Theology

Scope & Guideline

Illuminating Contemporary Theological Debates

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of Theology 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
ISSN0040-571x
PublisherSAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1920 to 1922, from 1924 to 1933, from 1939 to 1946, from 1968 to 1989, from 1992 to 1993, from 1995 to 2024
AbbreviationTHEOLOGY / Theology
Frequency6 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address1 OLIVERS YARD, 55 CITY ROAD, LONDON EC1Y 1SP, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Theology' aims to explore and engage with diverse theological perspectives, integrating historical, philosophical, and contemporary issues that resonate within the Christian faith and its intersection with society. It fosters critical discussions on faith, spirituality, ethics, and the role of religion in addressing pressing global challenges.
  1. Interdisciplinary Engagement:
    The journal emphasizes the integration of various disciplines—such as philosophy, sociology, and environmental studies—into theological discourse, promoting a holistic understanding of faith in contemporary contexts.
  2. Contextual Theology:
    A significant focus is placed on contextual and comparative theology, exploring how different cultural and historical backgrounds shape theological understanding and practice.
  3. Social Justice and Ethics:
    The journal consistently addresses themes of social justice, ethics, and the church's role in advocating for marginalized communities, reflecting a commitment to real-world implications of theological beliefs.
  4. Ecological Theology:
    There is a notable emphasis on ecological and environmental issues, examining how theology can contribute to discussions on climate change and sustainability, thus responding to the urgent ecological crisis.
  5. Historical Theological Analysis:
    The journal often revisits historical theological figures and their relevance in contemporary debates, providing a rich context for understanding current theological positions.
  6. Gender and Identity Issues:
    Exploring themes of gender, sexuality, and identity within theological frameworks is a consistent aim, reflecting the journal's engagement with contemporary societal debates.
Recent publications in 'Theology' reveal emerging themes that reflect current societal challenges and evolving theological discourse, showcasing the journal's responsiveness to contemporary issues.
  1. Climate Justice and Eco-Theology:
    There is a significant increase in discussions surrounding climate justice and eco-theology, reflecting a growing awareness of the church's role in environmental stewardship and the ethical implications of climate change.
  2. Gender Justice and Inclusivity:
    Papers advocating for gender justice and the inclusion of diverse voices within the church are becoming more prevalent, indicating a shift towards addressing systemic inequalities within religious practices.
  3. Interfaith and Comparative Theology:
    The rise in comparative theology and interfaith dialogues showcases an interest in understanding and engaging with other religious traditions, reflecting a broader trend towards inclusivity and mutual understanding.
  4. Health and Well-being in Theology:
    Emerging themes that connect theology with health, well-being, and the human body suggest a contemporary concern for holistic care, particularly in light of the ongoing global health challenges.
  5. Political Theology and Civic Engagement:
    There is an increasing focus on political theology and the church's role in civic engagement, indicating a desire to connect faith with social action and address pressing political issues.

Declining or Waning

While the journal covers a wide array of theological themes, certain topics appear to be losing prominence in recent publications, indicating a potential shift in focus or scholarly interest.
  1. Traditional Doctrinal Debates:
    There seems to be a decline in papers focused on traditional doctrinal debates within Lutheranism, such as discussions solely centered on historical doctrinal positions, which may reflect a broader shift towards more contextual and practical applications of theology.
  2. Secularism and Religion Dichotomy:
    The exploration of the secular versus religious dichotomy appears to be less frequent, suggesting a transition towards more integrative discussions that emphasize shared values and interfaith dialogues rather than conflict.
  3. Historical Exclusivity:
    Topics that deal exclusively with historical Lutheran interpretations without contemporary relevance are becoming less frequent, indicating a preference for discussions that bridge history with current societal issues.

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