Why Researchers Choose Numen: International Review for the History of Religions for High-Impact Publications
Numen: International Review for the History of Religions stands as a cornerstone in the field of religious studies, offering scholars a platform to delve into the historical dimensions of religions worldwide. Established in 1954 by Brill, this quarterly journal has evolved into a vital resource for researchers exploring the origins, developments, and transformations of religious traditions. With a focus on rigorous academic inquiry, Numen publishes original articles, review articles, and book reviews that advance understanding of religious phenomena across cultures and eras. Its international editorial board ensures diverse perspectives, making it a go-to venue for comparative religion and historical analysis.
The journal's prestige is underscored by its long-standing reputation and inclusion in major indexing services, which amplify the reach of published works. Researchers value Numen for its commitment to methodological innovation and interdisciplinary approaches, bridging history, anthropology, and theology. Whether examining ancient rituals or modern spiritual movements, contributions here gain visibility among global academics. For those in religious and spiritual life disciplines, publishing in Numen enhances career profiles and fosters connections in higher education.
As religious studies intersect with contemporary global issues, Numen provides timely insights that resonate beyond academia. Scholars preparing submissions should align their work with the journal's emphasis on empirical depth and theoretical sophistication. To explore academic opportunities post-publication, consider browsing religious studies faculty positions or checking the religious studies conferences calendar for networking events.
Overview & History
Numen: International Review for the History of Religions was founded in 1954 under the auspices of the International Association for the History of Religions (IAHR). Published by Brill in Leiden, Netherlands, it originated as a response to the need for a dedicated outlet for scholarly work on religious history. Over the decades, it has chronicled pivotal shifts in the study of religions, from phenomenological approaches in its early years to contemporary critical theories.
The journal's evolution reflects broader trends in academia, incorporating feminist, postcolonial, and digital humanities perspectives. Today, it remains a quarterly publication with issues featuring up to 200 pages of content. Its Dutch roots via Brill align with a tradition of philological excellence, yet its scope is truly global, drawing submissions from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Researchers often cite Numen's archival depth as a reason for its enduring influence in religious and spiritual life studies.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
Numen encompasses the historical study of religions, emphasizing comparative and cross-cultural analyses. It welcomes manuscripts on topics ranging from ancient mythologies to modern secularizations, provided they engage historical methodologies.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| History of Religions | Core focus on chronological developments and influences in religious traditions. |
| Comparative Religion | Examinations of similarities and differences across faiths like Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and indigenous beliefs. |
| Religious Studies | Interdisciplinary insights into rituals, texts, and institutions from historical viewpoints. |
| Anthropology of Religion | Historical ethnographies of spiritual practices in diverse societies. |
| Philosophy of Religion | Historical evolutions of theological concepts and debates. |
This broad yet focused scope ensures Numen appeals to scholars in religious and spiritual life, with applications to philosophy of religion lecturer roles.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source/Year |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | 0.289 | Clarivate JCR 2022 |
| CiteScore | 0.8 | Scopus 2022 |
| h-Index | 28 | Scopus |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 20-25% | Publisher estimate |
| Average Review Time | 4-6 months | Journal guidelines |
These metrics highlight Numen's solid standing in humanities journals, aiding researchers in evaluating religious studies professors for collaborations.
Indexing and Abstracting
Numen is indexed in prestigious databases including Scopus, Arts & Humanities Citation Index (Clarivate), ATLA Religion Database, and Religious and Theological Abstracts. This ensures discoverability for articles on religious history. Electronic access via Brill's platform and JSTOR further extends its reach. For global scholars, inclusion in the European Reference Index for the Humanities (ERIH PLUS) underscores its quality.
Publication Model and Fees
Numen operates on a subscription-based hybrid model, allowing open access options via Brill's Open Choice. There are no mandatory article processing charges (APCs) for standard submissions, though authors opting for immediate open access pay €1,500 (2023 rate). Subscriptions are institutional, with print and digital formats available. This model supports accessibility while maintaining Brill's nonprofit ethos in academic publishing.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled through Brill's Editorial Manager system at the journal's official site. Manuscripts should be 8,000-10,000 words, double-anonymized, in English. Guidelines emphasize original research, clear methodology, and adherence to Chicago style citations. Initial review by editors precedes peer assessment by 2-3 experts. For detailed steps, visit Numen: International Review for the History of Religions official homepage. Post-submission, track progress and consider submission deadlines calendar.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial team, led by Editor-in-Chief Gregory D. Alles (McDaniel College, USA), includes associate editors from leading institutions like the University of Chicago and Leiden University. Board members represent expertise in Asian religions, Mediterranean antiquity, and modern esotericism, ensuring balanced international oversight. Their collective experience spans decades, fostering Numen's reputation for scholarly rigor.
Why Publish in Numen: International Review for the History of Religions?
Publishing in Numen elevates research visibility due to its targeted audience and indexing. The journal's focus on historical depth attracts citations from interdisciplinary fields, boosting academic metrics. For early-career researchers, it offers mentorship through detailed reviewer feedback. Long-term, articles contribute to canonical discussions in religious studies, enhancing CVs for tenure-track religious history positions. Ultimately, Numen: International Review for the History of Religions submission process yields prestige and networking in global academia.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Publisher | Impact Factor (2022) | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Numen | Brill | 0.289 | History of religions, comparative |
| Journal of Religion | University of Chicago Press | 0.167 | Theological and historical religion |
| Religion | Elsevier | 0.512 | Contemporary religious studies |
| Journal of the American Academy of Religion | Oxford | 0.345 | Broad religious scholarship |
| Method & Theory in the Study of Religion | Brill | 0.212 | Methodological approaches |
This comparison positions Numen favorably for historical emphases, aiding decisions on comparative religion faculty ratings.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed with Numen: International Review for the History of Religions submissions, prioritize novel historical interpretations supported by primary sources. Engage recent debates and avoid overly broad surveys. Proofread meticulously and seek pre-submission feedback from peers. Align abstracts with keywords like 'religious history' for better matching. Finally, persistence pays off—rejections often include constructive advice for revisions. Leverage resources like research assistant religion jobs to refine work.