Academic Article Submission Guidelines

Article Types Accepted

We welcome submissions in the following areas:

Article Length

Longer academic essays may be considered if the topic requires extended treatment.

Writing Style

Submissions should be clear, organized, and accessible to thoughtful readers. Academic language is welcome, but unnecessary jargon should be avoided.

• A clear title
• A focused thesis or main argument
• An introduction that explains the question or issue
• Organized sections with headings when appropriate
• Evidence, reasoning, and examples
• A conclusion that summarizes the main insight or takeaway

The tone should be serious, charitable, and intellectually responsible.

Academic Standards

Writers should support claims with appropriate evidence. Depending on the article, this may include:

• Scriptural references
• Historical sources
• Scholarly books
• Peer-reviewed articles
• Credible religious texts
• Official denominational or institutional sources
• Philosophical arguments
• Careful textual analysis

Strong submissions do more than state opinions. They explain, argue, clarify, and engage opposing viewpoints fairly.

Citations and Sources

Writers should cite sources when quoting, paraphrasing, summarizing, or relying on another author’s argument.

At minimum, submissions should include enough source information for readers to identify the work being referenced, including author, title, publisher or journal, date, and page number when available.

Please identify the Bible translation used if quoting Scripture extensively.

Originality and Plagiarism

All submissions must be original work by the author.

Short quotations are acceptable when properly cited. Writers are responsible for ensuring their work is original and properly attributed.

Use of AI Tools

Writers may use writing tools for grammar, spelling, organization, or light editing. However, the submitted article must reflect the author’s own research, reasoning, and voice.

AI-generated articles submitted without meaningful human authorship, review, and responsibility may be rejected.

Authors remain responsible for the accuracy, originality, tone, and citations of their submission.

Tone and Respect

Submissions may challenge religious claims, doctrines, ideologies, or worldviews. However, articles must critique ideas rather than demean people.

A strong article may be critical, but it should remain fair, careful, and respectful.

Interfaith and Critical Articles

Articles that challenge a specific faith, denomination, doctrine, or religious claim must meet a higher standard of fairness.

• Represent the belief accurately
• Engage primary sources when possible
• Avoid strawman arguments
• Distinguish between official teaching and popular practice
• Acknowledge complexity within religious traditions
• Use respectful language
• Focus on evidence and argument

The goal is not provocation, but serious examination.

Suggested Article Structure

Formatting Requirements

Please submit articles in a clean, readable format.

• Use headings and subheadings
• Use short to moderate paragraph lengths
• Avoid excessive bold, italics, or all caps
• Use block quotes sparingly
• Include citations clearly
• Proofread before submitting

Editorial Review

All submissions are subject to editorial review. Submission does not guarantee publication.

Editors may review articles for:

• Clarity
• Accuracy
• Originality
• Tone
• Relevance
• Citation quality
• Theological or religious seriousness
• Readability
• Compliance with submission guidelines

Editors may make minor edits for grammar, formatting, title clarity, SEO, readability, and style. Substantial edits may be returned to the author for approval or revision.

Reasons an Article May Be Rejected

Author Bio and Links

Authors may include a short bio of two to four sentences.

• Academic background
• Ministry experience
• Writing interests
• Website link
• Social media link
• Book or publication link

Promotional links may be edited or removed if they are excessive or unrelated to the article.

Republishing Policy

Please indicate whether the article has been published elsewhere. Previously published work may be considered, but original submissions are preferred.

• Original publication title
• Publication date
• URL if available
• Whether you have permission to republish it

Final Submission Checklist

• A clear title
• Your name
• A short author bio
• A focused thesis or main idea
• Organized paragraphs or sections
• Proper citations for quoted or borrowed material
• A respectful tone
• A conclusion
• A bibliography or source list when needed
• Confirmation that the work is original