Studies in World Christianity

Scope & Guideline

Connecting Cultures through the Lens of Christianity.

Introduction

Welcome to the Studies in World Christianity 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 Studies in World Christianity, 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
ISSN1354-9901
PublisherEDINBURGH UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1996 to 2024
AbbreviationSTUD WORLD CHRIST / Stud. World Christ.
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressTHE TUN-HOLYROOD RD, 12 2F JACKSONS ENTRY, EDINBURGH EH8 8PJ, SCOTLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal "Studies in World Christianity" aims to explore the multifaceted nature of Christianity through a global lens, emphasizing the diverse expressions, historical developments, and contemporary issues faced by Christian communities worldwide.
  1. Global Christianity and Local Contexts:
    The journal focuses on how Christianity interacts with local cultures, politics, and social issues, providing insights into the unique adaptations and expressions of faith across different regions.
  2. Historical and Theological Perspectives:
    It emphasizes the importance of historical contexts in understanding contemporary Christian practices and beliefs, often highlighting the theological implications of these histories.
  3. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    The journal employs various methodologies, drawing from anthropology, sociology, history, and theology, to provide a comprehensive analysis of world Christianity.
  4. Engagement with Social Justice Issues:
    A consistent theme is the exploration of Christianity's role in addressing social justice, peacebuilding, and ecological concerns, particularly in the Global South.
  5. Ecumenical and Interfaith Dialogues:
    The journal also promotes discussions around ecumenism and interfaith relations, reflecting on how Christianity interacts with other faiths and traditions globally.
Recent publications in "Studies in World Christianity" reveal several emerging themes that highlight the journal's evolving focus. These trends reflect current global issues and the dynamic nature of Christianity today.
  1. Ecological Theology and Climate Concerns:
    There is a notable increase in discussions around ecotheology, with papers addressing the intersection of faith and ecological issues, particularly from voices in Africa and indigenous contexts.
  2. Political Engagement and Conflict Resolution:
    Recent issues show a growing trend in examining the role of Christianity in political contexts, especially in areas of conflict such as Ukraine and Ethiopia, emphasizing the church's potential for peacebuilding.
  3. Charismatic and Pentecostal Movements:
    The journal is increasingly focusing on charismatic and Pentecostal expressions of Christianity, particularly their global impact and historical development, reflecting their significant growth in recent decades.
  4. Global Migration and Diaspora Studies:
    Emerging themes include the experiences of migrant and diasporic Christian communities, highlighting their contributions to global Christianity and the challenges they face in new contexts.
  5. Decolonial Theologies and Indigenous Perspectives:
    There is a rising interest in decolonial approaches to theology, alongside a focus on indigenous experiences and voices within Christianity, reflecting broader societal movements for justice and recognition.

Declining or Waning

While the journal has seen a broad range of topics, some areas appear to be declining in prominence. These waning themes indicate shifting priorities and interests within the field of world Christianity.
  1. Colonial and Missionary Studies:
    Research focusing on the historical aspects of colonialism and early missionary activities is less prominent in recent issues, perhaps indicating a shift towards contemporary issues and local agency in Christianity.
  2. Western-centric Theological Perspectives:
    There seems to be a decreasing emphasis on Western theological frameworks, as the journal increasingly prioritizes voices and perspectives from the Global South.
  3. Traditional Ecclesiastical Structures:
    Studies centered on traditional church hierarchies and structures are becoming less frequent, reflecting a growing interest in grassroots movements and alternative expressions of faith.

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