Religion – Religious and Spiritual Life Journal Guide for Researchers

Why Researchers Choose Religion for High-Impact Publications

Religion stands as a cornerstone in the field of religious and spiritual life, offering scholars a prestigious platform to disseminate groundbreaking research. Published by Elsevier since 1974, this quarterly journal delves into the multifaceted dimensions of religion, from historical analyses to contemporary sociological perspectives. With a focus on interdisciplinary approaches, Religion attracts contributions that bridge theology, anthropology, and philosophy, making it an essential outlet for academics seeking to influence global discourse on faith and spirituality.

The journal's rigorous peer-review process ensures that only the most innovative and methodologically sound studies see publication, contributing to its solid reputation in academic circles. Researchers value Religion for its commitment to open dialogue across religious traditions, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and indigenous beliefs. Its scope extends beyond doctrinal examinations to explore religion's role in culture, politics, and society, providing a comprehensive view that resonates with diverse scholarly interests.

Key to its appeal is the journal's accessibility through Elsevier's ScienceDirect platform, which boasts high visibility and citation potential. For those in religious and spiritual life studies, publishing in Religion enhances career profiles, as evidenced by its inclusion in major indexing services like Scopus and the Arts & Humanities Citation Index. Whether investigating ritual practices or secularization trends, contributors find a welcoming space for nuanced arguments supported by empirical data.

As the landscape of academic publishing evolves, Religion remains adaptable, incorporating digital humanities methods and global south perspectives to stay at the forefront. This forward-thinking approach not only bolsters its impact factor but also positions it as a vital resource for emerging scholars. To advance your research career, consider submitting to Religion and connecting with opportunities in higher education. Explore religious studies faculty positions to complement your publication efforts.

Overview & History

Established in 1974, Religion has evolved into a key periodical for interdisciplinary scholarship in religious studies. Initially founded to address the need for a dedicated forum on comparative religion, it quickly gained traction among theologians and social scientists. Under Elsevier's stewardship, the journal expanded its editorial board to include international experts, fostering a global perspective. Today, it publishes four issues per year, featuring articles, book reviews, and special thematic sections that reflect current debates in spiritual life and faith practices.

Over the decades, Religion has documented pivotal shifts, such as the rise of religious pluralism in multicultural societies and the impact of globalization on sacred traditions. Its archives serve as a rich repository for historians tracing the development of religious thought from the late 20th century onward. The journal's enduring legacy lies in its balanced coverage, avoiding sectarian biases while encouraging critical inquiry into belief systems worldwide.

Scope and Disciplines Covered

Religion encompasses a broad spectrum of topics within religious and spiritual life, emphasizing empirical and theoretical analyses. Contributions span historical, sociological, psychological, and philosophical angles on religion, with a particular interest in cross-cultural comparisons. The journal welcomes studies on religious texts, rituals, institutions, and their intersections with modernity, including secularism and interfaith dialogue.

This inclusive scope ensures Religion appeals to a wide audience, from graduate students to established professors in related fields.

Key Journal Metrics

These metrics highlight Religion's steady influence in the humanities, with growing citations in interdisciplinary research.

Indexing and Abstracting

Religion is indexed in prestigious databases, ensuring wide discoverability. It appears in Scopus, Web of Science (Arts & Humanities Citation Index), ATLA Religion Database, and Religious & Theological Abstracts. This coverage facilitates tracking of citations and enhances the journal's prestige among librarians and researchers. For visibility, articles are also archived in Elsevier's digital repositories, supporting long-term access.

• Scopus: Comprehensive abstracting for global search.
• Clarivate Web of Science: Impact factor calculations and analytics.
• DOAJ: Not listed, as it's a subscription-based hybrid journal.

Publication Model and Fees

As a hybrid journal, Religion offers both subscription access and open access options through Elsevier's model. Traditional publication is free for authors, with articles behind a paywall unless chosen for open access. For open access, an Article Processing Charge (APC) of approximately $2,500 applies, waivable under certain conditions via agreements like Plan S compliance. Sherpa/RoMEO rates it as green for self-archiving, allowing preprint deposits. This flexibility accommodates diverse funding scenarios in religious studies.

Submission Process and Guidelines

Submissions to Religion are handled via Elsevier's Editorial Manager system. Authors must prepare manuscripts in line with the journal's style guide, emphasizing clear abstracts, keyword usage, and adherence to ethical standards like those from the International Society for Religion. Peer review is double-anonymized, typically taking 3-6 months. Guidelines stress originality, with plagiarism checks mandatory. For detailed steps, visit the official journal homepage.

Editorial Board Highlights

The editorial team at Religion comprises renowned scholars from leading institutions. Editor-in-Chief Michael Stausberg, based at the University of Bergen, oversees content with expertise in comparative religion. Associate editors include specialists in Asian religions and religious theory, ensuring diverse viewpoints. Board members hail from universities in Europe, North America, and Asia, reflecting the journal's international ethos. Their collective experience guides the journal toward cutting-edge scholarship.

Why Publish in Religion?

Publishing in Religion offers unparalleled exposure in religious and spiritual life studies. Its Elsevier affiliation guarantees professional production and marketing, reaching thousands of readers via ScienceDirect. The journal's focus on timely topics like religion in the digital age attracts citations from adjacent fields. Moreover, it supports early-career researchers through constructive feedback, aiding professional growth. For academics eyeing tenure, a publication here signals expertise. Link your work to broader opportunities by checking PhD programs in religious studies.

Comparison with Similar Journals

Religion distinguishes itself through its broad appeal and Elsevier's global distribution, often outperforming peers in citation rates.

Researcher Tips for Successful Submission

To succeed with Religion, tailor your abstract to highlight interdisciplinary relevance, using keywords like 'Religion impact factor' for search optimization. Ensure robust methodology, whether qualitative or quantitative, and engage with recent issues for contextualization. Avoid overly narrow topics; instead, connect to larger debates in spiritual life. Proofread meticulously and seek peer feedback before submission. Track progress via the portal and prepare for revisions. For career enhancement, review Rate My Professor for insights from peers. Stay updated with academic calendars for deadlines. Explore postdoc positions in religion post-publication.