VIGILIAE CHRISTIANAE

Scope & Guideline

Bridging Archaeology and Religious Insights

Introduction

Welcome to the VIGILIAE CHRISTIANAE 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 VIGILIAE CHRISTIANAE, 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.
LanguageMulti-Language
ISSN0042-6032
PublisherBRILL
Support Open AccessNo
CountryNetherlands
TypeJournal
Converge1948, 1950, 1952, 1957, 1960, 1963, 1965, 1967, from 1969 to 1973, from 1976 to 2024
AbbreviationVIGILIAE CHRISTIAN / Vigiliae Christ.
Frequency5 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressPLANTIJNSTRAAT 2, P O BOX 9000, 2300 PA LEIDEN, NETHERLANDS

Aims and Scopes

VIGILIAE CHRISTIANAE is dedicated to the study and dissemination of scholarly research in early Christian literature, theology, and historical contexts. The journal emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating literary, historical, philosophical, and theological analyses of texts and practices from late antiquity to the medieval period.
  1. Early Christian Literature and Hagiography:
    The journal explores the narratives and writings of early Christian figures, saints, and martyrs, examining their cultural and theological significance in both historical and contemporary contexts.
  2. Theological Developments and Doctrinal History:
    A core area of focus is the evolution of Christian doctrines and theological debates, particularly during the late antique period, which includes analyses of key figures such as Augustine, Gregory of Nazianzus, and others.
  3. Cultural and Historical Interactions:
    The journal investigates the interactions between early Christianity and surrounding cultures, including Judaism, Greco-Roman philosophy, and other religious traditions, emphasizing the impact of these exchanges on Christian thought.
  4. Ritual Practices and Asceticism:
    Research on the rituals, practices, and ascetic traditions within early Christianity is prevalent, highlighting the spiritual and communal aspects of faith as expressed through various forms of worship and lifestyle.
  5. Philosophical Influences on Christian Thought:
    The influence of ancient philosophical schools on early Christian theology is a significant theme, with studies examining how concepts from Platonism, Stoicism, and other philosophies shaped Christian doctrine.
The journal has witnessed the emergence of several new themes and a revitalization of interest in specific areas of study. These trends indicate changing scholarly priorities and the evolving landscape of early Christian research.
  1. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    There is a growing trend towards interdisciplinary research that combines theology, philosophy, and literary analysis, reflecting a broader academic movement towards integrating diverse methodologies in the study of early Christianity.
  2. Environmental and Ecological Perspectives:
    Recent papers have begun to explore environmental themes and ecological perspectives within early Christian texts, highlighting an emerging interest in how ancient beliefs intersect with contemporary ecological concerns.
  3. Gender Studies in Early Christianity:
    The exploration of gender dynamics, particularly the roles of women in early Christianity and ascetic practices, has gained prominence, indicating an increasing recognition of the importance of gender in historical and theological discourse.
  4. Digital Humanities and Textual Analysis:
    The application of digital humanities tools for textual analysis and the study of early Christian manuscripts is on the rise, showcasing a trend towards leveraging technology in scholarly research.
  5. Reassessing Historical Figures:
    There is a trend of re-evaluating the contributions of lesser-known figures in early Christianity, such as regional theologians and lesser-studied saints, suggesting a movement towards a more inclusive historical narrative.

Declining or Waning

While VIGILIAE CHRISTIANAE continues to publish robust scholarship, certain themes appear to be diminishing in frequency or emphasis. This shift may reflect broader trends in the field of early Christian studies or changing scholarly interests.
  1. Gnostic Texts and Interpretations:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in articles focusing specifically on Gnostic texts and their interpretations, suggesting a potential waning interest in this subfield compared to previous years.
  2. Historical Criticism of Early Christian Texts:
    A decline in the application of historical-critical methods to early Christian texts is observed, with fewer studies emphasizing this analytical approach, possibly in favor of more thematic or philosophical analyses.
  3. Regional Studies of Christianity:
    Research concentrating on specific geographical regions of early Christianity, such as North Africa or Eastern Christianity, seems to be less prominent, indicating a possible shift towards more global or comparative studies.
  4. Sociological Approaches to Early Christianity:
    The use of sociological frameworks to analyze early Christian communities and their social dynamics has diminished, reflecting a broader trend towards theological and literary analyses.

Similar Journals

Romische Quartalschrift fur Christliche Altertumskunde und Kirchengeschichte

Navigating the Complexities of Antiquity and Faith.
Publisher: VERLAG HERDER GMBHISSN: 0035-7812Frequency: 2 issues/year

Romische Quartalschrift fur Christliche Altertumskunde und Kirchengeschichte is a prestigious academic journal published by VERLAG HERDER GMBH that focuses on the intricate fields of Christian antiquity and church history. With its origins steeped in rigorous scholarly tradition, this journal provides a critical platform for researchers, professionals, and students to share their findings and insights, fostering a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of Christianity. Despite its discontinuation in Scopus from 2002 to 2014, it continues to be a vital resource for those engaged in religious studies, history, and archaeology, as evidenced by its rankings in the relevant categories. Although it does not offer Open Access options, the journal's contributions to the academic community remain significant and informative, encouraging rich dialogue and exploration among scholars in these disciplines. Located at Hermann-Herder-Str 4, Freiburg im Breisgau 79104, Germany, the journal invites submissions that ensure a continuous discourse on the impacts of Christian heritage and its intersections with various domains of historical inquiry.

International Journal of Systematic Theology

Fostering scholarly engagement in the heart of religious studies.
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 1463-1652Frequency: 4 issues/year

International Journal of Systematic Theology is an esteemed publication dedicated to advancing the discourse in the field of religious studies, primarily through rigorous theological analysis and scholarly engagement. Published by WILEY in the United Kingdom, this journal has established itself as a significant contributor to the academic landscape since its inception in 1999. With a commendable Scopus ranking in the 54th percentile within its category and designated as Q2 in the 2023 quartiles, it provides a platform for cutting-edge research that explores systematic theology's methodologies, theories, and applications. While it does not currently offer open access, the journal remains accessible to a wide readership of researchers, professionals, and students striving to deepen their understanding of theology and its implications in contemporary contexts. Located at 111 River St, Hoboken, NJ, the journal continues to foster an intricate dialogue among scholars and practitioners in the field, ensuring its relevancy and impact in shaping theological scholarship through to 2024 and beyond.

JOURNAL OF EARLY CHRISTIAN STUDIES

Delving into the Origins of Christian Narratives
Publisher: JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV PRESSISSN: 1067-6341Frequency: 4 issues/year

Journal of Early Christian Studies, published by Johns Hopkins University Press, is a prestigious academic journal that delves into the rich history and development of early Christianity. With an ISSN of 1067-6341 and an E-ISSN of 1086-3184, this journal has established itself as an essential platform for scholars and researchers interested in the intersections of religion, history, and culture from antiquity to the early medieval period. Ranked in the Q2 category in both History and Religious Studies as of 2023, it holds a commendable status within the academic community, reflected in its Scopus ranks. Though it does not offer open access, readers can expect rigorous peer-reviewed articles that contribute to ongoing dialogues in the field and leverage interdisciplinary approaches to the study of early Christian texts and practices. With a commitment to advancing knowledge from 2002 through 2024, the journal provides vital insights that appeal to researchers, professionals, and students alike, fostering a deeper understanding of early Christian narratives and their impact on contemporary thought.

Journal of Early Modern Christianity

Navigating the Rich Tapestry of Early Modern Belief
Publisher: WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBHISSN: 2196-6648Frequency: 2 issues/year

Journal of Early Modern Christianity is a prominent academic journal that explores the intricate intersections of history and religious studies during the early modern period. Published by WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBH in Germany, this journal plays a pivotal role in disseminating high-quality research and fostering scholarly dialogue in these fields. With an ISSN of 2196-6648 and an E-ISSN of 2196-6656, it has rapidly gained recognition, currently positioned within the Q4 category in both History and Religious Studies for 2023. Despite its relatively recent inception in 2014, the journal consistently seeks to elevate the academic discourse surrounding early modern Christianity, inviting contributions that offer fresh perspectives and rigorous analysis. While it does not operate under an open-access model, it remains committed to accessibility through institutional subscriptions. Researchers, professionals, and students dedicated to understanding the nuanced relationships between belief systems and historical contexts will find this journal to be an invaluable resource in their scholarly pursuits.

THEOLOGICAL STUDIES

Elevating academic exploration in the realm of theology.
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 0040-5639Frequency: 4 issues/year

THEOLOGICAL STUDIES, published by SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD, stands as a prominent journal within the field of Religious Studies, holding a commendable Q2 ranking in the 2023 category quartiles. With an ISSN of 0040-5639 and an E-ISSN of 2169-1304, this journal provides a vital platform for academic discourse and exploration of theological concepts and practices. Since its inception in 1973, THEOLOGICAL STUDIES has been committed to advancing scholarly understanding, examining contemporary religious issues, and fostering interdisciplinary dialogues. The journal maintains a strong reputation, as evidenced by its ranking of #151 out of 644 in the Scopus database for Arts and Humanities in Religious Studies, placing it in the 76th percentile. Although this journal is not open access, it remains integral to researchers, professionals, and students striving to deepen their understanding of theological studies and its impact on society.

Vox Patrum

Nurturing Scholarly Engagement in the Realm of Faith and Reason
Publisher: JOHN PAUL II CATHOLIC UNIV LUBLINISSN: 0860-9411Frequency: 4 issues/year

Vox Patrum is a distinguished academic journal published by the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, renowned for its commitment to advancing scholarship in the field of religious studies, history, and philosophy. With its ISSN 0860-9411 and E-ISSN 2719-3586, Vox Patrum provides open access to its research since 2021, promoting free and equitable dissemination of knowledge. The journal spans crucial topics from classical texts to contemporary religious thought and fosters interdisciplinary dialogue, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. Despite its emerging status, as indicated by its Scopus rankings in the Arts and Humanities categories, which sit within varying percentiles, Vox Patrum is poised to make a significant impact in its field, providing a platform for innovative research that engages with both historical and modern perspectives on religious and philosophical issues. With its publication timeline converging from 2019 to 2024, the journal aims to enrich discourse and research in religious and classical studies, further establishing its reputation as an academic cornerstone.

Studies in Christian Ethics

Deepening Understanding of Faith-Based Ethical Frameworks
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 0953-9468Frequency: 4 issues/year

Studies in Christian Ethics, published by SAGE Publications Ltd, is a leading academic journal dedicated to the exploration of Christian ethical thought within the broader landscape of philosophy and religious studies. With an ISSN of 0953-9468 and an E-ISSN of 1745-5235, this journal engages scholars and practitioners in critical dialogue surrounding contemporary ethical issues as they relate to Christian teachings and traditions. Located in the United Kingdom, it has steadily positioned itself within Q3 quartiles for both Philosophy and Religious Studies, showcasing its significant influence, as evidenced by its Scopus rankings in these fields. With a focus on publishing high-quality research, it serves as a vital resource for those aiming to deepen their understanding of ethical frameworks and the implications of faith-based decision-making in diverse contexts. While the journal is not open access, it offers robust access options through institutional subscriptions, ensuring that vital scholarship reaches a wide audience of researchers, professionals, and students interested in the intersection of faith and ethics.

LAVAL THEOLOGIQUE ET PHILOSOPHIQUE

Cultivating Innovative Scholarship in Religious Studies
Publisher: UNIV LAVALISSN: 0023-9054Frequency: 3 issues/year

LAVAL THEOLOGIQUE ET PHILOSOPHIQUE, published by UNIV LAVAL in Canada, is a vital scholarly journal devoted to advancing the fields of philosophy and religious studies. With an ISSN of 0023-9054 and an E-ISSN of 1703-8804, this journal serves as a platform for high-quality research, reflecting the diverse and interdisciplinary nature of theological and philosophical inquiry. Although it is currently categorized as Q4 in both Philosophy and Religious Studies, its dedication to encouraging critical dialogue and innovative scholarship positions it as a significant resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. From its inception in 2002 to its ongoing contributions, the journal has made a noteworthy impact, fostering intellectual engagement and providing a scholarly space for examining complex philosophical and theological questions. With access options predominantly through institutional subscriptions, it invites a robust academic audience to explore its thought-provoking articles and contribute to the rich tapestry of knowledge within these fields. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Quebec City, this journal embodies the vibrant academic spirit of its locale, aiming to connect scholars from around the globe.

Logos & Pneuma-Chinese Journal of Theology

Bridging Tradition and Contemporary Thought
Publisher: LOGOS & PNEUMA PRESSISSN: 1023-2583Frequency: 2 issues/year

Logos & Pneuma-Chinese Journal of Theology, published by LOGOS & PNEUMA PRESS, serves as a vital platform for theological discourse and research within the context of Chinese religious studies. Established in 2008 and continuing to contribute valuable insights up until 2023, this journal holds a Q4 ranking in Religious Studies for 2023, illustrating its emerging influence within the field. Although it currently lacks an impact factor and open access options, the journal provides a unique perspective on contemporary theological issues and practices relevant to scholars and practitioners engaging with Chinese Christianity and other religious traditions. It is an essential resource for researchers, students, and professionals seeking to enrich their understanding of the interplay between religion and culture in a rapidly evolving social landscape. Located in the heart of the New Territories, China, the journal invites submissions that reflect a broad range of theological inquiries, encouraging critical engagement and scholarly dialogue.

Museon

Advancing Scholarship Across Humanities Disciplines
Publisher: PEETERSISSN: 0771-6494Frequency: 2 issues/year

Museon, published by PEETERS in Belgium, is a prominent academic journal dedicated to exploring the interconnected realms of History, Linguistics, Literature, and Religious Studies. With an ISSN of 0771-6494 and an E-ISSN of 1783-158X, this journal has been a reliable source of scholarly discourse since its inception in 1972, with coverage extending from 1976 to 2023. While the journal does not offer open access, it maintains a respectable reputation, as evidenced by its category quartile rankings in 2023, positioning it in Q2 for Literature and Literary Theory and Q3 for the other disciplines. Researchers and students in these fields will find Museon to be an essential platform for disseminating and engaging with innovative and critical analyses. The journal's commitment to high-quality scholarship is reflected in its diverse scope and its ongoing contribution to the humanities, making it a vital resource for advancing knowledge and fostering academic dialogue.