The main purpose of Integrated Biblical and Theological Studies (IBTS), an open-access journal published by AOSIS, is to revitalise and enhance the study of the biblical text through a comprehensive and holistic approach. It aims to bridge the gap between intra-disciplinary and inter/multidisciplinary approaches, fostering discussions that integrate various disciplines involved in the study of the Bible and its theological impact. It seeks to engage with both academia and the public, while promoting critical thinking within and beyond scholarly circles. IBTS revolves around the exploration of inter-/intra-disciplinarity in the study of the Bible. IBTS emphasises the importance of both inter- and intra-disciplinary approaches to comprehensively understand and engage with the Bible’s theological significance.

Themes and focus areas covered by IBTS:

• Systematic-Historical Theology;
• Practical/Pastoral Theology;
• Counselling, Ministry, and Mission;
• Biblical Theology and Hermeneutics;
• Biblical Studies and Exegesis;
• History, Archaeology, and Linguistics in Biblical Studies;
• Literature, Art, and Humanities in Biblical Interpretation;
• Social Sciences;
• Bible and Performative Arts (Cinema; Documentary Film; Biblical Fiction; Works of Art; Music); and
• Theological Engagements.

Methodological and paradigmatic approach

Interdisciplinary Approach:

The journal highlights the relevance of interdisciplinarity, which involves integrating insights and methodologies from various disciplines beyond the traditional domains of biblical studies. By engaging with fields such as history, archaeology, linguistics, literature, art, social sciences, and humanities studies more broadly, among others, it seeks to enrich biblical scholarship through diverse perspectives. This approach acknowledges that the Bible’s impact extends beyond the confines of specific disciplines and can be better understood when studied in conjunction with other academic areas.

Intradisciplinary Approach:

The journal recognises the value of intradisciplinary approaches, which focus on exploring the interconnections and diverse sub-disciplines within biblical/theological studies. It identifies disciplines such as systematic-historical theology, practical/pastoral theology, counselling, ministry, mission, biblical theology, and biblical studies as integral components in understanding the Bible’s multifaceted implications. By promoting the relevance of intra-disciplinarity, it acknowledges that individual disciplines within biblical studies can offer profound insights into the biblical text’s interpretation, theological significance, and contextual applications. This includes also all forms of intertextual readings of the Bible.

Synchronic Research:

The journal further asserts the need for synchronic research, which involves studying the received text of the Bible in all its forms, the experiences it produces, and the life-changing influences it has on individuals. This perspective aims to go beyond isolated or fragmentary readings of the Bible and encourages scholars to explore the interconnectedness and coherence of the Biblical text across different contexts and traditions. This holistic approach to the Bible’s examination aligns with the journal’s focus on integrated and comprehensive research.

Geographic or regional coverage

The journal aims to be internationally inclusive, accepting contributions from scholars worldwide. It seeks to explore the relevance and impact of the biblical text on diverse cultural contexts, both Christian and non-Christian.

Disciplinary perspectives

Relevance and Integration: IBTS emphasises that journals often underestimate the significance of an intra-disciplinary focus, choosing to prioritise inter- and multidisciplinary engagements instead. However, the journal seeks to bridge this gap by creating a forum that allows scholars to engage with the biblical text from multiple disciplinary angles while also recognising the value of individual disciplines in understanding the text’s nuances.

Overall, IBTS emphasises the significance of inter-/intra-disciplinarity in biblical and theological studies, advocating for an inclusive and integrated approach that promotes collaboration between diverse academic fields while recognising the unique insights offered by individual disciplines. The journal aspires to be a unicum in the scholarly theological and biblical panorama by fostering research that encompasses various disciplinary perspectives and encourages synchronic examinations of the biblical text.

Sustainable Development Goals

The journal, in terms of its focus and scope, and, by extension, by the articles that are published in it, aims to respond to the following SDGs:

• Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
• Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
• Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
• Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
• Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

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