Mission, Visions, and Values
The following Mission Statement and Strategic
Vision Statements were adopted by the SBL Council May 16, 2004, and revised
October 23, 2011.
Mission Statement:
Foster Biblical Scholarship
Strategic Vision Statement:
Founded
in 1880, the Society of Biblical Literature is the oldest and largest learned
society devoted to the critical investigation of the Bible from a variety of
academic disciplines.* As an international organization, the Society
offers its members opportunities for mutual support, intellectual growth, and
professional development through the following:
- Advancing
academic study of biblical texts and their contexts as well as of the
traditions and contexts of biblical interpretation
- Collaborating
with educational institutions and other appropriate organizations to support
biblical scholarship and teaching
- Developing
resources for diverse audiences, including students, religious communities, and
the general public
- Facilitating
broad and open discussion from a variety of critical perspectives
- Organizing
congresses for scholarly exchange
- Publishing biblical scholarship
- Promoting
cooperation across global boundaries
Core Values
Accountability
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Openness to Change
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Collaboration
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Professionalism
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Collegiality
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Respect for Diversity
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Critical Inquiry
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Scholarly Integrity
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Inclusivity
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Tolerance
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*SBL has been a
member of the American Council of Learned Societies since 1929.
The Role of the Society in Making Public Statements.
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