Viktor Frankl and the Future of Religion

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue invites scholars to explore the intersection between Viktor Frankl’s thought and the future of religion from multidisciplinary perspectives. Viktor Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, is renowned for his influential work, Man's Search for Meaning. At the heart of Frankl's philosophy is the concept of the “meaning of life,” which he regarded as the central question of human existence. His creation of logotherapy—a meaning-centered approach to psychotherapy—emphasizes the human drive toward meaning in life.

While Frankl acknowledged the value of religious belief, he carefully distinguished psychotherapy, as a scientific discipline, from religious doctrine. He also critiqued the exclusivity and sectarianism of any single religion. This Special Issue aims to explore how Frankl’s insights and approaches can inform contemporary religious thought and practices, offering new perspectives for religions in the 21st century.

Possible Themes (submissions on other relevant topics are welcome):

• The Intersection of Frankl's Thought and Religion: How does Frankl’s emphasis on the search for meaning align with the ethical and spiritual guidance traditionally offered by religion? How can religion, through the lens of Frankl's philosophy, find new roles in contemporary society?
• Redefining Religion in Modern Society: As religious expressions diversify and the concept of being “spiritual but not religious” gains popularity, Frankl's ideas offer valuable perspectives. This theme explores how his thought can help religion address the spiritual needs of individuals in today’s world.
• Religious Pluralism and Coexistence: In a pluralistic society with diverse religious and spiritual traditions, Frankl’s focus on “human dignity” and the “search for meaning” can foster interfaith dialog and peaceful coexistence. This theme considers how his ideas can contribute to religious pluralism.
• The Impact on Future Religious Practices: How can Frankl’s perspectives shape the evolution of religious practices? This theme explores potential applications of his ideas in areas such as meditation, prayer, leadership, and other religious practices, offering guidance for religious leaders seeking to support their communities more effectively.
• Constructing New Religious Frameworks: What are the possibilities for new religious frameworks inspired by Frankl’s thought? This theme examines how religion might evolve in response to contemporary challenges, particularly through the influence of Frankl’s philosophy on modern religious communities and emerging spiritual movements.

This Special Issue welcomes contributions from a variety of disciplines and perspectives that explore how Viktor Frankl’s thought can shape the future of religion and spirituality. By engaging with his ideas, this Special Issue aims to examine how religion can continue to evolve, remain relevant, and meet the needs of modern society in the 21st century.

We request that, prior to submitting a manuscript, interested authors initially submit a proposed title and an abstract of 200-300 words summarizing their intended contribution. Please send this to the Guest Editor, or to the Assistant Editor of Religions. Abstracts will be reviewed by the Guest Editors for the purposes of ensuring proper fit within the scope of the Special Issue. Full manuscripts will undergo double-blind peer review.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Keisuke Noda
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Religions is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• logotherapy
• Viktor Frankl
• phenomenology
• self-transcendence
• meaning of life
• future of religion
• religious studies
• psychotherapy