Why Researchers Choose Studies in Religion / Sciences Religieuses for High-Impact Publications
Studies in Religion / Sciences Religieuses stands as a cornerstone in the field of theology and religious studies, offering a bilingual platform for scholars worldwide. Established in 1972, this journal has built a reputation for publishing rigorous, interdisciplinary research that bridges English and French academic traditions. Its commitment to exploring the multifaceted dimensions of religion—from historical analyses to contemporary sociological perspectives—makes it an essential outlet for researchers seeking to contribute to global dialogues on faith, culture, and society.
The journal's prestige is underscored by its inclusion in major indexing services like Scopus and the Web of Science, ensuring wide dissemination and citation potential. With a focus on original articles, review essays, and book reviews, Studies in Religion / Sciences Religieuses attracts contributions from leading theologians, historians, and sociologists. Researchers value its hybrid open access model, which balances traditional subscription access with optional open access for broader reach. The editorial process emphasizes scholarly excellence, with peer reviews that enhance manuscript quality and align with international standards.
For those navigating the competitive landscape of academic publishing, Studies in Religion / Sciences Religieuses offers a strategic avenue. Its impact factor of 0.333 (2022 Clarivate Journal Citation Reports) reflects steady influence in the Religion category, where it ranks among respected peers. Submission value lies in its targeted audience of academics, clergy, and policymakers interested in religious dynamics. Whether examining theological doctrines or empirical studies on religious practices, the journal provides a venue for work that informs both academia and public discourse.
Publishing here not only amplifies scholarly impact but also connects researchers to a network of interdisciplinary experts. As religious studies evolve amid global challenges, Studies in Religion / Sciences Religieuses remains pivotal in fostering innovative inquiries. Consider submitting your next manuscript to join this legacy of influential scholarship. For theology faculty positions, explore opportunities at theology jobs to advance your career alongside such publications.
Overview & History
Studies in Religion / Sciences Religieuses was founded in 1972 by the Canadian Society for the Study of Religion, initially as a bilingual journal to serve the diverse linguistic landscape of Canadian academia. Published by SAGE Publications since 2010, it has grown into an international resource, featuring content in both English and French. The journal's evolution mirrors the broadening scope of religious studies, from early focuses on Christian theology to inclusive examinations of world religions, secularism, and interfaith relations.
Over five decades, it has published seminal works on topics like religious pluralism, ethics in theology, and the sociology of belief systems. Its quarterly issues maintain a balance of empirical research and theoretical essays, appealing to a global readership. The journal's history of editorial leadership, including notable figures from Canadian universities, has ensured a commitment to methodological rigor and cultural sensitivity. Today, it continues to adapt, incorporating digital humanities approaches to religious texts and data.
This enduring legacy positions Studies in Religion / Sciences Religieuses as more than a publication outlet—it's a hub for ongoing conversations in theology. Researchers benefit from its archival depth, accessible via SAGE's platform, which supports citation tracking and altmetrics for modern impact assessment.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The journal encompasses a wide array of disciplines within religious studies, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches. Core areas include theology, history of religions, sociology of religion, and philosophical inquiries into faith. It welcomes submissions on comparative religion, religious ethics, and the intersection of religion with politics, gender, and environment.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Theology | Doctrinal and systematic analyses across Christian, Islamic, Jewish, and other traditions. |
| Religious Studies | Historical and cultural examinations of religious practices and beliefs globally. |
| Sociology of Religion | Empirical studies on religious institutions, communities, and social impacts. |
| Philosophy of Religion | Critical explorations of religious epistemology, metaphysics, and existential questions. |
| Interfaith Studies | Dialogues and conflicts between religious groups in multicultural contexts. |
This scope ensures Studies in Religion / Sciences Religieuses remains relevant for diverse scholarly pursuits, from textual criticism to fieldwork in religious movements.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor (2022) | 0.333 | Clarivate JCR |
| 5-Year Impact Factor | 0.412 | Clarivate JCR |
| CiteScore | 0.6 | Scopus |
| h-Index | 22 | Scopus |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 25% | Publisher Data |
| Average Review Time | 3-4 months | SAGE Metrics |
These metrics highlight the journal's solid standing, with steady growth in citations reflecting its influence in theology circles.
Indexing and Abstracting
Studies in Religion / Sciences Religieuses is indexed in prestigious databases, enhancing discoverability. Key inclusions are ATLA Religion Database, Scopus, Web of Science (Emerging Sources Citation Index), and EBSCOhost. It is also listed in DOAJ for open access articles and Sherpa/RoMEO for policy compliance. These affiliations ensure articles reach interdisciplinary audiences, from theological seminaries to social science departments. Access external resources like Scopus for detailed analytics.
Publication Model and Fees
As a hybrid journal, Studies in Religion / Sciences Religieuses offers subscription-based access with an open access option via SAGE Choice. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for open access is $3,000 USD, waivable for corresponding authors from low-income countries. No fees apply for standard submissions. This model supports equitable access while maintaining high production standards, including bilingual editing and digital formatting. Check the official site at SAGE Journals for full policies.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Manuscripts are submitted online via SAGE's ScholarOne platform. Guidelines require 6,000-8,000 words, double-spaced, with abstracts in both English and French. Authors must anonymize submissions for blind peer review. Focus on originality, clear methodology, and relevance to the journal's scope. Revisions are common, with decisions typically within 3-4 months. For detailed instructions, visit the journal's homepage. Enhance your preparation by reviewing academic writing tips.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial board comprises distinguished scholars from institutions like the University of Toronto and McGill University. Editor-in-Chief Paul W. Gooch oversees a team with expertise in theology, anthropology, and religious ethics. International members ensure diverse perspectives, fostering inclusive scholarship. Their collective experience guides the journal's direction toward cutting-edge religious research.
Why Publish in Studies in Religion / Sciences Religieuses?
Publishing in Studies in Religion / Sciences Religieuses offers visibility in a niche yet influential field. Its bilingual format reaches Francophone and Anglophone audiences, amplifying global impact. The journal's rigorous review process polishes work for lasting contribution, while metrics support tenure and grant applications. For researchers in theology, it's a gateway to citations in related disciplines. Connect with peers through religious studies networks post-publication.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Scope Focus | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studies in Religion / Sciences Religieuses | 0.333 | Bilingual religious studies | SAGE |
| Journal of Religion | 0.500 | Theological and historical | University of Chicago Press |
| Religion | 0.800 | Comparative religion | Elsevier |
| Numen | 0.400 | History of religions | Brill |
| Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion | 1.200 | Sociological approaches | Wiley |
This comparison shows Studies in Religion / Sciences Religieuses' unique bilingual edge in a competitive field.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed, align your work with the journal's interdisciplinary ethos. Use clear, accessible language for bilingual appeal. Incorporate recent scholarship and diverse methodologies. Engage with reviewer feedback constructively. Track trends via academic calendar for timely submissions. Finally, leverage rate my professor resources for mentor insights. For theology career paths, see higher ed jobs in theology.