Stellenbosch Theological Journal

Scope & Guideline

Nurturing ethical discourse in the realm of theology.

Introduction

Welcome to your portal for understanding Stellenbosch Theological Journal, featuring guidelines for its aims and scope. Our guidelines cover trending and emerging topics, identifying the forefront of research. Additionally, we track declining topics, offering insights into areas experiencing reduced scholarly attention. Key highlights include highly cited topics and recently published papers, curated within these guidelines to assist you in navigating influential academic dialogues.
LanguageMulti-Language
ISSN2413-9459
PublisherPIETER WAAL NEETHLING TRUST
Support Open AccessNo
Country-
Type-
Converge-
AbbreviationSTELLENBOSCH THEOL J / Stellenbosch. Theol. J.
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressC/O STELLENBOSCH UNIV, FAC THEOLOGY, PRIVATE BAG X1, MATIELAND, STELLENBOSCH 7602, SOUTH AFRICA

Aims and Scopes

The Stellenbosch Theological Journal focuses on the intersection of theology, social justice, and community engagement, emphasizing the relevance of faith in contemporary societal issues. It aims to foster scholarly dialogue that bridges traditional theological concepts with modern challenges.
  1. Practical Theology:
    The journal emphasizes practical theology, exploring how theological insights can be applied to real-world issues, particularly in marginalized communities.
  2. Social Justice and Ethics:
    A core focus on social justice, examining how theology interacts with issues like poverty, gender-based violence, and systemic inequality, promoting ethical responses to these challenges.
  3. Ecological and Environmental Theology:
    Incorporating themes of ecology and environmental justice, the journal addresses the theological implications of climate change and ecological stewardship.
  4. Cultural and Contextual Theology:
    The journal explores the interplay between theology and cultural contexts, particularly in post-colonial settings, examining how faith practices adapt to diverse cultural landscapes.
  5. Historical and Systematic Theology:
    Engaging with historical perspectives and systematic theological frameworks, the journal investigates the evolution of theological thought and its implications for contemporary faith communities.
  6. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    Encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue, the journal integrates insights from philosophy, sociology, and ethics into theological discussions, enriching the academic discourse.
The Stellenbosch Theological Journal is increasingly focusing on contemporary issues that resonate with current societal challenges. This trend reflects a broader engagement with theology as a living discipline that responds to the needs of the community.
  1. Theology and Climate Justice:
    Recent publications highlight a growing concern for ecological issues, positioning theology as a critical lens through which to examine climate justice and environmental stewardship.
  2. Gender and Sexuality Studies:
    There is an emerging focus on gender and sexuality within theological discourse, particularly addressing the intersection of faith and LGBTQ+ issues, reflecting broader societal conversations.
  3. Post-Colonial Theology:
    An increasing number of papers engage with post-colonial perspectives, exploring the implications of colonial histories on contemporary theological practices and beliefs.
  4. Community Engagement and Social Transformation:
    A significant trend is the emphasis on community engagement, with articles reflecting on practical theology's role in social transformation and empowerment of marginalized groups.
  5. Digital Theology and Technology:
    With the rise of digital culture, the journal is beginning to explore themes related to digital theology, including the impact of technology on faith practices and community.
  6. Interfaith Dialogue:
    There is a notable increase in discussions surrounding interfaith dialogue, as the journal seeks to address the complexities of faith in a pluralistic society.

Declining or Waning

While the Stellenbosch Theological Journal has consistently engaged with a variety of theological themes, certain areas appear to be declining in prominence. This shift may reflect changing academic interests or societal concerns.
  1. Traditional Dogmatic Theology:
    There seems to be a decreasing emphasis on traditional dogmatic theology, with fewer papers focusing solely on doctrinal issues devoid of contextual application.
  2. Historical Theological Figures:
    The focus on historical figures and their theological contributions, while still present, appears to be waning in favor of more contemporary issues and practical applications.
  3. Liturgical Studies:
    Although liturgical themes are present, there is a noticeable decline in papers dedicated solely to liturgical studies, suggesting a shift towards more practical and socially engaged theological reflections.
  4. Abstract Theological Debates:
    There is a declining interest in abstract theological debates that lack practical relevance, as the journal increasingly favors discussions that directly address contemporary societal issues.
  5. Institutional Church Studies:
    Research focusing on institutional church dynamics and structures seems to be less frequent, indicating a move towards more grassroots and community-oriented theological explorations.

Similar Journals

Acta Theologica

Fostering interdisciplinary insights in Religious Studies.
Publisher: UNIV FREE STATE, FAC THEOLOGYISSN: 1015-8758Frequency: 2 issues/year

Acta Theologica is a distinguished, peer-reviewed open-access journal published by the University of the Free State, Faculty of Theology since 2002. With ISSN 1015-8758 and E-ISSN 2309-9089, this journal serves as a vital platform for scholarly discourse in the field of Religious Studies. Hailing from South Africa, it has achieved a 2023 Scopus rank of #298 out of 644 within its category, placing it in the 53rd percentile and Q2 quartile—a testament to its reputable standing in academic circles. Acta Theologica aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and publish innovative research that addresses contemporary theological issues, providing valuable insights to researchers, professionals, and students alike. With an ever-growing repository of articles accessible to the global academic community, this journal exemplifies the commitment to advancing theological scholarship and enhancing public understanding of religious phenomena.

ZEITSCHRIFT FUR THEOLOGIE UND KIRCHE

Fostering dialogue in theology and church studies.
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.

ETUDES THEOLOGIQUES ET RELIGIEUSES

Unveiling Insights into Religion and Society
Publisher: INST PROTESTANT THEOLOGIEISSN: 0014-2239Frequency: 4 issues/year

ETUDES THEOLOGIQUES ET RELIGIEUSES, published by the prestigious Institut Protestant de Théologie in France, is a pivotal journal dedicated to advancing the field of religious studies. With an ISSN of 0014-2239, this academic publication showcases a diverse array of scholarly articles, reviews, and discussions that delve deep into theological discourse and religious phenomena. Despite its current Q4 category ranking in the broader scope of the Arts and Humanities, the journal serves as an invaluable platform for researchers, professionals, and students who seek to explore the complexities of religion in contemporary society. Covering a convergence of insights from 2002 to 2024, the journal aims to foster dialogue, critical thinking, and expanded knowledge within the religious studies community. Aiming to enhance its impact and visibility, ETUDES THEOLOGIQUES ET RELIGIEUSES invites contributions that challenge existing paradigms while encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration. Although it does not offer open access, the journal remains a respected source of scholarly content for those invested in the dynamic landscape of theology and religious inquiry, published in the vibrant academic context of Montpellier, France.

Religious Studies and Theology

Encouraging Rigorous Research in Theology
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.

Louvain Studies

Cultivating Critical Thought in a Global Context
Publisher: PEETERSISSN: 0024-6964Frequency: 4 issues/year

Louvain Studies is a distinguished academic journal published by PEETERS, specializing in the nuanced fields of Philosophy and Religious Studies. Established in 1977, the journal serves as a critical platform for scholarly discourse, contributing to the understanding and analysis of philosophical and theological concepts through its rigorous peer-reviewed articles. With an ISSN of 0024-6964 and an E-ISSN of 1783-161X, the journal is based in Leuven, Belgium, providing a unique European perspective on an array of interdisciplinary studies. Although not openly accessible, it remains a vital resource for researchers and students, boasting rankings within the 30th percentile for Religious Studies and 26th percentile for Philosophy in the Scopus database. The journal’s commitment to academic excellence is evident in its quartile rankings, placing it among the noteworthy publications in these fields. Louvain Studies fosters dialogue, challenges conventional thought, and encourages innovative research, making it an essential reference for anyone invested in the philosophical and religious discourse.

Teologia y Vida

Bridging Tradition and Modernity in Faith Studies
Publisher: PONTIFICIA UNIV CATOLICA CHILE, FACULTAD TEOLOGIAISSN: 0049-3449Frequency: 4 issues/year

Teologia y Vida is a distinguished academic journal dedicated to the field of Religious Studies, published by the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Facultad Teologia. With an ISSN of 0049-3449 and an E-ISSN of 0717-6295, this open-access journal has been a vital resource for scholars since it embraced open-access publishing in 2000. Situated in the heart of Santiago, Chile, this journal plays a pivotal role in fostering theological discourse and reflection across Latin America and beyond. In the 2023 Scopus Rankings, Teologia y Vida is positioned in the Q3 category of Religious Studies, reflecting its growing influence with a rank of #208 out of 644 journals, placing it within the 67th percentile. Researchers, professionals, and students alike benefit from the journal's commitment to high-quality content and accessibility, making it a crucial platform for exploring contemporary theological issues and developments in the discipline.

BLACK THEOLOGY

Illuminating the Dynamics of Theology and Society
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1476-9948Frequency: 3 issues/year

BLACK THEOLOGY is a pioneering journal published by Routledge Journals, a prestigious imprint of Taylor & Francis Ltd, focusing on the dynamic intersection of theology, politics, and culture within the African diasporic experience. With a dedicated ISSN 1476-9948 and E-ISSN 1743-1670, the journal caters to a diverse international readership, exploring critical issues pertinent to religious studies in the context of contemporary society. Holding a Q2 rank in Religious Studies as of 2023, BLACK THEOLOGY exemplifies academic rigor, ranking #201 out of 644 in the Scopus Arts and Humanities category, placing it in the 68th percentile. The journal aims to deepen understanding of black theological perspectives through the publication of innovative research, scholarly articles, and critical commentaries. Though it does not currently offer open access options, it remains a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students keen on engaging with transformative theological discourse. Established in 2013 and set to converge through 2024, BLACK THEOLOGY is essential for those aspiring to influence and enrich the theological dialogue of our time.

International Journal of Philosophy and Theology

Advancing Interdisciplinary Dialogues in Philosophy and Theology
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 2169-2327Frequency: 5 issues/year

The International Journal of Philosophy and Theology, published by ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, serves as a vital platform for scholarly dialogue at the intersection of philosophical inquiry and theological exploration. With the ISSN 2169-2327 and E-ISSN 2169-2335, this journal aims to advance critical discussions and promote interdisciplinary research, fostering engagement among researchers, professionals, and students alike. Over its publishing span from 2013 to 2024, the journal has made significant strides, achieving a category quartile ranking of Q3 in both Philosophy and Religious Studies for 2023. With a growing impact in the fields of Arts and Humanities, reflected in its Scopus ranks—Rank #357/644 for Religious Studies and Rank #498/806 for Philosophy—the journal is uniquely positioned to influence contemporary debates and foster greater understanding of complex theological and philosophical concepts. Although the journal does not currently operate under an open access model, it remains an essential resource for those interested in deepening their understanding of these critical disciplines, and it continues to uphold its commitment to rigorous scholarship.

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.

Journal of Reformed Theology

Engaging Minds with Reformed Theology Insights
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 1872-5163Frequency: 3 issues/year

The Journal of Reformed Theology, published by BRILL, stands as a notable scholarly resource in the field of Religious Studies. With its ISSN of 1872-5163 and E-ISSN of 1569-7312, this journal aims to engage and inspire scholars, professionals, and students interested in the intersection of theology and contemporary societal challenges. Based in the Netherlands, specifically at PLANTIJNSTRAAT 2, P O BOX 9000, 2300 PA LEIDEN, it has established itself within a dynamic academic landscape, featuring a broad spectrum of articles and research that reflect on the relevance of Reformed theology in today's context. While it currently holds a Q4 ranking in the 2023 Religious Studies category, it provides a unique platform for innovative discussion and critical discourse. Spanning the years from 2013 to 2024, the journal is committed to fostering a deeper understanding of Reformed theological perspectives and their implications for both academia and broader society.