religious beliefs, investigating themes such as secularism, pluralism, and the evolving nature of faith in contemporary society.
Recent publications in 'Religious Studies and Theology' reveal emerging themes that reflect current scholarly interests and societal concerns. These trends illustrate the journal's responsiveness to the changing landscape of religious studies.
  1. Interfaith Relations and Dialogue:
    There is a growing focus on interfaith engagement, reflecting a critical need for dialogue among different religious traditions in an increasingly pluralistic society.
  2. Social Justice and Religious Engagement:
    Themes surrounding social justice, including LGBTQ+ inclusion and responses to homelessness, are increasingly prominent, demonstrating a commitment to addressing contemporary ethical issues through a theological lens.
  3. The Role of Religion in Secular Contexts:
    Emerging studies explore how religion operates within secular frameworks, examining the complexities of belief in modern contexts and the challenges posed by secularism.
  4. Ecological Theology and Environmental Issues:
    There is an increasing interest in ecological theology, with research addressing the intersection of faith and environmental stewardship, highlighting the role of religion in addressing climate change.
  5. Digital Religion and Religious Practice:
    The journal is beginning to explore the implications of technology on religious practice, including how digital spaces are reshaping community and worship in the contemporary world.

Declining or Waning

As the journal evolves, certain themes have become less prominent in recent publications. This decline may reflect shifting scholarly interests or broader societal changes that influence the discourse in religious studies and theology.
  1. Traditional Doctrinal Studies:
    There appears to be a waning focus on rigid doctrinal studies, with less emphasis on dogmatic theology and more on practical and contextual applications of faith.
  2. Exclusive Denominational Perspectives:
    Research that solely emphasizes specific denominational viewpoints is less frequent, indicating a trend towards more inclusive and interdenominational approaches.
  3. Historical Figures in Isolation:
    While historical analysis remains important, there is a noticeable decline in studies focusing exclusively on individual historical figures without contextualizing their contributions within broader movements or societal impacts.
  4. Static Views of Religious Practice:
    The journal has moved away from static interpretations of religious practices, focusing instead on dynamic and evolving expressions of faith in response to contemporary challenges.
  5. Theological Responses to Modernity:
    The previous emphasis on theological responses to modernity as a singular theme is diminishing, with a shift towards a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between tradition and modernity.

Similar Journals

Horizonte-Revista de Estudos de Teologia e Ciencias da Religiao

Advancing theological discourse for a global community.
Publisher: EDITORA PUC MINASISSN: 1679-9615Frequency: 4 issues/year

Horizonte - Revista de Estudos de Teologia e Ciências da Religião is a distinguished academic journal dedicated to advancing scholarly discourse in the fields of theology and religious studies. Published by EDITORA PUC MINAS, this Open Access journal has been a vital resource for researchers and practitioners since its inception in 2003, ensuring that knowledge is freely accessible to a global audience. Based in Brazil, its pivotal role in facilitating interdisciplinary dialogue is underscored by its commitment to high academic standards and the dissemination of innovative perspectives on religious phenomena. The journal serves as an essential platform for students, academics, and professionals seeking to engage with contemporary issues and theoretical frameworks, making it a crucial asset for anyone invested in the evolution of theological thought and religious scholarship.

Modern Theology

Cultivating Critical Insights in Theological Studies
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0266-7177Frequency: 4 issues/year

Modern Theology, published by WILEY, is a leading journal in the field of Religious Studies that has been shaping theological discourse since its inception in 1984. With its focus on contemporary theological issues, the journal engages a diverse array of topics, fostering critical analysis and innovative dialogue among scholars, practitioners, and students alike. Boasting an impressive impact factor and ranking in the top 20% within its field (Q1 category), Modern Theology currently holds the distinction of being ranked #139 out of 644 in the Arts and Humanities category related to Religious Studies, placing it in the 78th percentile according to Scopus metrics. The journal provides essential insights and scholarly rigor, making it a vital resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of modern religious thought and its implications for society. Situated in the United Kingdom, the journal does not offer Open Access but remains dedicated to publishing high-quality research that contributes significantly to the ongoing conversation in theology and religious studies. The convergence of scholarly excellence and a global perspective further underscores its importance in academic circles.

Perichoresis

Cultivating a Global Dialogue on Faith
Publisher: SCIENDOISSN: 1224-984XFrequency: 6 issues/year

Perichoresis is a peer-reviewed academic journal specializing in the field of Religious Studies, published by SCIENDO. Since its inception in 2009, the journal has established itself as a significant platform for scholars exploring various dimensions of religious thought and practice. With an impact factor reflecting its citation metrics and its categorization in the Q3 quartile for 2023, Perichoresis ranks within the 37th percentile among its peers in the Arts and Humanities discipline, specifically in Religious Studies. The journal has embraced open access since 2012, ensuring that high-quality research is readily available to researchers, students, and practitioners worldwide, contributing to the broader discourse within the field. Based in Romania, with an address in Warsaw, Poland, Perichoresis aims to foster an environment of scholarly exchange and innovation, providing valuable insights and diverse perspectives that drive further inquiry and understanding in religious contexts.

Bogoslovni Vestnik-Theological Quarterly-Ephemerides Theologicae

Connecting Scholars to the Heart of Theological Research
Publisher: UNIV LJUBLJANI, TEOLOSKA FAKULTETISSN: 0006-5722Frequency: 4 issues/year

Bogoslovni Vestnik - Theological Quarterly - Ephemerides Theologicae stands as a premier academic journal in the field of religious studies, published by the renowned University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Theology. With an impact factor placing it in the Q1 category for Religious Studies, this journal ranks impressively at #51 out of 644 in the Scopus Arts and Humanities category, marking it in the 92nd percentile. The journal has been committed to providing open access content since 2005, ensuring that groundbreaking theological research is accessible to a global audience. Headquartered in Ljubljana, Slovenia, the journal serves as a vital platform for scholars, researchers, and students alike, seeking to engage with contemporary theological discourse and contribute to the advancement of religious scholarship. Covering a broad range of topics within theology, Bogoslovni Vestnik not only fosters intellectual exchange but also enriches the academic community's understanding of theological implications in today's society.

Religion and Theology-A Journal of Contemporary Religious Discourse

Navigating the Complexities of Belief Systems
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 1023-0807Frequency: 4 issues/year

Religion and Theology - A Journal of Contemporary Religious Discourse is a prestigious scholarly journal published by BRILL, located in the Netherlands. With its ISSN 1023-0807 and E-ISSN 1574-3012, the journal serves as a vital platform for scholarly discourse in the fields of Religious Studies and Social Sciences, achieving notable recognition with a 2023 Q2 ranking in Religious Studies and Q3 in Social Sciences (miscellaneous). Understanding the complexities of contemporary religious dynamics is crucial, and this journal publishes high-quality, peer-reviewed articles that advance knowledge and stimulate thought through interdisciplinary dialogue. With a strong commitment to academic rigor since its inception in 1996, it has created a significant impact within the academic community, evidenced by its Scopus Ranks, where it stands at #196 out of 644 in Religious Studies and #446 out of 604 in Social Sciences. Researchers, professionals, and students engaged in the study of religion, cultures, and societal effects of belief systems will find this journal an indispensable resource. This publication embraces open discussions and encourages diverse perspectives, facilitating an enriching environment for both contributors and readers alike in understanding the evolving landscape of religious thought.

Toronto Journal of Theology

Exploring the Depths of Theological Discourse
Publisher: UNIV TORONTO PRESS INCISSN: 0826-9831Frequency: 2 issues/year

The Toronto Journal of Theology, published by University of Toronto Press Inc, is a premier academic journal dedicated to the exploration of theological discourse and religious studies. Established in 1990 and converging its insights from 2011 to 2024, this journal serves as a vital platform for researchers and scholars to publish innovative and impactful studies in the realm of theology. With an impressive ISSN of 0826-9831 and an E-ISSN of 1918-6371, the journal boasts a robust reputation, achieving a Q3 ranking in Religious Studies as per the 2023 category quartiles. It further ranks within the 49th percentile in the Scopus database, positioning it in the midst of esteemed academic discourse. Although it does not currently offer open access options, its rich content and pertinent studies are invaluable to professionals and students alike aiming to deepen their understanding of religious phenomena. As it continues to foster scholarly dialogue, the Toronto Journal of Theology remains a cornerstone for those advancing research in theology and related fields.

Dinbilimleri Akademik Arastirma Dergisi-Journal of Academic Research in Religious Sciences

Exploring the depths of faith and knowledge.
Publisher: DINBILIMLERI AKAD ARASTIRMA MERKEZIISSN: 1303-9199Frequency: 2 issues/year

Dinbilimleri Akademik Arastirma Dergisi - Journal of Academic Research in Religious Sciences is a distinguished periodical dedicated to advancing the field of religious studies through rigorous academic research. Published by DINBILIMLERI AKAD ARASTIRMA MERKEZI, this journal fosters scholarly dialogue and dissemination of knowledge, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. With its ISSN 1303-9199, the journal is committed to providing open access to its rich array of articles, ensuring that valuable insights and findings in religious sciences are widely available. Located at Ondokuz Mayıs University in Samsun, Turkey, this journal contributes significantly to the academic landscape by offering critical examinations of contemporary and historical issues in religion. Emphasizing quality and relevance, the journal aspires to facilitate a deeper understanding of religious phenomena in our increasingly interconnected world.

ZEITSCHRIFT FUR THEOLOGIE UND KIRCHE

Advancing theological discourse with scholarly rigor.
Publisher: J C B MOHRISSN: 0044-3549Frequency: 4 issues/year

ZEITSCHRIFT FUR THEOLOGIE UND KIRCHE is a distinguished academic journal published by J C B MOHR, renowned for contributing to the field of Religious Studies. With its ISSN 0044-3549 and E-ISSN 1868-7377, this journal has been serving scholars and practitioners since its first publication in 2002 and continues to be relevant through 2024. The journal holds a Q2 ranking in the 2023 category of Religious Studies, placing it in the top half of its field, and it is positioned at rank #414 out of 644 in Scopus's Arts and Humanities rankings, highlighting its importance and growing influence in the academic community. Although the journal is not open access, it features a variety of scholarly articles that foster discourse and advancements in theology and ecclesiastical research. Researchers and students alike will find an invaluable resource in ZEITSCHRIFT FUR THEOLOGIE UND KIRCHE, where innovative theological thought meets rigorous academic examination in an accessible format.

European Journal of Science and Theology

Navigating the Rich Terrain of Thought and Belief
Publisher: ACAD ORGANISATION ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING & SUSTAINABLE DEVISSN: 1841-0464Frequency: 6 issues/year

The European Journal of Science and Theology, published by ACAD ORGANISATION ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING & SUSTAINABLE DEV, is a distinguished platform for scholarly discourse at the intersection of science, theology, and philosophy. With an ISSN of 1841-0464 and E-ISSN 1842-8517, this journal plays a crucial role in fostering interdisciplinary understanding and dialogue among researchers and practitioners. Ranking in the Q3 category in multiple fields, including Engineering (miscellaneous), History and Philosophy of Science, and Multidisciplinary studies, and achieving an impressive Q1 status in Religious Studies, the journal stands out for its contributions to academic literature. The journal's converged years span from 2008 to 2024, reflecting a commitment to sustained scholarly engagement. While access to its content may vary, its impact within the Arts and Humanities sector, where it ranks as #84/644 in Religious Studies and #76/223 in History and Philosophy of Science, positions it as a vital resource for students, scholars, and professionals dedicated to exploring the broader implications of scientific and theological inquiry. Based in Romania, at Mangeron Blvd No 71A, PO 10, Box 2111, Iasi 700050, this journal continues to inspire and challenge established paradigms, making it a must-read for anyone engaged in these critical discussions.

Bogoslovska Smotra-Ephemerides Theologicae Zagrabienses

Bridging Faith and Academia for a Deeper Understanding
Publisher: UNIV ZAGREB, CATHOLIC FAC THEOLOGYISSN: 0352-3101Frequency: 4 issues/year

Bogoslovska Smotra-Ephemerides Theologicae Zagrabienses is a prominent journal in the field of Religious Studies, published by the esteemed University of Zagreb's Catholic Faculty of Theology. Since achieving Open Access status in 2008, this journal has become an essential resource for scholars, researchers, and students alike, facilitating the dissemination of theological scholarship and discourse. With an ISSN of 0352-3101 and an E-ISSN of 1848-9648, the journal covers a wide range of topics within religious studies, contributing significantly to the academic community, particularly in Croatia and Central Europe. In 2023, it was classified within the Q3 quartile, ranking #502 out of 644 in Scopus under the Arts and Humanities category, which highlights its growing influence in the discipline. The journal's commitment to fostering dialogue and inquiry within theology makes it a vital platform for innovative research from 2011 to 2024 and beyond. For those interested in the intersection of faith, culture, and theological reflection, Bogoslovska Smotra is an indispensable publication that continues to shape the landscape of religious studies.