CALL FOR PAPERS

for a topical issue of Open Theology

MATHEMATICALLY MODELING EARLY CHRISTIAN LITERATURE II:

READINGS, APPLICATIONS, AND ETHICS

Open Theology (https://www.degruyter.com/journal/key/opth/html) invites submissions for the topical issue “Mathematically Modeling Early Christian Literature II: Readings, Applications, and Ethics,” edited by Erich Benjamin Pracht (Toccoa Falls College, USA).

DESCRIPTION

Following the recent publication of the topical issue “Mathematically Modeling Early Christian Literature: Theories, Methods, and Future Directions” (available at https://www.degruyterbrill.com/journal/key/opth/11/1/html), we invite submissions for a second special issue that continues the work of the initial series of articles. While the first project dealt largely with issues of theory and method around the implementation of computationally assisted methods in biblical studies and related fields, the current topical issue will put the ideas and perspectives generated into practice. The authors in the first topical issue viewed the rapid proliferation of programming and corpus analysis software, as well as the rate at which AI tools are being developed, as opportunities to think about ancient texts using a types of epistemology not traditionally associated with biblical and religious studies. We identified a range of research principles and types of mathematical reasoning made possible or more practical by recent technological advancements, such as inductive reasoning based on large datasets, redundancy and hypothesis testing, abstraction and structural comparisons, and deep interdisciplinary engagement with social science fields through high-quality statistical work. For the current topical issue, we invite submissions that focus on exegetical insights and relevance to ongoing scholarly discussions already taking place in the qualitative tradition. Authors are particularly encouraged to alternative between various perspectives: micro and macro, qualitative and quantitative, close readings and distant readings. While implementing computational methods and deploying various forms of mathematical reasoning for text analysis, authors are also encouraged to reflect upon questions that may arise relating to issues such as data scarcity, validity, and ethics.

Because Open Theology is published under an Open Access model, as a rule, publication costs should be covered by Article Publishing Charges (APC), paid by authors, their affiliated institutions, funders or sponsors. Authors without access to publishing funds are encouraged to discuss potential discounts or waivers with Managing Editor of the journal Katarzyna Tempczyk (katarzyna.tempczyk@degruyterbrill.com) before submitting their manuscripts.

HOW TO SUBMIT

Submissions will be collected until April 30, 2026 via the on-line submission system at http://www.editorialmanager.com/openth/

Choose: special issue: Mathematically Modeling Early Christian Literature

Before submission the authors should carefully read the Instruction for Authors, available at: https://www.degruyterbrill.com/publication/journal_key/OPTH/downloadAsset/OPTH_Instruction%20for%20Authors.pdf

All contributions will undergo critical peer-review before being accepted for publication.

Further questions about content for this thematic issue can be addressed to Dr. Erich Benjamin Pracht (epracht@tfc.edu). In case of technical problems with submission please write to AssistantManagingEditor@degruyterbrill.com.

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