Open Call for Papers for Our Inaugural Edition
The International Journal of Urantia Book Studies is delighted to issue its first call for original
papers that offer scholarly scrutiny of The Urantia Book (UB). Papers may include but are not limited to critical or comparative studies, original interpretations, exegetical commentaries, studies focused on the UB’s relationship to Christianity, and studies of the Urantia movement or specific movement leaders or events. Book reviews are also welcome.
Deadline: May 15, 2025
Word Length: Not-to-exceed 10,000 words (exceptions can be made)
Submit to: byron@originpress.com (write “submission” in the subject line)
WHO CAN SUBMIT:
We aim to build bridges to the existing academic community. So, we especially seek submissions by practicing or retired scholars or graduate students who have engaged in close study of (at least) some portion of the Urantia text. We are also happy to receive submissions from independent researchers, authors, and journalists who possess a degree of mastery of the literature in a particular field along with a thorough understanding of the pertinent sections of the UB.
HOW TO SUBMIT:
Please query us first. Provide a 300-word synopsis of your argument or findings along with a brief biography citing your background; a bibliography would also be helpful. If your proposal seems suitable, we will request the complete paper. Please allow 60 days for our review of your work.
SUITABLE TOPICS:
Topics for submissions can include issues or ideas in any field that illumine facts, ideas, passages, teachings, Papers, or sections in The Urantia Book. In regard to the physical and biological sciences, we encourage submissions that explore these sciences in their relation to the science, cosmology, religion, philosophy, or theology of the UB. Papers on the hard sciences must be accessible to the intelligent lay person. Overall, we strongly favor submissions written for the general scholarly community, not only for committed UB students, and coverage of topics that expose readers to bodies of literature or knowledge outside of the content of the Urantia text.
WHO WE ARE: Our publication was first announced at the American Academy of Religion in November 2024. Known by the acronym iJUBS, the inaugural edition is due out in fall 2025. The publisher and editor is Byron Belitsos, founder of Urantia Book Academy. The peer reviewers are UB experts or content experts in particular disciplines. The journal will be both online and printed.
Urantia Book Academy
A project of The Rodan Institute