Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidelines

Authors must transparently disclose the use of generative AI and AI-assisted tools in preparing their manuscripts, except for routine spelling, punctuation, and basic grammar checks that do not involve substantive content generation. The disclosure must identify:

• The name of the AI tool and, where available, its version.
• The purpose for which the tool was used.
• The specific aspects or stages of manuscript preparation in which the tool contributed.

The disclosure must be included in an AI Use Statement at the end of the manuscript, before the references. Authors who have not used AI tools beyond routine spelling, punctuation, and basic grammar checks are not required to provide an AI Use Statement unless specifically requested by the journal.

AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors of manuscripts submitted to JTP. Authorship is reserved for human contributors who meet applicable scholarly authorship requirements.

Authors must not:

• Fabricate, manipulate, or falsify research data, quotations, interview transcripts, field observations, or other research evidence using AI.
• Invent references, bibliographic information, quotations, page numbers, biblical citations, or scholarly claims.
• Present AI-generated content as original human research, fieldwork, empirical findings, or personal experience.
• Use AI as a substitute for critical biblical exegesis, theological reasoning, contextual analysis, or engagement with primary sources.
• Submit AI-generated manuscripts or substantial portions of AI-generated scholarly arguments as their own intellectual work without meaningful critical evaluation and substantive authorial contribution.
• Violate copyright, confidentiality, research ethics, or the rights of research participants through the use of AI tools.
• Present AI-generated or manipulated images as authentic research evidence or original research findings without appropriate verification and disclosure.

Authors must ensure that all cited sources are authentic, relevant, and accurately represented. Page numbers must be verified whenever they are included in citations.

Policy for Reviewers

Manuscripts submitted to JTP are confidential. Reviewers are strictly prohibited from using AI tools in the peer-review process.

• Manipulating or creating false empirical data using AI.
• Replacing human participants with AI simulations in qualitative research.
• Constructing thematic analyses or human experience interpretations entirely through machines.
• Presenting AI-generated visuals as unique new research findings.
• Using fictitious references or fabricated claims from generative AI.

Policy for Editors

Editors must not use AI to replace scholarly judgment, ethical assessment, or editorial decision-making. They must not upload confidential manuscripts, reviewer reports, or editorial correspondence to public or unauthorized AI platforms for screening, evaluation, editing, summarization, or other purposes that could compromise confidentiality. AI tools may be used for limited administrative or technical purposes only when their use is appropriate, authorized, and consistent with confidentiality and data-protection requirements. Editors remain responsible for ensuring that manuscripts are assessed according to the journal's focus and scope, scholarly quality, originality, ethical standards, and peer-review procedures. Editorial decisions must be made by the responsible human editor and must not be based solely on AI-generated assessments. AI-detection tools, if used, may provide supplementary information but must not be treated as definitive evidence of misconduct. Any concerns must be evaluated through appropriate editorial procedures.