Religions

Scope & Guideline

Connecting Scholars to a World of Religious Discourse

Introduction

Welcome to the 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 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
ISSN-
PublisherMDPI
Support Open AccessNo
Country-
Type-
Converge-
AbbreviationRELIGIONS / Religions
Frequency12 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressST ALBAN-ANLAGE 66, CH-4052 BASEL, SWITZERLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Religions' encompasses a wide spectrum of research that critically examines the multifaceted nature of religious beliefs, practices, and their socio-cultural impacts. It seeks to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and offers a platform for innovative methodologies and theoretical frameworks.
  1. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Religion:
    The journal emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary methodologies, integrating perspectives from anthropology, sociology, history, and media studies to analyze religious phenomena.
  2. Cultural and Historical Contextualization:
    A consistent focus on the historical and cultural contexts of religious practices allows for a deeper understanding of how religions evolve and interact with societal changes.
  3. Exploration of Contemporary Issues:
    The journal addresses contemporary issues within religious contexts, such as secularism, pluralism, and the role of technology in religious practices, highlighting the relevance of religious studies in today’s world.
  4. Diverse Religious Traditions:
    'Religions' publishes research across a broad spectrum of religious traditions, including but not limited to Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and indigenous belief systems, promoting a global perspective on religious studies.
  5. Rituals and Performance Studies:
    An interest in the performative aspects of religion, including rituals and their social implications, is a key focus, reflecting the dynamic nature of religious expressions.
The journal 'Religions' is currently experiencing a vibrant exploration of emerging themes that reflect the evolving landscape of religious studies. These trends indicate a growing interest in contemporary issues and diverse methodologies.
  1. Digital Religion and Media:
    Recent publications highlight the intersection of technology and religion, exploring how digital media shapes religious practices and community formations, reflecting the impact of the digital age on spirituality.
  2. Queer Activism and Religion:
    Themes surrounding queer identities and activism in relation to religious practices are increasingly prominent, suggesting a growing recognition of diverse sexual orientations within religious contexts.
  3. Environmental Perspectives in Religion:
    An emerging focus on the relationship between religion and environmental issues indicates an awareness of ecological crises and the role of religious narratives in addressing sustainability.
  4. Ritual Innovation and Adaptation:
    There is a rising interest in how traditional rituals adapt to modern contexts, showcasing the dynamic nature of religious practices and their ability to respond to contemporary challenges.
  5. Interreligious Dialogue and Pluralism:
    Research emphasizing the importance of interreligious dialogue and pluralistic approaches is on the rise, reflecting a commitment to understanding and promoting coexistence among diverse faiths.

Declining or Waning

While the journal continues to explore various themes, certain areas have shown a decline in focus over recent years. This shift may reflect broader trends in religious studies and societal changes.
  1. Traditional Religious Authority:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in papers addressing traditional forms of religious authority and dogma, suggesting a shift towards more fluid and personal interpretations of spirituality.
  2. Historical Narratives without Contemporary Relevance:
    Themes centered purely on historical narratives of religion that do not connect to contemporary issues or current debates appear to be waning, indicating a preference for relevance in modern contexts.
  3. Monolithic Views on Religion:
    Research that treats religions as monolithic entities rather than recognizing their internal diversities and complexities has become less prevalent, as the field increasingly acknowledges the pluralistic nature of faith.
  4. Static Ritual Practices:
    Attention to static or unchanging ritual practices has declined, as there is a growing interest in how rituals adapt and transform in response to contemporary societal pressures.
  5. Western-Centric Perspectives:
    The journal has seen a reduction in publications that focus solely on Western religious traditions or perspectives, reflecting a broader shift towards inclusivity and representation of global religious contexts.

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