WHAT IS ETS? Since 1949 this association of Bible-believing scholars in North America has been meeting annually for intellectual stimulus and spiritual fellowship. Designed to encourage biblical and theological research, the Society also publishes the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, one of the leading theological journals worldwide. HOW DID ETS BEGIN? The impetus for this fellowship came from the faculty members of Gordon Divinity School, who proposed that conservative scholars meet regularly for biblical and theological discussion. As a result, sixty evangelical scholars convened in Cincinnati, December 27-28, 1949. Representing a wide variety of schools and affiliations, they drafted a constitution, and thus formed the Evangelical Theological Society. While denominational loyalties and doctrinal orientations were widely divergent, there was no disposition whatever to compromise on the one matter which all delegates considered of supreme importance, the inerrancy of the Scriptures. Hence, the creedal statement was narrowed to a single fundamental: "The Bible alone, and the Bible in its entirety, is the Word of God written and is therefore inerrant in the autographs." HAS ETS GROWN? From its small beginnings in Cincinnati in 1949, the Society has increased steadily in membership. As of 2009, the Society has more than 4,500 members from across the globe. Among these are many of the leading conservative scholars in the United States and Canada. Also included are missionaries over-seas and students engaged in graduate work.
WHAT DOES MEMBERSHIP INCLUDE? Members annually receive four issues of The Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society. Each issue contains 224 pages of scholarly articles and reviews. In addition, a newsletter and notices of national and regional meetings of the ETS are sent to all members. WHO MAY JOIN? Anyone who possesses a Th.M. degree or its equivalent and who subscribes to the Doctrinal Basis of the Society is eligible for membership on payment of $30.00 for annual dues. Interested evangelicals without the Th.M. or its equivalent may apply as associate members, with full status except for voting. Evangelicals attending schools of college level or above may become student associates, provided they sign the Doctrinal Basis; no degree qualifications are necessary. Student dues are $15.00 per annum. |
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