Spiritus-A Journal of Christian Spirituality

Scope & Guideline

Delving into the Heart of Christian Experience

Introduction

Welcome to the Spiritus-A Journal of Christian Spirituality 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 Spiritus-A Journal of Christian Spirituality, 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
ISSN1533-1709
PublisherJOHNS HOPKINS UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2009 to 2024
AbbreviationSPIRITUS / Spiritus
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressJOURNALS PUBLISHING DIVISION, 2715 NORTH CHARLES ST, BALTIMORE, MD 21218-4363

Aims and Scopes

Spiritus: A Journal of Christian Spirituality focuses on the exploration and understanding of Christian spirituality through various lenses, including historical, theological, and contemporary perspectives. The journal seeks to cultivate a space for dialogue among scholars, practitioners, and those interested in spirituality's role in today's world.
  1. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Spirituality:
    The journal embraces a wide range of disciplines, including theology, philosophy, social sciences, and the arts, to explore the multifaceted nature of Christian spirituality.
  2. Historical and Theological Contexts:
    It includes works that delve into historical figures, traditions, and theological developments in Christianity, aiming to connect past insights with contemporary spiritual practices.
  3. Contemporary Issues and Spiritual Responses:
    The journal addresses current societal issues, such as racism, environmental concerns, and mental health, providing spiritual insights and responses that are relevant to modern challenges.
  4. Mysticism and Contemplative Practices:
    A significant focus on mystical theology and contemplative practices highlights the experiential aspects of spirituality, encouraging deeper engagement with the divine.
  5. Cultural and Artistic Expressions of Faith:
    The journal explores how spirituality is expressed through various cultural and artistic forms, including literature, music, and visual arts, recognizing their role in shaping spiritual experiences.
Recent publications in Spiritus have highlighted several emerging themes that reflect the journal's responsiveness to contemporary issues and the evolving landscape of Christian spirituality.
  1. Social Justice and Activism:
    There is a growing emphasis on spirituality as a means of engaging with social justice issues, including racism and environmental concerns, reflecting a desire for spirituality to inform and inspire action in the world.
  2. Intercultural and Global Perspectives:
    An increasing number of articles focus on intercultural hermeneutics and the global dimensions of spirituality, emphasizing the rich diversity of Christian expressions across cultures.
  3. Trauma and Healing:
    The exploration of trauma-informed spirituality is becoming more prominent, addressing the impact of trauma on spiritual formation and the role of spirituality in healing processes.
  4. Integration of Art and Spirituality:
    Recent contributions highlight the intersection of art and spirituality, exploring how creative expressions can inform and enrich spiritual experiences.
  5. Contemplative Practices in Modern Contexts:
    There is a resurgence of interest in contemplative practices, with a focus on how these ancient traditions can be adapted and applied in contemporary settings.

Declining or Waning

As the journal evolves, certain themes appear to be becoming less prominent in recent publications. This decline may reflect shifts in the academic focus or changing societal contexts within the realm of Christian spirituality.
  1. Traditional Doctrinal Discussions:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in papers focused solely on traditional doctrinal discussions, indicating a shift towards more experiential and contextual approaches to spirituality.
  2. Exclusive Focus on Historical Figures:
    While historical figures remain important, there is a waning emphasis on exclusively biographical studies, as the journal increasingly prioritizes contemporary relevance and application.
  3. Narrowly Defined Spiritual Practices:
    Themes centered around narrowly defined spiritual practices are less frequent, suggesting a move towards broader, more integrative discussions that encompass diverse spiritual experiences.
  4. Secular Perspectives on Spirituality:
    The engagement with secular perspectives and comparisons with non-Christian spiritual traditions has diminished, potentially indicating a more focused return to distinctively Christian themes.
  5. Liberal Theological Critiques:
    There appears to be a decline in liberal theological critiques of traditional Christianity, as the journal shifts to explore constructive spirituality rather than solely deconstructive analyses.

Similar Journals

HEYTHROP JOURNAL

Uniting Philosophy, Theology, and Science in Discourse
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0018-1196Frequency: 6 issues/year

Heythrop Journal, published by Wiley, is a distinguished academic periodical that serves as a critical forum for interdisciplinary dialogue spanning multiple fields including philosophy, religious studies, and the sciences. With an impact factor that reflects its growing influence, the journal has successfully engaged scholars since its inception in 1960. The journal is categorized under several quartiles in 2023, notably achieving Q3 rankings in Philosophy and Religious Studies, emphasizing its role in advancing scholarly discourse. The scope of the Heythrop Journal encompasses thoughtful analysis, theological reflection, and interdisciplinary research, appealing not only to researchers and professionals but also to students eager to explore the complex intersections of faith, reason, and contemporary issues. While the journal currently does not offer open access, it continues to maintain a reputation for rigor and relevance within its diverse fields of inquiry. Whether you’re in the realm of neurology or examining waste management sciences, the Heythrop Journal remains a pivotal resource, fostering an enriching environment for intellectual exchange and exploration.

Medieval Mystical Theology

Unveiling the Secrets of Medieval Spirituality
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 2046-5726Frequency: 2 issues/year

Medieval Mystical Theology, an esteemed journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, serves as a pivotal platform dedicated to the exploration and analysis of mystical theological practices during the medieval period. With a focus on interdisciplinary approaches, the journal invites research on various aspects of mystical experience, spiritual literature, and the intersection of theology and mysticism. Though currently not operating under an Open Access model, the journal provides vital insights that contribute to the field's scholarly discourse. The ISSN for this journal is 2046-5726 and the E-ISSN is 2046-5734. Situated in the heart of Oxfordshire, England, it aims to engage researchers, professionals, and students alike, ensuring that significant medieval thought continues to resonate in contemporary theological studies. By fostering rigorous academic inquiry, Medieval Mystical Theology not only enhances our understanding of historical frameworks but also encourages dialogue on their relevance in modern spiritual landscapes.

Acta Universitatis Carolinae Theologica

Navigating Contemporary Theological Landscapes
Publisher: CHARLES UNIV PRAGUE, KAROLINUM PRESSISSN: 1804-5588Frequency: 2 issues/year

Acta Universitatis Carolinae Theologica, published by CHARLES UNIV PRAGUE, KAROLINUM PRESS, is a distinguished academic journal that serves as a vital resource in the field of Religious Studies. With an ISSN of 1804-5588 and E-ISSN of 2336-3398, this Open Access journal has embraced a commitment to disseminating scholarly work freely since 2011, catering to a global audience from its base in the Czech Republic. The journal has been acknowledged in the 2023 category quartile ranking of Q3 in Religious Studies, reflecting its contribution to advancing theological scholarship and research. Operating within a converged time frame from 2019 to 2023, it features articles that encompass a diverse range of topics and methodologies, making it essential for researchers, professionals, and students alike who seek to engage with contemporary theological dialogues. Although it currently holds an H-index and Scopus rank that denotes a developing reputation, Acta Universitatis Carolinae Theologica continues to foster critical discussions and enhance the visibility of religious studies research in the academic community.

Augustinian Studies

Advancing Scholarly Discourse on Augustinian Philosophy
Publisher: PHILOSOPHY DOCUMENTATION CENTERISSN: 0094-5323Frequency: 2 issues/year

Augustinian Studies, with ISSN 0094-5323 and E-ISSN 2153-7917, is a distinguished scholarly journal published by the Philosophy Documentation Center in the United States. Since its inception in 1996, the journal has become a vital resource for researchers and academics dedicated to the rigorous exploration of Augustinian thought, contributing significantly to the fields of history, philosophy, and religious studies. While categorized in the Q4 quartile for 2023 within these disciplines, its contributions remain crucial, as reflected in its respective Scopus rankings. The journal provides invaluable insights for understanding Augustinian concepts and their implications across various domains, making it an essential platform for scholars pursuing in-depth analysis and discourse. Although Augustinian Studies operates under a subscription model, it continues to strive towards expanding access to its scholarly content, ensuring that research is disseminated widely within the academic community.

Christian Education Journal

Bridging disciplines to enrich educational experiences.
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 0739-8913Frequency: 3 issues/year

Christian Education Journal, published by SAGE Publications Inc, stands as a vital interdisciplinary platform bridging the fields of Education and Religious Studies. With an ISSN of 0739-8913 and E-ISSN 2378-525X, the journal is dedicated to advancing scholarly discourse and empirical research that informs and enriches the practice and theory of Christian education. Its impactful contributions, reflected in its Q4 ranking in Education and Q1 ranking in Religious Studies for 2023, position it as a significant resource for educators, theologians, and researchers aiming to explore the integration of faith and learning. Covering converged years from 2015 to 2024, the journal invites submissions that critique, analyze, and innovate approaches to Christian education in various contexts. Although it operates under a non-open access model, it is committed to widening access to transformative ideas and practices essential for fostering educational growth within church and community settings.

Religion and the Arts

Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of Faith Through Artistic Lenses
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.

VIGILIAE CHRISTIANAE

Exploring the Intersections of Faith and Culture
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 0042-6032Frequency: 5 issues/year

VIGILIAE CHRISTIANAE is an esteemed scholarly journal published by BRILL, specializing in the fields of Archaeology, Cultural Studies, History, Linguistics and Language, and Religious Studies. With its ISSN 0042-6032 and E-ISSN 1570-0720, the journal has been a pivotal resource for academics since its inception in 1948. Based in the Netherlands, its comprehensive publications offer rigorous analyses and significant contributions to understanding the interplay between Christian traditions and cultural contexts throughout history. Although currently operating under a non-open access model, VIGILIAE CHRISTIANAE has achieved a respectable impact within its genre, sitting in the Q3 quartile across multiple categories in 2023. The journal not only serves as a crucial platform for scholarly discourse but also appeals to a diverse academic audience by fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and providing access to high-quality research. For those exploring the dynamics of faith, culture, and history, this journal remains an invaluable resource.

Religious Studies and Theology

Innovating Perspectives in Theology and Religious Studies
Publisher: EQUINOX PUBLISHING LTDISSN: 0829-2922Frequency: 2 issues/year

Religious Studies and Theology is a distinguished academic journal published by EQUINOX PUBLISHING LTD that has been contributing to the discourse in the field since its inception in 2012. Operating under the ISSN 0829-2922 and the E-ISSN 1747-5414, it aims to foster scholarly dialogue and present original research that advances the understanding of religious thought, practice, and its intersection with contemporary issues. Although it currently resides in the Q4 category of Religious Studies, the journal is poised for growth and invites contributions that explore diverse perspectives and methodologies. The journal is based in the United Kingdom and remains committed to maintaining rigorous academic standards while promoting accessibility in religious studies. Researchers, educators, and students are encouraged to submit their work to Religious Studies and Theology as it strives to fill critical gaps in the literature, offering a platform for innovative ideas and comprehensive discussions in this dynamic field.

REVELETEO-Revista Electronica Espaco Teologico

Bridging Tradition with Contemporary Insights
Publisher: PONTIFICIA UNIV CATOLICA SAO PAULO, FAC TEOLOGIAISSN: 2177-952XFrequency: 2 issues/year

REVELETEO - Revista Eletrônica Espaço Teológico is a premier academic journal dedicated to the exploration and dissemination of theological knowledge, published by the Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo, Faculdade de Teologia. With an esteemed ISSN of 2177-952X, this journal serves as a vital platform for researchers, scholars, and students interested in the multifaceted dimensions of theology and religious studies. Although currently operating with traditional access options, REVELETEO is committed to enhancing the visibility and reach of theological discourse. This journal focuses on a diverse range of topics within the field, inviting critical examinations and innovative perspectives that contribute to the understanding of contemporary theological issues. Its academic rigor and dedication to quality scholarship make it a respected resource for advancing theological research in Brazil and beyond. With an emphasis on fostering academic dialogue, REVELETEO aims to engage its readership in meaningful discourse that bridges tradition with modern challenges in the sphere of religion and spirituality.

Scientia et Fides

Bridging Disciplines, Shaping Futures
Publisher: NICOLAUS COPERNICUS UNIVISSN: 2300-7648Frequency: 2 issues/year

Scientia et Fides is a leading journal published by Nicolaus Copernicus University that serves as a crucial platform for scholarly discourse in the fields of Philosophy and Religious Studies. With an impressive impact factor and a top-tier ranking, this open-access journal, available since 2013, ensures that groundbreaking research is freely accessible to a global audience, promoting collaboration and engagement among researchers, professionals, and students alike. The journal is highly recognized, holding a Q1 category status in both Philosophy and Religious Studies, and ranks in the 93rd and 84th percentiles respectively, showcasing its significant contribution to the arts and humanities. By publishing rigorous, peer-reviewed articles that explore complex philosophical questions and religious phenomena, Scientia et Fides not only enriches academic scholarship but also invites wider discussions on the intersection of faith and reason. It thrives as a repository of knowledge and innovation, shaping future research trajectories in its respective fields.