Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion

Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion is a biannual, peer-reviewed academic journal that explores the intersection of feminism, gender studies, and religion. Founded in 1985 by Elizabeth Schüssler Fiorenza and Sheldon S. Cohen, the journal is published by Indiana University Press and has become a leading platform for scholars such as Rosemary Radford Ruether, Mary Daly, and Delores Williams to share their research on feminist theology, womanist theology, and queer theology. The journal's editorial team has included prominent scholars like Kwok Pui-lan, Judith Plaskow, and Serene Jones, who have contributed to the development of feminist biblical interpretation and feminist religious studies.

● History

The journal's history is closely tied to the emergence of feminist theology in the 1970s and 1980s, with scholars like Letty Russell, Carter Heyward, and Beverly Wildung Harrison playing key roles in shaping the field. The journal's founding editors, Elizabeth Schüssler Fiorenza and Sheldon S. Cohen, were influenced by the work of Mary Daly, Rosemary Radford Ruether, and other feminist theologians who were challenging traditional Christian theology and Jewish theology. Over the years, the journal has published articles by scholars from diverse religious backgrounds, including Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism, and has featured special issues on topics like feminist spirituality, eco-feminism, and postcolonial feminism, with contributions from scholars like Gloria Anzaldua, Chandra Talpade Mohanty, and Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak.

● Scope and Focus

The journal's scope and focus are reflected in its publication of articles on a wide range of topics, including feminist biblical interpretation, feminist theology, womanist theology, and queer theology, with scholars like Renita Weems, Katie Cannon, and Marcella Althaus-Reid making significant contributions to these fields. The journal also explores the intersection of religion and culture, including topics like feminist spirituality, eco-feminism, and postcolonial feminism, with scholars like Vandana Shiva, Wangari Maathai, and Arundhati Roy providing critical perspectives on these issues. Additionally, the journal has published special issues on topics like feminist pedagogy, feminist ethics, and feminist hermeneutics, with contributions from scholars like bell hooks, Audre Lorde, and Adrienne Rich.

● Editorial Team

The journal's editorial team has included prominent scholars like Kwok Pui-lan, Judith Plaskow, and Serene Jones, who have contributed to the development of feminist theology and feminist religious studies. The current editorial team includes scholars like Kate Ott, Grace Ji-Sun Kim, and Nancy Bedford, who are committed to publishing high-quality research on feminist theology, womanist theology, and queer theology. The journal's editorial board also includes scholars like M. Shawn Copeland, Cheryl Kirk-Duggan, and Emilie Townes, who provide expertise in areas like Catholic theology, Protestant theology, and African American theology.

● Publication and Indexing

The journal is published biannually by Indiana University Press and is indexed in major databases like ATLA Religion Database, EBSCOhost, and JSTOR. The journal is also available online through Project MUSE and JSTOR, making it accessible to scholars and researchers around the world. The journal's publication schedule includes special issues and themed sections, which are often guest-edited by prominent scholars like Laura Levitt, Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, and Traci West.

● Impact and Reception

The journal has had a significant impact on the field of feminist theology and feminist religious studies, with scholars like Rosemary Radford Ruether, Mary Daly, and Delores Williams citing the journal as a key platform for their research. The journal has also been praised for its commitment to publishing diverse perspectives and voices, including those of womanist theologians like Katie Cannon and Renita Weems, and queer theologians like Marcella Althaus-Reid and Patrick Cheng. The journal's influence can be seen in the work of scholars like Serene Jones, Kate Ott, and Grace Ji-Sun Kim, who have built on the journal's legacy to develop new areas of research in feminist theology and feminist religious studies.

● Notable Contributions

The journal has published numerous notable contributions to the field of feminist theology and feminist religious studies, including articles by scholars like Elizabeth Schüssler Fiorenza, Judith Plaskow, and Kwok Pui-lan. The journal has also featured special issues on topics like feminist spirituality, eco-feminism, and postcolonial feminism, with contributions from scholars like Gloria Anzaldua, Chandra Talpade Mohanty, and Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak. Additionally, the journal has published interviews with prominent scholars like bell hooks, Audre Lorde, and Adrienne Rich, providing insights into their work and legacy. The journal's notable contributions have been recognized by awards like the American Academy of Religion's Award for Excellence in the Study of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature's Award for Outstanding Service to the Society.

Category:Academic journals Category:Feminist theology Category:Religious studies