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SCHOLARLY JOURNALS, ARTICLES, ESSAYS

  /    /  SCHOLARLY JOURNALS, ARTICLES, ESSAYS

The Scholarly Publications listed here come primarily from Academia or Professional/Trade Associations who share our interests either in General Biblical Christian Worldview (i.e., as it relates to fundamental issues of Law, Justice, Government), or in our 10 Specific Advocacy and Justice Interests (including biblical thinking that supports advocacy in those 10 areas). We have added a new piece of scholarship or academic work for published research and reports.

Subset (1) contains what you would expect from peer-reviewed, Academic and Professional Journals in these areas: articles are often submitted externally, published in numbered volumes and issues, in a sequence, and requiring academic or similar citation styles (some exceptions may exist in our listing). 

Subset (2) presents a new genre of Scholarly Articles coming from websites and organizations with established scholarship and authors (the scholarship may be there, but these are not typically published “Journals” in the academic, traditional sense, and often don’t have their own name (i.e. just “Articles,” in a collection), although some do). We believe these deserve special inclusion in a Subset here (examples: “Publications” of The Christian Institute, or the EPPC) [note: these online Articles collections typically don’t follow established academic or professional citation requirements; i.e., footnotes, endnotes, etc.)]. 

Subset (3) includes Research Studies and Reports on subjects of interest, and from various organizations. Topics we found helpful in this Subset include: Country (and Regional) Reports on Corruption, Religious Liberty, and Cultural and Social Surveys/Studies on issues such as sex, marriage, and gender issues. As said Reports can often be contained, summarized, or released in a “Journal” of some kind, we have decided to include them here (i.e., some Research Studies, and Reports are summarized in an organization’s formally published Journal, and so we try to note this).  

Important Distinctions: This Scholarly Journals, Articles, Studies/Reports Square should be distinguished from the News Journal, Articles Square. The latter is chiefly for news items, and reporting on current events, with appropriate instances of commentary and analysis (much like one might fight in a traditional newspaper or magazine). The scholarship and style there really isn’t the same as what’s in this Square. Admittedly, however, some publications in this Set, (specifically in Subset (2)), are hybrids, possessing both the characteristics of a Scholarly Journal, and/or of a News Journal (a bit of each, or indeed both). In those situations, we try to list the publication in both Squares (see e.g., CI, EPPC, IRD).

Some other, self-explanatory Subsets round out this Square.

(1) Academic and Professional Journals, Including Law Reviews, Published in a Series (in Volumes, Issues)

These are specifically-named Journals in a continuous, multivolume series, with public submissions sent to an editorial board for acceptance (after some editing). Submissions usually require rigorous, separate citations to supporting authorities in an approved format. Law Reviews and Law Journals exemplify this, but we include several other academic and professional journals serving our interests. Journals here can touch on general worldview subjects, as well as very specific issues, including  many controversial ones. They may also cover practical issues for lawyers, and other professionals or advocates. Some journals are online but have hard copy options, or they may offer pdf downloads of articles. Some require subscriptions.

American Journal of Jurisprudence (Notre Dame Law School, Oxford University Press)

The American Journal of Jurisprudence is an international journal publishing critical discussions of the moral foundations of law and legal systems, exploring current and historical issues in ethics, philosophy of law or jurisprudence, and legal (including constitutional) theory.” (from its website) Not all of it is explicitly Christian, but there are many good pieces; it has connections to lead thinkers at Notre Dame Law School in the US.

Cambridge Papers

This is a fine collection of cited research papers expressing Christian worldview on a  variety of social issues, including those impacting public policy, and spanning several decades. It’s a unique group. (Jubilee Center, UK, below is closely associated with them).

The Christian Lawyer (Christian Legal Society, USA) 

This fine, magazine-styled professional publication is issued twice a year (Spring and Fall), and has a variety of interesting topics for practitioners and other advocates, including religious liberty, anti-human trafficking, right-to-life, and serving the poor; articles tend to be shorter and may have international applications, although catering in the first instance to the CLS, USA. See also their law journal, Journal of Christian Legal Thought (more an academic journal), below.

Christian Legal Journal (Christian Legal Fellowship, Canada)

“The Christian Legal Journal is the periodic publication of the Christian Legal Fellowship (CLF). The Journal addresses relevant legal issues from a Christian perspective. Its articles are designed to encourage members . . .  keeping them informed of current legal issues impacting the Christian community . . .” (from its website). Issues covered include Church & State, Religious Liberty, Life, basic Freedoms, Career, Courage, and many more. It’s hard to view this Journal’s content, while CLF members automatically get a free subscription.

First Things (Institute on Religion and Public Life)

This is “A Journal of Religion, Culture, and Public Life . . . The Institute on Religion and Public Life, [is]  an interreligious, nonpartisan research and education institute whose purpose is to advance a religiously informed public philosophy for the ordering of society.” (old and new sites). It has distinctly Catholic perspectives, but also includes Evangelical and Protestant writers, and is considered one of the premiere journals on Christian social, and political thought (highly read and acclaimed for its content). Subscriptions are required but some recent issues and content are free. It also has Podcasts, Videos, and other programs on its site. 

International Journal for Religious Freedom (IJRF) (International Institute for Religious Freedom (IIRF), of the WEA)

This Journal includes some Religious Liberty Reports. (The IIRF also issues an entire, separate series of Reports on Religious Liberty and other Human Rights [see Subset (2) below, Research Studies, Reports].) 

Journal of Catholic Legal Studies (St. John’s University, School of Law, USA)

The Journal of Catholic Legal Studies is a scholarly journal devoted to the study of law and religion in general, and law and Catholicism in particular. Known for fifty years as The Catholic Lawyer, the journal was rechristened the Journal of Catholic Legal Studies in the spring of 2005, beginning with Issue 44, Vol. 1. 

Journal of Catholic Social Thought (Villanova University, Office for Mission and Ministry and the School of Law, USA)

“The Journal of Catholic Social Thought is a peer-reviewed interdisciplinary publication that brings together authors from the fields of law, theology, philosophy and political theory. Its focus is Catholic social teaching and the implications for both theory and practice. It was founded in support of a call by the Conference of Catholic Bishops to ‘integrate and to share the riches of the Church’s social teaching in Catholic education and formation at every level.’” (from website) 

Journal of Christian Legal Thought (2011 – Current) (CLS, USA)

“The mission of the Journal of Christian Legal Thought is to equip and encourage legal professionals to seek and study biblical truth as it relates to law, the practice of law, and legal institutions. . . The Journal seeks, first, to provide practitioners and students a vehicle through which to engage Christian legal scholarship that will enhance this reflection as it relates to their daily work, and, second, to provide legal scholars a peer-reviewed medium through which to explore the law in light of Scripture, under the broad influence of the doctrines and creeds of the Christian faith, and on the shoulders of the communion of saints across the ages.” (from its Statement of Purpose) 

Journal of Church and State (Oxford Academic, in connection with the J.M. Dawson Institute of Church-State Studies, Baylor University, USA)

“The Journal of Church and State is concerned with what has been called the ‘greatest subject in the history of the West.’ It seeks to stimulate interest, dialogue, research, and publication in the broad area of religion and the state. JCS publishes constitutional, historical, philosophical, theological, and sociological studies on religion and the body politic in various countries and cultures of the world . . . “ (from the website). With over 50 years and running, this is a good resource on this issue,  going obviously beyond Western concerns, and even Christian ones, to issues in all nations. A variety of religious persuasions (or none at all) can be presented here. 

Journal of Global Justice and Public Policy (JGJPP) (Regent University, School of Law, USA)

This Journal focuses on International Human Rights, Global Development, and the Rule of Law; it operates in connection with Regent’s Center for Global Justice (it is student run and edited). 

Journal of Law and Religion (Emory University, Center for the Study of Law and Religion, with Cambridge Core, Cambridge Univ. Press) 

“The Journal of Law and Religion publishes cutting-edge interdisciplinary, interreligious, and international research on critical issues of law and religion.” (from the website). Interreligious means this Journal provides a dialogue among Buddhist, Confucian, Christian, Hindu, Indigenous, Jewish, Muslim, and other faith traditions about fundamental questions of law, society, and politics. 

Lausanne Global Analysis (Lausanne Movement)

It sometimes includes several fine articles on law, government, justice and on specific social issues of interest; e.g., Separation of Church and State, Economic Development, Governmental Authority, and so on; 40 years of content in this academic-styled journal, with a very searchable format; See also their other publications: Lausanne Occasional Papers (Subset (2)), and News & Stories (a Scholarly Blog).

Law and Justice, The Christian Law Review (UK)

“Law & Justice is a peer reviewed journal published by the Edmund Plowden Trust for the purpose of assisting and promoting the study and understanding of [UK] . . . legal systems in themselves and by comparing them with the laws and systems of other countries and by considering them in the light of Christian sources such as The Declaration of Religious Freedom (of the Second Vatican Council), International Law, Canon Law and the Law of Nature.” (from its website)

Liberty University Law Review (USA)

“The Liberty University Law Review strives to cultivate a forum of intellectually rigorous thought and debate regarding contemporary legal issues, gleaning insight from the Western legal tradition and remaining faithful to the Christian worldview. Through its publication, the Law Review endeavors to further the mission of the Liberty University School of Law, as well as to bring honor to the God of all Truth. Soli Deo Gloria.” (from its website; f/k/a Liberty Legal Journal)

The Natural Family: An International Journal of Research and Policy (TNF) (International Organization for the Family (IOF))

This is “a quarterly academic publication [promoting the natural family] and . . . protecting the sanctity and dignity of all human life.” It is geared specifically to international issues. “The International Organization for the Family (IOF) unites and equips leaders worldwide to promote the natural family.” (all quotes from the website) 

Oxford Journal of Law and Religion (Oxford University Press)

The Oxford Journal of Law and Religion (OJLR) publishes a range of articles drawn from various sectors of the law and religion field, including: social, legal and political issues involving the relationship between law and religion in society; comparative law perspectives on the relationship between religion and state institutions; developments regarding human and constitutional rights to freedom of religion or belief; considerations of the relationship between religious and secular legal systems; and other salient areas where law and religion interact (e.g., theology, legal and political theory, legal history, philosophy, etc.).

(from its website) 

Providence (Institute on Religion and Democracy (IRD))

This is a journal (magazine-styled), of “Christianity and American foreign policy” (from its past website). It’s actually a lot more than that: Providence is a full online library and resource center in itself, with podcasts, interviews, and videos built into this online journal (it even links to a fine International Religious Liberty section associated with IRD’s Blog, Juicy Ecuemenism). The journal’s emphasis on foreign policy, and not just American, makes it easy for anyone to get up to speed on almost any current political topic, even internationally, while in the same space diving into big theological issues surrounding society and government. (Citations to authority, if given, seem ‘in the text’ of articles, and not separately footnoted.) See also IRD’s Faith & Freedom publication, in our News Journal Articles Square.

Public Discourse (Witherspoon Institute (WI))

This is WI’s primary, online journal that “ seeks to enhance the public understanding of the moral foundations of free societies. . . ” (from its website). Public Discourse is also magazine styled, having several other multimedia features built into its pages, such as Videos and webinars on its topics. It’s a high caliber journal covering and organizing its articles and related resources into 5 main subject areas. It calls these the five pillars of society (the Human Person, Sexuality & Family, Politics & Law, Education & Culture, and Business & Economics). This 5-subject-system makes it easy to hone in on what you are looking for. The journal has a strong cadre of featured contributing authors (citations to authority, if any, are in text and not separate; see this also in our News Journals Articles Square). 

See more scholarly WI publications, including Article/Essay compilations on Natural Law (NL), and Research Studies, Reports, on marriage and family issues, in Subsets (2), (3) below. 

Regent University Law Review (USA) 

Regent University Law Review seeks to present academically excellent scholarship on relevant issues facing the legal community today from the perspective of a historic Christian worldview.

Religion & Liberty (Acton Institute)

“A quarterly journal of religion, economics & culture,” that contains “essays, book reviews, and interviews with those working for a free and virtuous society.” (quotes from its website). This journal is similar to a scholarly periodical in its style. Available by subscription, but recent issues are available free, online.

Trinity Law Review (Trinity Law School, USA)

The Law Review is a student-led publication on a variety of topics, adhering to a Christian and Western legal tradition, including the natural law, since the school’s, and Law Review’s founding in 1980.

World Justice Project | Publications, Articles (in assoc. w/ the American Bar Association (ABA))

[See instead Subset (3), Research Studies, Reports, for its relevant Articles]

(2) SCITTS, SITES with Scholarly Articles, Essays in Online Collections (yet not exactly “Journals”)

ADF International, White Papers

A collection of Essays/White Papers on all issues of their advocacy, including Human Rights, Life, Traditional Marriage, and Religious Liberty

Center for Public Justice (CPJ), Articles (US, International)

CPJ’s Articles are somewhat a cross between Scholarly Articles (short, well-informed, yet without standard citations to authorities), and News Articles, cast in an informational Blog style. CPJ categorizes its Articles and other resources into several generally helpful, yet overlapping, categories, including for: (1) Students and Scholars; (2) Faith-based organizations (ministries, etc.), and (3) Advocates and Policymakers (to name some). International subjects, current events and policy-analysis are all covered in its Articles.

The Christian Institute (CI), Publications (Essays, Articles, Booklets, Guides) 

This is a solid compilation of short and long articles or essays on important issues (in an online magazine-style, with pdf downloads, and including citations to authority); it’s combined with booklets, briefings, guides, studies, and other interesting items; this page goes the extra mile, as it very conveniently connects you to CI’s latest Newsletter, and its many other resources. (See also CI Reports, in Subset (3), Research Studies, Reports, below.) 

Comment, In Depth (Theos Think Tank, UK)

Theos’ Comment page provides some Scholarly Articles in this In Depth collection, which corresponds with or supplements its standard Research Reports (see Subset (3), below); some of these have citations to authority; see also Comment, In Brief, for shorter articles, in our News Journals, Articles Square.

Ethics and Public Policy Center (EPPC), Publications / Programs

EPPC employs a unique system of subject-themed Programs with an assortment of mixed-media resources, including Journal-styled Articles, Videos, Audios, Interviews, covering many important social issues, such as law, culture, and politics, all presented from a Judeo-Christian tradition. These Programs include Publications, ranging from short, Scholarly Articles to opinion Blogs and News (on several current events). Search all such resources, using either the Publications or Programs (we think best), links above. 

Ezra Institute (EI), Articles by Topic (33+ Topics)

This has several topics including, Theology, Apologetics, Law, Politics, Education, and so many more; some articles have citations to authority, although the style is mostly bloggish; authors are Joseph Boot, the founder, and several others; said Articles previously appeared in the publication, Jubilee (see EI’s older posts)

Institute for Faith, Work, and Economics (IFWE), Individual Articles, Essays Collection

Some of the most basic and helpful essays on capitalism, socialism, and other isms, as biblically analyzed and considering their economic and political ramifications, are found right here in this short collection (along with several other useful, biblical-social issues topics).

Jubilee Center: Short Papers, Research Reports [Articles], Selected Cambridge Papers

“The Jubilee Centre has produced many reports and discussion papers over the years.” (from its website). It has the three specific collections, above. Coverage is intended to include a Christian worldview on many important social issues (economics, church, politics, technology, education, gender issues, etc.). Short Papers are sometimes long; Research Reports are actually more like Articles, Essays on topics,  than Studies, and the Selected Cambridge Papers are academic-styled, coming from a closely associated, but independent entity, Cambridge Papers;’ the articles come in various sizes, are available in pdf,, and separate citations to authority may or may not exist (ed. note: some concerns exist about possible left-of-center thinking on some issues,  like climate change, economics, and social justice)

Lausanne Occasional Papers (LOP) (Lausanne Movement)

This is a series of Research Papers (about 100 and growing) on a variety of topics, including church growth, missions in Africa and globally, religious liberty, and so on; in general, it has mid-sized articles, and most with citations to authority; several intersect with our Institute’s interests. See also, Lausanne Global Analysis, (Subset (1), above), and News & Stories (its Scholarly Blog)

Natural Law, Natural Rights and American Constitutionalism, A Collection of Articles/Essays,  via the Witherspoon Institute (WI), and NLNRAC.org

This is a key learning tool on this important biblical & human subject. It’s a series of several Essays/Articles by many writers, covering the history, theology and philosophy of this idea, over eons;  the collection has real international application, despite its American title. 

Stand to Reason (STR), Articles

STR is strong on apologetics, including cultural issues, speaking stoutly on hot issues today. Its Articles section is sometimes akin to a bloggish series on important issues of faith and society, including hard social issues in bioethics, marriage, transgenderism and law. Internationally, such issues are spreading and increasing in importance.

(3) Research Studies, Reports (on Corruption, Religious Liberty, and Other Social Issues, Including Some Country/Regional Reports)

ADF International, Submissions/Reports to the UN Human Rights Commission, Universal Periodic Review Working Group

ADF Int’l has Special Consultative Status with UN, ECOSOC and makes country Submissions to the UN, Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review; these are mostly Country Reports on status of Human Rights protections in the countries cited, or other actions such as its advocacy letters to several governments. Very helpful for arguing cases in your own country. See also their collection of White Papers, in Subset (2) above, and its book, Censored.

The Global Family + Other Reports (Institute for Family Studies (IFS)) 

The Global Family addresses international issues impacting families, coming from IFS. “These reports are of interest to parents, educators, policymakers, journalists, religious leaders, and others who are focused on understanding how the global family is affected by various cultural indicators.” (from the website). IFS is a solid Research Institute working to support families according to Christian values through data research and analysis. It offers several other colorful and helpful Research Reports on issues impacting all families (i.e., National and Regional Reports, etc.). 

International Institute for Religious Freedom (IIRF) | Reports (World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), and WEA’s Religious Liberty Commission (RLC))

This is a great collection of Research Studies and Reports, not only on Religious Liberty, but on other Human Rights issues as well. It’s based on actual country visits in many cases. It’s a fine place to start researching. Reports are in English or German. The IIRF is also initiating an important Violent Incidents Database, collecting data on violent, in-country persecutions (India, Nigeria, Latin America, etc.)

IIRF’s related organ, the Religious Liberty Commission (RLC), conducts investigations of situations in many countries and issues its analysis in reports to the UN; these reports should be available by signing up, at:  www.worldea.org/signup; see also, IJRF, next below.

International Journal for Religious Freedom (IJRF) (International Institute for Religious Freedom (IIRF) of the WEA)

This Scholarly Journal (see Subset (1)), sometimes also includes Research Studies, Reports on global Religious Liberty and Similar Human Rights issues (in addition to IIRF’s Reports, above). 

Jubilee Centre (JC) | Research Reports [actually, Articles] (UK) [See Subset (2) above]

Some Research Reports may occasionally appear in this series, but mostly these are just Christian worldview articles on important social issues, despite the suggestion in the title of actual Reports (so see Subset (2) above, instead).

The Natural Family: An International Journal of Research and Policy (TNF) (International Organization for the Family (IOF))

This Journal (see more in Subset (1) above), also occasionally provides summaries of research and reports impacting families, internationally. Summaries of studies include topics such as: changing sexual practices among youth,  population issues, marriage rates, “social constructs” vs. actual family structures, honesty (or its lack) in social research, and so on. Information on these studies is typically available under links for New Research or Research Studies (note: full article/study viewing requires a subscription, but article/study previews are available online). 

Open Doors International, Research & Reports (Detailed reports; Full Country Dossiers)

Open Doors has National Offices in over 24 countries and regions, enabling it to assemble live, situational reports on persecuted Christians in many countries, so advocacy steps can be taken. World Watch Research (its research arm) compiles the information. In addition to its Country Reports (noted in heading), it publishes a series of current events Articles, and a World Watch List, as well as some of its Advocacy Reports

Persecution Reports, Global Christian Relief (formerly assoc. with Open Doors USA)

In 2023, Global Christian Relief branched off from Open Doors USA, and started similar work to help persecuted Christians globally. Continuing from that root, it offers reports on what is going on regarding persecution in many countries (it also has Stories of real accounts)

Pew Research Center | Topics | Religion, Short Reads and Signature Reports (US, International)

Pew specializes in research data and information summaries, through studies and surveys it conducts, on international (and US) religious liberty practices, and on other social issues involving a Christian perspective. It’s a helpful analytical tool for your own research and work (2 kinds of reports are linked in the heading above).

Ruth Institute | Research By Father Paul Sullins, Ph.D. (Senior Research Associate)

Here find summaries of his several Research Studies, from articles published in other journals and gathered here for easy reference; topics include sexual orientation-conversion studies, parenting studies for same-sex couples, transgenderism, clergy sexual abuse, and similar items. 

Theos Reports (Theos Think Tank, UK)

Theos has produced over 50 reports since 2006, enriching the conversation around faith’s role in society.” (from its website).  Multiple topics are indexed, including such subjects of interest as Law, Immigration, Global Politics, Identity Politics, Church and Religion, International Development, and many others (all in a long, searchable index). See also Theos’ Comment’  section, with occasional Scholarly Articles, and a frequent supply of News Articles and commentary (although its focus is UK, it has some international applications).

Transparency International, Publications (Reports, Case Studies, Annual Reports)

Check out all their published Reports and Case Studies on Corruption, and especially its annual Corruption Perceptions Index. “From research reports and policy positions to real life stories and toolkits, our publications offer insight into corruption and how to prevent and stop it.” (from website). Caveat: some of their gauges on human rights might have unfortunately gone left, or woke (e.g., climate change, sexual orientation, etc.) but on basic bribery, economic and political corruption, they still have very good information (countries and private actors still rely on it). 

Witherspoon Institute, Resources – Research Studies, Reports, and related Articles collection

Two main Studies and Reports, and WI’s associated Articles Collections are available:  

i) Family Structure Studies (including data Studies (up to 2012) and subsequent Articles supporting the traditional family, with responses from others, and rejoinders, in this recently updated, collated articles series);

ii) The Social Costs of Pornography (key Studies and conclusions showing its harms, in a collection of Papers (288 pp.), at Princeton University in 2008 (still useful in some ways))

World Justice Project | Publications, Reports, + (in associaton w/ the American Bar Association (ABA))

WJP’s Publications are an entire library of Studies, Reports and other quality publications, covering corruption and related issues; it even includes specific Country Reports. In this vibrant collection, one can find such diverse items as: Annual Reports, Country Reports, Topical Reports, Rule of Law Index Reports, Research & Working Papers, and Policy Briefs (all searchable by these clear filters). In addition to Reports, it has two key instruments it publishes: What is the Rule of Law? and The Rule of Law Index (this uses actual survey data, not perceptions of others). Caveat: be aware of secular and woke definitions of Justice, Human Rights, and Rule of Law potentially emerging from this secular, but valuable organization.

(4) Search Engines & Services for Finding Good Articles on Various Topics, Internationally 

Religion & The Law – (HeinOnline), ‘The Ideology, Fundamentals, and Power of World Religions’

This service covers articles on law and religion (all major world religions) from a variety of perspectives and with contributions from the U.S. Christian Legal Society, ICLS. Over 35 journals are indexed in this great collection (some are included also on this site; subscription required).

Keston Center for Religion, Politics, and Society (Baylor University) (US) and Keston Institute (Oxford Univ.) (UK)

“The Keston Center for Religion, Politics, and Society receives, maintains, preserves, expands and makes available to scholars the world’s most comprehensive collection of materials on religious persecution under communist and other totalitarian regimes.” (from its website). The main focus is post-communist regimes. It works in tandem with Oxford University (UK). Visit their extensive Collection, with archives, reports, press clippings, and over 9,000 periodicals and books,  their Research and scholars portal, Exhibits, and the Lecture and Symposia series. See also Baylor’s Law Library.

(5) Select, Individual Articles (Site Editor’s Selections) 

The Meaning, Measuring, and Mattering of Rule of Law, (__Fed. Gov’t Bulletin 109-37), supplied by World Justice Project [Corruption v. Rule of Law]

(6) Secondary Sources, Archives (If Topically Divergent, Out of Print, etc.)

Ad Fontes (The Davenant Institute (DI))

A quarterly journal sharing classic Protestant thinking on theology, philosophy, and culture with a modern view.

Christianity and Society (Kuyper Foundation, UK)

This journal aims to explore and apply Christian principles to modern society and is no longer in print.  Issues from 1991-2009 are available to download as pdf files. 

Journal of Christian Jurisprudence

This is no longer published, but its articles may be found through HeinOnline [See Subset (4) above]. 

The New Atlantis (U.S. based)

Thinking like Francis Bacon: “A Journal of Technology & Society” – The New Atlantis is a journal attempting to clarify the moral and political understanding of all areas of technology, from stem cells to hydrogen cells to weapons of mass destruction, and is very useful on issues affecting public policy.