Society of Biblical Literature records

In 1880 a small group of biblical scholars met at the Union Theological Seminary in New York to discuss the formation of a professional association for biblical studies. Seventeen biblical scholars were the nucleus of the new organization; they were all located in the Northeastern United States. In their organization papers they stated their purpose:

"The object of the Society is to stimulate critical investigation of the classical biblical literatures, together with other related literature, by the exchange of scholarly research both in published form and public forum. The Society endeavors to support those disciplines and sub disciplines pertinent to the illuminations of the literature and religions of the Ancient Near Eastern and Mediterranean regions such as the study of ancient languages, textual criticism, history and archaeology."

The first woman member joined in 1894; by 1900 there were five. By 1905 the Society had forty-four members and was still centered and most active in the Northeast but had members spread across the United States and the continent. The annual meeting was held during the Christmas holiday every year at the Union Theological Seminary. Another meeting was held once a year to present papers and to discuss them.

The pattern of the Society changed very little in the first sixty years of existence; the group, named in full the Society of Biblical Literature and Exegesis, remained this way until 1964. The purposes of the society, discussion in published form and public forum, were being forwarded. A quiet semi-centennial was held at Union Theological Seminary in 1930; there were then 448 members. Occasional joint meetings were held with other learned societies. By 1964, at the time of the name change to Society of Biblical Literature, membership had reached 2,185 members.

A new direction, involving more activity in the scholastic and academic world began in 1968. Decisions were made to adopt the present form and function of SBL. A constitution was written in 1969. The regional groups and meetings, seminars, and task forces were assigned a regular place in the structure. Placement of scholars became a function. In 1970 the Society of Biblical Literature and the American Academy of Religion had their first joint meeting; in 1971 they formed a joint council of fifty to serve as an advisory council and forum. During the mid 1970s there was a great expansion in publishing activities; a center was established in California as the Claremont Center for Research and Archives; the publishing function was moved to Missoula, Montana, and the Scholars' Press was established in 1975.

Today, the Society of Biblical Literature is the largest international association of scholars who teach and research the variety of fields that make up biblical studies. SBL is an interdisciplinary, humanistic, academic society that includes scholars of history, literature, archaeology, anthropology, theology, and more.