About

Practical Matters is a multimedia, trans-disciplinary, trans-sector academic journal that critically engages the nexus of practical theology and religious practices. We seek to place in conversation religious studies scholars, practical theologians, and religious practitioners by publishing compelling and innovative articles and mixed media projects around diverse themes such as Journey, Imagination, Ethnography, and Violence. In doing so, we have built a unique academic space where religious practitioners and scholars can engage in robust dialogue around all aspects of practice, pedagogy, and scholarship.  Pushing the boundaries of both the study of religious practices and the discipline of practical theology, Practical Matters publishes a variety of media and genres, illuminating each of these areas and drawing connections between them.

Practical Matters accepts submissions for both peer-review and non peer-review from both academics and practitioners. We publish each article on our website and in our annual issue, in which featured articles focus on a broad theme. Practical Matters publishes work in five categories:

  1. Feature Matters: pieces by scholars and practitioners which generate scholarly conversation around a pre-defined annual theme
  2. Analyzing Matters: pieces, usually peer-reviewed, by scholars exploring a wide variety of topics related to religious practices and practical theology
  3. Practicing Matters: pieces featuring content from practitioners and activists
  4. Teaching Matters: pieces related to pedagogy and practice
  5. Matters Under Review: reviews of recent works relevant to religious practices and practical theology

Members of the Practical Matters staff oversee the selection and publication of all peer-reviewed and non peer-reviewed work. Click here to learn more about submission to the journal. For general inquiries, email pm.managing.editor@emory.edu.

Practical Matters is supported by the Lilly Endowment through the Initiative in Religious Practice and Practical Theology, Candler School of Theology, and the Graduate Division of Religion at Emory University.