Religion and Theology-A Journal of Contemporary Religious Discourse

Scope & Guideline

Stimulating Thought in Religious Studies and Beyond

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of Religion and Theology-A Journal of Contemporary Religious Discourse 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
ISSN1023-0807
PublisherBRILL
Support Open AccessNo
CountryNetherlands
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1996 to 2024
AbbreviationRELIG THEOL / Relig. Theol.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressPLANTIJNSTRAAT 2, P O BOX 9000, 2300 PA LEIDEN, NETHERLANDS

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Religion and Theology: A Journal of Contemporary Religious Discourse' aims to foster a rich dialogue on the interplay of religion, theology, and contemporary societal issues. It provides a platform for scholarly work that critically examines religious phenomena through various lenses, methodologies, and interdisciplinary approaches.
  1. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Religion:
    The journal emphasizes interdisciplinary research, encouraging contributions that integrate theology with fields such as sociology, anthropology, philosophy, and cultural studies.
  2. Critical Engagement with Religious Texts and Traditions:
    A significant focus is placed on the critical analysis of religious texts and traditions, examining their historical contexts, interpretations, and contemporary relevance.
  3. Exploration of Emerging Religious Phenomena:
    The journal seeks to explore new religious movements, practices, and the effects of modernity on traditional religions, highlighting how these phenomena shape contemporary belief systems.
  4. Postcolonial and Global Perspectives:
    It prioritizes postcolonial studies and global perspectives, addressing how colonial histories and cultural exchanges influence current religious identities and practices.
  5. Theological Reflections on Social Issues:
    The journal aims to provide theological reflections on pressing social issues, including ethics, politics, and environmental concerns, fostering a discourse that connects faith with action.
The journal has identified several trending and emerging themes that reflect current societal concerns and academic interests. These themes highlight the journal's commitment to addressing contemporary issues through the lens of religion and theology.
  1. Metamodernism and Its Implications:
    Recent publications increasingly explore metamodernism as a framework for understanding contemporary religious discourse, suggesting a shift towards more nuanced and complex interpretations of belief in a postmodern context.
  2. Religion and Digital Culture:
    There is a notable trend towards examining the intersection of religion and digital culture, including discussions on hyperdigital magic and the impact of technology on religious practices and beliefs.
  3. Ecological and Environmental Concerns:
    Emerging themes related to the ecological turn in religion suggest a growing interest in how religious traditions engage with environmental issues, reflecting a broader societal concern for sustainability and ecological ethics.
  4. Postcolonial Perspectives:
    The journal is increasingly focusing on postcolonial perspectives, examining how colonial histories shape contemporary religious identities and practices, thus enriching the discourse on globalization and religion.
  5. Intersections of Religion and Politics:
    There is a rising interest in exploring the intersections between religion, politics, and social justice, indicating a commitment to addressing the role of religion in contemporary socio-political contexts.

Declining or Waning

While 'Religion and Theology' continues to explore a diverse range of themes, some areas have shown a decline in focus over recent years. These waning themes reflect a shifting landscape in religious studies and the journal's evolving priorities.
  1. Traditional Historical Studies:
    There appears to be a diminishing emphasis on purely historical studies of religion without contemporary relevance. The journal has shifted towards analyses that connect historical contexts with present-day implications.
  2. Static Theological Constructs:
    The exploration of static or unchanging theological constructs is less prevalent. There is a growing preference for dynamic theological discussions that engage with contemporary issues and lived experiences.
  3. Exclusive Focus on Western Religions:
    The journal has moved away from an exclusive focus on Western religious traditions, increasingly incorporating diverse global and indigenous perspectives, which may indicate a waning interest in traditional Western-centric analyses.

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