The Journal of Christian Apocryphal Literature (JCAL) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to the study of non-canonical Christian texts from antiquity through the modern period. It offers a unique scholarly platform for research that sits at the intersection of biblical studies, religious studies, history, and literature. JCAL responds to a growing need in the field for a dedicated venue focused on apocryphal Christian texts—literature that has traditionally been marginalized in New Testament and patristics-focused journals.
The journal welcomes contributions that explore a wide range of materials: early gospels, apocryphal acts, apocalypses, and letters; medieval and early modern adaptations of these works; and even contemporary cultural receptions of apocryphal narratives. Authors are encouraged to submit work that is philologically rigorous, theoretically innovative, and methodologically diverse. JCAL is particularly interested in articles that draw attention to underrepresented texts, communities, and traditions, and that push the boundaries of what counts as “Christian Apocrypha.”
JCAL publishes four primary types of content: full-length research articles (6,000–9,000 words), shorter notes and translations (2,000–5,000 words), topical forums (multi-author conversations or panel proceedings), and book reviews (800–1,200 words). Research articles and notes undergo double-blind peer review; forums and reviews are reviewed internally by the editorial team.
The journal’s target audience includes scholars and advanced graduate students working in Christian apocrypha, early Christianity, ancient and medieval religious culture, and related fields. Librarians will find JCAL a valuable addition to collections supporting research in religion, theology, classics, and historical literature. As a fully open-access journal committed to rapid, continuous publication, JCAL makes cutting-edge scholarship immediately and freely available to a global academic community.
For additional information and submission guidelines, go to https://journals.aperio.press/jcal/submissions/.
