SOCIETY REPORT 2003 Society of Biblical Literature

Society of Biblical Literature

Dear Friends,

The Society of Biblical Literature experienced a productive and exciting 2003. The membership and staff through their diligence strengthened the Society’s stature in and beyond the academy, creating a broader knowledge of the Society’s work and greater visibility through the Society’s website.

The SBL Font Foundation is becoming the authoritative source for Hebrew and Greek fonts. The fonts are based in Unicode and OpenType standards. These fonts allow users to transfer texts between computer systems. They are designed for ease of reading on screen and in print. The fonts are free for individual users worldwide. Commercial use requires membership in the Font Foundation. The Hebrew font is now available at www.sbl-site.org.

The Chicago Manual of Style, The Essential Guide for Writers, Editors, and Publishers cited The SBL Hand- book of Style as the authoritative source for biblical references. It directs readers to the SBL Handbook for “excellent advice and numerous abbreviations.”

The Society’s dynamic new website, SBL Forum, developed during the year, now offers features and news about biblical scholarship and religious studies, plus up-to-date information about Society activities, all in a user-friendly environment.

SBL editors continue to acquire titles that foster biblical scholarship and enrich the lives of all who are interested in the critical investigation of the Bible—titles such as Borowski’s Daily Life in Biblical Times, which offers a glimpse of life in ancient Israel; Albertz’s Israel in Exile, which makes important German scholarship available to English readers; and Barr’s Reading the Book of Revelation, which is written to meet the needs of students.

SBL congresses held in Toronto, Canada, and Cambridge, England, had excellent attendance, reaching the broad constituency of the Society’s members. The International Meeting had a record breaking 500 in attendance and 25 book exhibits!

The year 2003 was a year of growth and development. Membership benefits continue to be expanded and improved. We continue to reach out to further our mission to foster biblical scholarship.

Cordially,

Kent Harold Richards Executive Director Professor of Old Testament

2 • SOCIETY REPORT 2003 SOCIETY REPORT 2003 • 3 Leadership with New Vision

MISSION, VALUES, AND VISIONS • Facilitate broad and open discussion Gregory L. Glover, Southminster from a variety of perspectives Presbyterian Church All organizations are challenged to pe- David L. Petersen, Candler School of riodically review the mission, values, and • Encourage study of biblical literature Theology, Emory University that attends to its cultural contexts visions that are their foundation. In 2003, Katharine Doob Sakenfeld, Princeton Council reviewed, analyzed, and simpli- • Publish biblical scholarship Theological Seminary fied the mission statement of the Society • Organize congresses for scholarly in- Thanks to Paul J. Achtemeier, Union of Biblical Literature to encompass every- terchange thing the Society stands for and to facili- Theological Seminary, Richmond, for his tate broad and open discussion. • Collaborate with educational institu- able leadership with regard to Society tions to support biblical scholarship investments. Mission Foster Biblical Scholarship—A simple, COUNCIL COMMITTEES comprehensive statement that encom- Thank You, Council Members passes the Society’s aspirations. Council conducts its work through four committees of Council— Eldon Jay Epp, Case Western Values Development, Finance, Nominating, and Reserve University, Emeritus, At the same time that Council ana- the Programs and Initiatives Committee. President lyzed the mission statement, they deliber- The new committee, Programs and David L. Petersen, Candler School of ated over core values that exemplified the Initiatives, evaluates established pro- Theology, Emory University, Vice principles behind their governance. These grams and reviews potential initiatives. President core values are the essential enduring te- It strengthens communications between Harold W. Attridge, Yale University nets that guide the work of SBL; they are committees and Council. so important as not to be compromised, Brian K. Blount, Princeton no matter what the external pressures. Thank You, Committees of Council Theological Seminary Responsiveness to change Development Committee Pamela Eisenbaum, Iliff School of Theology Communication Harold W. Attridge, Yale University Efficiency Douglas A. Knight, Vanderbilt University John T. Fitzgerald, University of Miami Scholarly integrity Ross S. Kraemer, Brown University, Chair Beverly R. Gaventa, Princeton Inclusiveness Finance Committee Theological Seminary Tolerance Harold W. Attridge, Yale University, Chair Deirdre Good, General Theological Collegiality Eldon Jay Epp, Case Western Reserve Seminary University, Emeritus Leadership in biblical scholarship Christopher R. Matthews, Weston Marty Stevens, Union Theological Jesuit School of Theology Commitment Southern Seminary Collaboration Gail R. O’Day, Candler School of Nominating Committee Productivity Theology, Emory University John T. Fitzgerald, University of Miami, Accountability Chair Stephen Breck Reid, Bethany Theological Seminary Strategic Visions Marvin A. Sweeney, Claremont School of Theology Linda S. Schearing, Gonzaga Strategic vision statements help carry University out the Society’s mission. Vision state- Sidnie White Crawford, University of Nebraska-Lincoln ments are focused on achievable growth. James C. VanderKam, University of Notre Dame SBL now has the following vision state- Programs and Initiatives Committee ments, developed by Council: Eldon Jay Epp, Chair, Case Western Gale A. Yee, Episcopal Divinity • Offer members opportunities for mu- Reserve University, Emeritus, Chair School tual support, intellectual growth, and Pamela Eisenbaum, Iliff School of professional development Theology

2 • SOCIETY REPORT 2003 SOCIETY REPORT 2003 • 3 Professional Development and Service

MEMBERSHIP The ACLS consists of a 15-member HUMANITIES ADVOCACY DAY Board of Directors, one delegate from The core of the Society of Biblical each constituent society, and the execu- SBL is a leading sponsor of Humanities Literature is its 7500 members. Each time tive directors of each organization. The Advocacy Day. The day provides a unique a member renews or joins the Society, op- 2003 Annual Meeting of the ACLS took opportunity to communicate the value portunities are provided for intellectual place at the Sheraton Society Hill Hotel of the humanities to the U.S. Congress. growth and professional development. in Philadelphia, PA from May 9–10, Together with the National Endowment Constant vigilance regarding service to 2003 and was attended by Kent Harold for the Humanities (NEH) Jefferson members must remain a top priority. Richards, Executive Director and Adela Lecture, these two national events pro- The American Council of Learned Yarbro Collins, SBL’s ACLS delegate. vide key opportunities for the humanities Societies (ACLS) survey found that over In the public discussion with Pauline community to call special attention to the the last several years organizations like Yu, the incoming President, the issue of necessity of financial support for research, ours have retained significant strength, the investigation of plagiarism on the teaching, and publications. growth, and financial stability. However, part of professional scholars was raised. The two-day event consists of updates we must continue to find ways to expand One speaker argued that investigations on funding, congressional support, and our membership and to strengthen mem- should be conducted by the colleges and an overview of policy initiatives and legis- ber contributions to the life and work of universities in which the scholars are lation impacting work in the humanities. the Society. employed. The constituent societies were Kristin M. Swenson, SBL member and The survey questions below are the encouraged to draw up guidelines and a professor at Virginia Commonwealth types of questions we must ask ourselves. standards, which could be collected by University, visited congressional delega- the ACLS and made available to investi- tions to urge support of NEH funding. If gating institutions. At this meeting, the you have an interest in working on this Questions for Members American Historical Association made a important project in 2004, please contact press release available, which stated that Susan Madara in the SBL office. How does SBL attract and retain Humanities Advocacy Day will be held new scholars to biblical studies? the AHA, instead of adjudicating a small number of confidential cases, as they on March 15–16, 2004. We thank Kristin How does SBL foster biblical have for the last fifteen years, will mount M. Swenson for volunteering to work on scholarship? a more visible campaign to educate his- this important initiative. How does SBL help members torians, their students, and the public strengthen professional identity about appropriate standards for research and meet others who work with the and writing. Thanks to Member Donors texts and traditions of the Bible? In the same forum, another speaker Thanks to the many member How does SBL provide leadership asked what the ACLS could do to help donors who have given this last in interpreting scholarship for the independent scholars. Others argued year. Next year we will list all wider public? that faculty of the constituent societies donors in the 2004 Society Report should take a more active role in advo- who have given a tax deductible cating the humanities in grades kinder- contribution of $25 or more. garten through 12. A number of speakers Our goal is to have a list of 500 noted that it is essential to reward profes- members who have given $25 or AMERICAN COUNCIL OF sional activities, along with good teach- more. That is the challenge as we LEARNED SOCIETIES ing and research. approach 125 years of fostering Mission statement: “The advance- The 2004 Annual Meeting of the biblical scholarship. ment of humanistic studies in all fields ACLS will take place May 6–8 in of learning in the humanities and so- Washington, D.C. cial sciences and the maintenance and Thanks to Adela Yarbro Collins, Yale strengthening of relations among the na- University, who is ending her term as the tional societies devoted to such studies.” SBL ACLS delegate in 2003.

4 • SOCIETY REPORT 2003 SOCIETY REPORT 2003 • 5 COMMITTEE ON THE STATUS OF Regional Scholars Amy M. Donaldson (B.A., Wheaton WOMEN IN THE PROFESSION The Conference of Regional College; M.A., Coordinators recognized four 2003 University of Notre This committee each year recognizes Regional Scholars who will be presenting Dame) is a doc- outstanding mentors from among the at the 2003 Annual Meeting. toral student in the women members in the profession. This University of Notre program not only honors these colleagues, David Casson (B.A., Colorado College; Dame’s Christianity but also gives an opportunity for the M.Div., Princeton and Judaism in awardees to tell others about what they Theological Seminary; Antiquity Program. do to encourage those involved in biblical Ph.D., Emory She has studied at Duke Divinity studies. The following individuals were University) has served School and has taught at North Central honored at the 2003 Annual Meeting: as adjunct instructor University in Minneapolis. Research from Susan Tower Hollis, SUNY Empire at Emory University her paper “Blasphemy against the Spirit State College and Columbia and the Historical Jesus,” presented at the Theological Seminary. 2002 Pacific Northwest Regional Meeting, Adele Reinhartz, Wilfrid Laurier His research focuses on the institu- will be introduced at the poster session. University tional roles and theological rhetoric of Katharine Doob Sakenfeld, Princeton Israel’s sixth-century prophets. He will Theological Seminary read “When Israel Loses Its Meaning: Regional Coordinators The committee is also working to in- The Reconstitution of Language and Community in Ezekiel’s Prophecy.” Central States: John Strong, crease the connections between women Southwest Missouri State scholars around the world by providing Mark A. Chancey (B.A., M.A., University University travel grants to meetings. of Georgia; Ph.D., Eastern Great Lakes Region: Holly Duke University) will Toensing, Xavier University COMMITTEE ON UNDER- read a revision of his Mid Atlantic Region: Christina REPRESENTED RACIAL AND paper “Greco-Roman Buchner, Elizabethtown College ETHNIC MINORITIES IN THE Culture and the Midwest: Troy Martin, Saint Xavier PROFESSION Galilee of Jesus.” He University The recruitment and support of un- has taught at Duke New England Region: Mary Joan derrepresented scholars is the key focus and is a faculty mem- Winn Leith, Stonehill College of the committee. Biblical studies are en- ber at Southern Methodist University. Pacific Coast Region: Tammi riched by the increasing perspectives of His book, The Myth of a Gentile Galilee Schneider, Claremont Graduate our diverse constituencies. This commit- (Cambridge University Press, 2002), in- University tee has played an essential role in keeping tegrates archaeological and literary evi- Pacific Northwest Region: Linda S. these issues before the membership. They dence to demonstrate that first-century Schearing, Gonzaga University are always open to member suggestions to Galilee was overwhelmingly Jewish. Rocky Mountains-Great Plains develop more effective and enduring ini- Region: Ron Simkins, Creghton Dan W. Clanton, Jr. (M.A., Iliff School University tiatives. Thanks to the committee’s orga- of Theology; Ph.D., Southeaster Region: B. Diane Wudel, nization of events at the Annual Meeting, University of Denver underrepresented students and scholars University of North Carolina, and Iliff School of Chapel Hill are gaining better access to every dimen- Theology) teaches Southwestern Region: James sion of the organization’s governance. at the University of Thompson, Abilene Christian Colorado at Colorado University REGIONS Springs and present- Upper Midwest: Mark Schuler, ed “Queen Salome Eleven regions foster biblical studies Concordia University by encouraging networking and profes- and the Girls: (Re) Dating the Story of sional development within their geo- Susanna,” at the Rocky Mountain/Great graphical areas. The regional annual Plains Regional Meeting. His dissertation meetings provide a convivial atmosphere explored aesthetic Renaissance inter- Thanks to the outgoing regional coor- for first time student/member presenters pretations of the story of Susanna, and dinators Terry Giles, Gannon University; as well as for those more seasoned pre- research interests include artistic, musi- John Clarbeaux, St. John’s Seminary senters who prefer a more intimate venue cal, and literary interpretations of bibli- College; Pamela Eisenbaum, Iliff School for scholarly exchange. cal women as well as the intersections of of Theology; and Richard Vinson, Averett Bible and culture. College.

4 • SOCIETY REPORT 2003 SOCIETY REPORT 2003 • 5 Septuagint & Cognate Studies Journal of Biblical Literature Melvin K. H. Peters, Duke Susan Ackerman, Dartmouth VOLUNTEERS AND INSTITUTIONS CELEBRATED University College All the committees of the Society are made up of Studies in Biblical Literature Janice Capel Anderson, University of Idaho members who have volunteered their time and talents (and General Acquisitions) Dennis T. Olson, Princeton Michael L. Barre, St. Mary’s to foster biblical scholarship. Through this strong lead- Seminary and University ership the Society gains its vitality. Thanks to all of you Theological Seminary (OT/ Moshe J. Bernstein, Yeshiva who serve all of us in fostering biblical scholarship. HB) Sharon H. Ringe, Wesley University Thanks also to the members of the Nominating Theological Seminary (NT) Brian K. Blount, Princeton Theological Seminary Committee for their continued dedication to finding Symposium strong candidates who exemplify the values of the or- Athalya Brenner, University of Christopher R. Matthews, Amsterdam ganization and are willing to serve on committees. We Weston Jesuit School of thank all the institutions for encouraging faculty to Theology Marc Brettler, Brandeis University contribute time and leadership to the Society. Text-Critical Studies Warren Carter, St. Paul School James R. Adair, Religion and of Theology Technology Center Terence L. Donaldson, Wycliffe Writings from the Ancient College American Council of Learned New Testament in the Greek World Paul B. Duff, George Societies Fathers Washington University Billie Jean Collins, American Adela Yarbro Collins, Yale Michael W. Holmes, Bethel Schools of Oriental Research Pamela Eisenbaum, Iliff School University College and Emory University of Theology Archivist Resources for Biblical Study Jerrold S. Cooper, The Johns Steven J. Friesen, University of Missouri-Columbia Andy Scrimgeour, Drew Steven L. McKenzie, Rhodes Hopkins University University College (OT/HB) Edward L. Greenstein, Tel Aviv Beverly R. Gaventa, Princeton Theological Seminary J. Ross Wagner, Princeton University Research & Publications Theological Seminary (NT) Jo Ann Hackett, Harvard A. Katherine Grieb, Virginia Committee University Theological Seminary Semeia Studies Steven L. McKenzie, Rhodes Richard Jasnow, The Johns Jeffrey K. Kuan, Pacific School of College Roland T. Boer, Monash Hopkins University Religion University Gail R. O’Day, Emory University Theodore J. Lewis, The Johns Robert A. Kugler, Lewis & Clark C. L. Seow, Princeton Elisabeth Castelli, Barnard Hopkins University, Editor University Theological Seminary College at Columbia Bernard M. Levinson, University University C. L. Seow, Princeton James C. VanderKam, University Theological Seminary of Minnesota Twin Cities of Notre Dame, Chair Musa W. Dube, University of Judith M. Lieu, Kings College Botswana Ronald J. Leprohon, University Benjamin G. Wright, Lehigh of Toronto Timothy H. Lim, University of University David M. Gunn, Texas Christian Edinburgh University Niek Veldhuis, University of Book Series Editors and California at Berkeley Theodore J. Lewis, The Johns Richard A. Horsley, University Hopkins University Editorial Boards of Massachusetts, Boston Writings from the Greco- Roman World Richard D. Nelson, Perkins Academia Biblica Series David Jobling, St. Andrew’s School of Theology, Southern Adele Berlin (OT/HB), College, Saskatoon David Armstrong, University of Methodist University Texas, Austin University of Maryland Cheryl Kirk-Duggan, Graduate Kathleen Mary O’Connor, Mark Allan Powell (NT), Trinity Theological Union Elizabeth Asmis, University of Columbia Theological Lutheran Seminary Stephen D. Moore, Drew Chicago Seminary University Theological Brian E. Daley, S.J., University of Gail R. O’Day, Candler School Archaeology and Biblical School Notre Dame Studies of Theology, Emory Tina Pippin, Agnes Scott College John T. Fitzgerald, University of University, General Editor Andrew G. Vaughn, Gustavus Ilona Rashkow, SUNY-Stony Miami, Editor Adolphus College Stephen J. Patterson, Eden Brook David G. Hunter, Iowa State Theological Seminary Early Judaism and Its Fernando Segovia, The Divinity University Todd Penner, Austin College, Literature School, Vanderbilt University David Konstan, Brown Book Review Editor David Frankfurter, University of Yvonne Sherwood, Roehampton University David L. Petersen, Candler New Hampshire Institute Michael J. Roberts, Wesleyan School of Theology, Emory Menahem Kister, Hebrew Abraham Smith, Perkins School University University University, Jerusalem of Theology Johan C. Thom, University of Adele Reinhartz, Wilfrid Laurier John C. Reeves, University of Gerald Oakley West, The School Stellenbosch University North Carolina at Charlotte, of Theology, University of Yun Lee Too, Columbia Alan F. Segal, Barnard College at Editor Natal University Columbia University Gale A. Yee, Episcopal Divinity James C. VanderKam, University C. L. Seow, Princeton School of Notre Dame Theological Seminary

6 • SOCIETY REPORT 2003 SOCIETY REPORT 2003 • 7 Naomi A. Steinberg, DePaul Thomas G. Long, Candler Arthur Walker-Jones, University Biblical Lexicography University School of Theology, Emory of Winnipeg John Lee, Macquarie University University Gregory E. Sterling, University African-American Biblical Milton Eng, Rutgers University of Notre Dame Vincent Wimbush, Claremont Hermeneutics Graduate University Book of Psalms Patricia K. Tull, Louisville Cheryl Kirk-Duggan, Graduate Presbyterian Theological Committee on the Status of Theological Union Beth La Neel Tanner, New Seminary Women in the Profession Brunswick Theological Hugh Rowland Page, University Seminary Sze-Kar Wan, Andover Newton of Notre Dame Theological School Kathleen E. Corley, University of Wisconsin Christian Apocrypha Aramaic Studies Vincent L. Wimbush, Claremont F. Stanley Jones, California State Graduate University Nyasha Junior, Princeton Theological Seminary Deirdre Dempsey, Marquette University University Review of Biblical Literature Heather A. McKay, Edge Hill Christian Theology and the Yairah Amit, Tel-Aviv University College Archaeological Excavations Bible and Discoveries: Illuminating Bob Becking, Utrecht University Lori Rowlett, University of Stephen E. Fowl, Loyola College Wisconsin-Eau Claire the Biblical World Ehud Ben Zvi, University of Jodi Magness, University of Chronicles-Ezra-Nehemiah Alberta Sarah J. Tanzer, McCormick Theological Seminary, Co- North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gary Knoppers, The John T. Fitzgerald, University of Chair John R. Spencer, John Carroll Pennsylvania State University Miami University Jane S. Webster, Barton College, Computer Assisted Research Wayne Horowitz, Hebrew Co-Chair University, Jerusalem Archaeology of Religion in the Kirk Lowery, Westminster Archie Chi-Chung Lee, The Committee on Under- Greco-Roman World Seminary Daniel Schowalter, Carthage Chinese University of Hong represented Racial and Ethnic Deuteronomistic History Kong Minorities in the Profession College Steven L. McKenzie, Rhodes Daniel Marguerat, University of Efrain Agosto, Hartford Bible and Cultural Studies College Lausanne Seminary Jennifer Glancy, Le Moyne Thomas C. Römer, University of Kirsten Nielsen, Aarhus Stephanie Buckhanon Crowder, College Lausanne-Switzerland University Vanderbilt University Jonathan L. Reed, Colleges of Jeffrey K. Kuan, Pacific School of Bible in Ancient and Modern Early Jewish Christian Arts and Sciences, University Religion Media Relations of La Verne Lai-Ling E. Ngan, Truett Robert M. Fowler, Baldwin- Pamela Eisenbaum, Iliff School Rolf Rendtorff, University of Seminary, Baylor University Wallace College of Theology Heidelberg, Emeritus Arthur J. Dewey, Xavier Stephen Breck Reid, Bethany Egyptology and Ancient Israel Thomas C. Römer, University of Theological Seminary University Lausanne-Switzerland Susan T. Hollis, SUNY Empire Joseph F. Scrivner, Samford Bible Translation State College Angela Standhartinger, University L. J. De Regt, United Bible University of Marburg Sze-Kar Wan, Andover Newton Societies Feminist Hermeneutics of the Marvin A. Sweeney, Claremont Theological School Bible School of Theology, Editor Biblical Criticism and Literary Nancy Bowen, Earlham School Employment Information Criticism Jan G. Van Der Watt, University of Religion of Pretoria Services Stephen Breck Reid, Bethany Joseph Kozar, University of Theological Seminary Sze-Kar Wan, Andover Newton Faith K. Hawkins, Candler Dayton Theological School School of Theology, Emory John A. Darr, Boston College University Greco-Roman Religions SBL Forum Advisory Board Biblical Greek Language and Nancy A. Evans, Wheaton Program Committee Linguistics Henry L. Carrigan, Trinity Press College International Brian K. Blount, Princeton Stanley Porter, McMaster Theological Seminary, Chair Divinity College, McMaster Hebrew Bible, History, and James Charlesworth, Princeton University Archaeology Theological Seminary Karen L. King, Harvard Divinity School, Harvard University William M. Schniedewind, Kristin De Troyer, Claremont Biblical Hebrew Poetry University of California at School of Theology Francisco Lozada, Jr., University Los Angeles of the Incarnate Word Chris Franke, College of St. Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza, Catherine Carol Meyers, Duke University Hebrew Scriptures and Harvard Divinity School David M. Howard, Bethel Cognate Literature Margaret Odell, St. Olaf College Theological Seminary Lynn Garrett, Publisher’s Weekly Mark S. Smith, New York Gregory Glover, Southminster Gregory E. Sterling, University of Notre Dame Biblical Lands and Peoples in University Presbyterian Church Archaeology and Text Hellenistic Judaism Leonard J. Greenspoon, Annual Meeting Program Unit Ann E. Killebrew, The Creighton University Chairs Pennsylvania State University Allen Kerkeslager, St. Joseph’s University Leander Keck, Yale University SECTIONS Andrew G. Vaughn, Gustavus John F. Kutsko, Abingdon Press Adolphus College Hellenistic Moral Philosophy Academic Teaching and and Early Christianity Amy-Jill Levine, Vanderbilt Biblical Law Divinity School Biblical Studies L. Michael White, University of Charles William Miller, William Morrow, Queen’s Texas, Austin Tod Linafelt, Georgetown Theological College University University of North Dakota

6 • SOCIETY REPORT 2003 SOCIETY REPORT 2003 • 7 V��OLUNTEERS� ��AND�� I��NSTITUTIONS�� C��ELEBRATED ��Social Sciences and the ��Character Ethics and Biblical ��Interpretation of the Hebrew ��Interpretation ��Scriptures ��M. Daniel Carroll, Denver ��Historical Jesus ��Paleographical Studies in the ��Ron Simkins, Creighton ��Seminary ��University ��Mark Allan Powell, Trinity ��Ancient Near East ��Early Christian Families ��Lutheran Seminary ��Jonathan Rosenbaum, Gratz ��Patricia Dutcher-Walls, Knox ��College ��College, Toronto ��Halvor Moxnes, University of ��History and Literature of Early ��Oslo ��Rabbinic Judaism ��Pauline Epistles ��Social Scientifi c Criticism of ��Margaret Y. MacDonald, St. ��Michael L. Satlow, Brown ��Judith M. Gundry-Volf, Yale ��the New Testament ��Francis Xavier University ��University ��University Divinity School ��Dennis C. Duling, Canisius ��College ��Early Jewish and Christian ��History of Interpretation ��John M. G. Barclay, University ��Mysticism ��of Glasgow ��Douglas Oakman, Pacifi c ��Mark Granquist, St. Olaf College ��Lutheran University ��Andrea Lieber Merwin, ��Pentateuch ��Dickinson College ��Ideological Criticism ��James W. Watts, Syracuse ��Social-Scientifi c Studies of the ��Jan William Tarlin, Millsaps ��Second Temple Period ��Formation of the Book of ��University ��Isaiah ��College ��Alice Hunt, Vanderbilt ��Poster Session ��Patricia Tull, Louisville ��Israelite Prophetic Literature ��University ��Dexter E. Callender Jr., ��Presbyterian Seminary ��Terence E. Fretheim, Luther ��John M. Halligan, St. John ��University of Miami ��Fisher College ��Roy�� Melugin,�� Brite�� Divinity�� Seminary �School��, Texas Christian Univ. ��Jacqueline E. Lapsley, Princeton ��Pseudepigrapha ��Synoptic Gospels ��Theological Seminary ��Randall D. Chesnutt, Seaver ��Gender, Sexuality, and the ��Mark Goodacre, University of ��Bible ��College, Pepperdine ��Birmingham, UK ��Israelite Religion in Its West ��University ��Fiona Black, Mount Allison ��Asian Environment ��John C. Reeves, University of ��Textual Criticism of the ��University ��Neal H. Walls, Candler School of ��North Carolina at Charlotte ��Hebrew Bible ��Theology, Emory University ��Lamentations in Ancient and ��Peter W. Flint, Trinity Western ��Contemporary Contexts ��Psychology and Biblical ��University ��Johannine Literature ��Studies ��Nancy C. Lee, Elmhurst College ��Francisco Lozada Jr., University ��Russell Fuller, University of San ��D. Andrew Kille, Santa Clara ��Diego ��Fred Dobbs-Allsopp, Princeton ��of the Incarnate Word ��University �Theological�� Seminary,�� Yale ��Adele Reinhartz, Wilfrid Laurier ��Theology of the Hebrew University ��University �Q ��Scriptures ��Literatures and History of the ��Christoph Heil, Universität ��Wonil Kim, La Sierra University ��John’s Apocalypse and ��Frankfurt ��Persian Period Group ��Cultural Contexts Ancient and ��S. Tamar Kamionkowski, ��Daniel�� Smith-Christoper,��h�� Loyola�� Modern ��Qumran ��Reconstructionist Rabbinical ��Marymount University ��College ��Paul B. Duff, George ��Esther Glickler Chazon, Hebrew ��John W. Wright, Point Loma ��Washington University ��University ��Ugaritic Studies and ��Nazarene University ��Martin Abegg, Trinity Western ��Northwest Semitic Epigraphy ��Late Antiquity in ��Mark ��Interdisciplinary Perspective ��University ��Steve A. Wiggins, Nashotah ��House Episcopal Seminary ��Tom Shepherd, Union College, ��Leonard Victor Rutgers, ��Reading, Theory, and the Bible ��Lincoln, NE ��University of Utrecht ��Yvonne M. Sherwood, ��Wisdom in Israelite and ��Roehampton Institute ��Cognate Traditions ��New Historicism and the ��Linguistics and Biblical ��Hebrew Bible ��Hebrew ��Rhetoric and the New ��Michael V. Fox, University of ��Wisconsin ��Harold Washington, St. Paul ��Michael Patrick O’Connor, ��Testament ��School of Theology ��Catholic University of ��L. Gregory Bloomquist, Saint ��Women in the Biblical World ��America ��Paul and Politics ��Paul University ��Pamela Milne, University of ��Barry L. Bandstra, Hope College ��Windsor ��Richard A. Horsley, University ��Scripture in Early Judaism and ��of Massachusetts, Boston ��Matthew ��Christianity ��GROUPS ��Cynthia Kittredge, Episcopal ��Warren Carter, St. Paul School ��Esther Menn, Lutheran School ��Theological Seminary ��of Theology ��of Theology at Chicago ��Ancient Fiction and Early ��Christian and Jewish Narrative ��Philo of Alexandria ��Amy-Jill Levine, Vanderbilt ��Semiotics and Exegesis ��University ��Judith B. Perkins, Saint Joseph ��Thomas Herbert Tobin, Loyola ��David Odell-Scott, Kent State ��College ��University ��Nag Hammadi and Gnosticism ��University ��Asian and Asian-American ��Anne M. McGuire, Haverford ��Prophetic Texts and Their ��Social History of Formative ��Hermeneutics ��Ancient Contexts ��College ��Christianity and Judaism ��Frank Yamada, Seabury-Western ��Ehud Ben Zvi, University of ��New Testament Textual ��Hayim Lapin, University of ��Theological Seminary ��Alberta ��Criticism ��Maryland ��Mary F. Foskett, Wake Forest ��Alice Ogden Bellis, Howard ��Kim Haines-Eitzen, Cornell ��University ��Divinity School ��University

8� �� • �� SOCIETY REPORT 2003 ��SOCIETY REPORT 2003 ��• �9 ��Theological Perspectives on ��Book of Acts ��Fernando Segovia, The Divinity ��SEMINARS ��the Book of Ezekiel ��School, Vanderbilt University ��Thomas E. Phillips, Colorado ��Acts as a Window into Church ��Corrine Patton, University of St. ��Christian University ��Biblical and Ancient Near ��History ��Thomas �F.�� Scott�� Spencer,�� BaptistWingate Theo- � ��Eastern Law ��Tobias Nicklas, University of ��Wisdom and Apocalypticism logicalUniversity Seminary at Richmond ��Reinhard Achenbach, Ludwig- ��Regensburg ��in Early Judaism and Early ��Maximilians-Universität ��Didache in Context ��Biblical Theology Group ��Christianity ��Gary Knoppers, The ��Aaron Milavec, Center for the ��Christine Helmer, Claremont ��Ellen Aitken, Harvard Divinity ��Study of Religion and Society ��Pennsylvania State University ��School ��School of Theology ��Formation of Luke-Acts ��Biblical Studies and ��Christof Landmesser, Universität ��Technology ��SEMINARS ��Thomas Louis Brodie, ��Tübingen ��University of Limerick ��Patrick Durusau, Society of ��Ancient Myths and Modern ��Biblical Literature ��Concept Analysis and the ��Theories of Christian Origins ��Gregory E. Sterling, University ��Hebrew Bible ��Ron Cameron, Wesleyan ��of Notre Dame ��Synoptic Gospels ��Mignon Jacobs, Fuller ��University ��John, Jesus, and History ��Glenna Sue Jackson, Otterbein ��Theological Seminary ��College ��Merrill P. Miller, University of ��Tom Thatcher, Cincinnati Bible ��Dead Sea Scrolls and Hebrew ��North Carolina at Pembroke ��College & Seminary ��Israelite Religion ��Bible ��Constructions of Ancient ��Meals in the Greco-Roman ��Saul M. Olyan, Brown ��Armin Lange, University of ��Space ��World ��University ��North Carolina at Chapel Hill ��Jon Berquist, Chalice Press ��Dennis Smith, Phillips ��Johannine Literature ��Kristin De Troyer, Claremont ��School of Theology ��James Flanagan, Case Western ��Theological Seminary ��Francisco Lozada Jr., University ��Reserve University ��Hal Taussig, Union Theological ��of the Incarnate Word ��Graduate Biblical Studies: ��Seminary ��Ethos and Discipline ��Josephus ��Judaica ��Honora H. Chapman, California ��Midrash ��Kent Harold Richards, Society ��Mayer Gruber, Ben-Gurion ��of Biblical Literature ��State University at Fresno �Rivka�� B.�� Kern-Ulmer,�� The ��University ��Steve Mason, York University BucknellUniversity University of Pennsylvania ��Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza, ��Language and Linguistics ��Harvard Divinity School ��Manichaean Studies ��Lieve Teugels, Jewish ��Theological Seminary ��Meir Lubetski, Baruch College ��Jason Beduhn, Northern ��Hebrews ��Arizona University ��Pauline Soteriology ��Methods in Hebrew Bible ��Gabriella Gelardini, University ��Studies ��of Basel ��Rethinking Plato’s Parmenides ��A. Katherine Grieb, Virginia ��Theological Seminary ��Gregory L. Glover, Southminster ��Old Testament in the New ��and Its Platonic, Gnostic, and ��Presbyterian Church ��Patristic Reception ��Francis Watson, University of ��Testament and Other Early ��Kevin Corrigan, Emory ��Aberdeen ��Methods in New Testament ��Christian Literature ��University ��Penitential Prayer: Origin, ��Studies ��Stephen Moyise, University ��Development, and Impact ��Matthew Collins, Society of ��College, Chichester ��Romans through History and ��Biblical Literature ��Cultures ��Mark Boda, McMaster Divinity ��Perceptions of Social and ��Laurence L. Welborn, United ��College ��Paul and Pauline Literature ��Ethnic Identities in Antiquity ��Theological Seminary ��Qur’an and Biblical Literature ��Jerry L. Sumney, Lexington ��Ed Noort, University of ��Theological Seminary ��Groningen ��Brannon M. Wheeler, University ��CONSULTATIONS �� of Washington ��Pentateuch (Torah) Eibert Tigchelaar, University of ��African Biblical Hermeneutics ��Groningen ��Violence and Representations ��Alan J. Hauser, Appalachian ��Dora Rudo Mbuwayesango, ��of Violence among Jews and ��State University ��Syriac Lexicography ��Hood Theological Seminary �� Christians ��Prophets Terry Falla, Whitley College, ��Assyriology and the Bible ��University of Melbourne ��Leigh Gibson, Princeton, NJ ��Martti Nissinen, University of ��Steven W. Holloway, University ��Shelly Matthews, Furman ��Helsinki ��The Bible and Its Infl uence: ��of Chicago ��University ��History and Impact ��Wisdom Literature ��Bakhtin and the Biblical ��Kenneth Newport, Liverpool ��International Meeting ��Michael V. Fox, University of ��Hope University College ��Imagination ��Program Unit Chairs ��Wisconsin ��Barbara Green, Dominican ��Whence and Whither? ��School of Philosophy and ��SECTIONS ��Working with Biblical ��Methodology and the Future ��Theology ��Archaeology ��Manuscripts (Text Criticism) ��of Biblical Studies ��Bible and Visual Art ��David Trobisch, Bangor ��Todd Penner, Austin College ��Ann E. Killebrew, The ��Theological Seminary ��Elizabeth Struthers Malbon, ��Pennsylvania State University ��Caroline Vander Stichele, ��Peter Arzt-Grabner, University ��Virginia Polytechnic Institute ��Andrew G. Vaughn, Gustavus ��University of Amsterdam ��and State University ��of Salzburg ��Adolphus College ��WORKSHOP ��Heidi J. Hornik, Baylor ��Bible and Social Location ��University ��Pedagogy Workshop ��Jeremy Punt, University of Fort ��Hare ��Hugh Pyper, University of Leeds

8� �� • �� SOCIETY REPORT 2003 ��SOCIETY REPORT 2003 ��• �9 National and International Dialogue

CONGRESSES the writings of Josephus. On Tuesday evening, attendees from all organizations FUTURE MEETINGS Annual Meeting were treated to an excellent presentation The 2002 Annual Meeting held in by Peter Machinist on Julius Wellhausen Annual Toronto, November 23–26, topped 8,600 and Assyriology, followed by a combined attendees; a close second to the 8,900 at reception hosted by the Society. 2004 San Antonio the 1999 Boston meeting. Other highlights of the meeting includ- 2005 Philadelphia John Collins’ Presidential Address on ed a tour of the Taylor-Schechter Genizah 2006 Washington, D.C. the Bible and the legitimation of violence Research Unit and the opportunity to presented a “genealogy of the concept of view several of the Genizah Manuscripts 2007 San Diego ‘the wrath of God.’” Collins’ lecture be- held at the Cambridge University Library; 2008 Boston came the basis of an ongoing discussion a workshop on the Masora conducted in an issue of Religious Studies News: SBL by the International Organization for International Edition. Masoretic Studies; and tours of the new 2004 Groningen Press and attendees alike flocked to Faculty of Divinity building located adja- the lively and controversial session on cent the meeting site. 2005 Singapore the so-called “James Ossuary.” Historians, exegetes, theologians, archaeologists, and SBL Annual Meeting Starting in 2008 epigraphers presented the subtle issues SBL Council discussed at its meeting involved and expressed their reservations on April 25–27, 2003, the needs of mem- Council affirms a renewed commit- and evidence about the context, origin, bers, students, publishers, and other con- ment to students to provide an annual and exact dating of the ossuary. The os- stituencies following the AAR announce- meeting that will not only help them gain suary itself was displayed nearby at the ment to no longer hold joint meetings a sense of biblical and religious schol- Royal Ontario Museum. with SBL starting in 2008. Council has arship and pedagogy but also provide Jacques Derrida was the subject of sev- formulated strategic steps consonant venues for their advancement into many eral sessions and was present for a panel with the SBL mission – Foster Biblical types of employment. Holding this com- discussion where he held a cross-disci- Scholarship and SBL strategic goals. mitment for students will assure a cadre plinary audience in rapt attention. For the Council has told the universities and of fresh ideas and creative scholarship first time, SBL made available on its web- seminaries who have in many cases fund- into the future. site audio recordings of these three popu- ed the participation of their faculty at our Council has assured the many lar sessions as downloadable audio files. annual meeting that SBL will work with publishers/exhibitors that have so faith- them to assure continued opportunities fully exhibited at our national, interna- International Meeting for building stronger resources for the en- tional, and regional meetings that we will The 2003 International Meeting in tire range of biblical, theological, and re- work with them to enhance their ability Cambridge, England, July 20–25, was ligious studies. We want those who fund to show their products to our members. our largest ever, with over five hun- member attendance at the annual meet- Council affirmed that it understands dred attendees. Meeting attendees en- ing to understand that their investment is the diversity of SBL’s constituencies and joyed the opportunity to meet with money well spent. For our members who the many supporting entities that have members of two other organizations, are unaffiliated or who must pay their forwarded our ability to carry out our Society for Old Testament Study and own way to the various congresses, we strategic visions. Council is aware that the Oudtestamentisch Werkgezelschap. will dedicate ourselves anew to keeping our members, who study, teach, do re- Attendees from all organizations enjoyed the costs of the annual meeting at reason- search, and carry out their daily work in browsing and buying books from twenty- able levels. The Council pledges in coop- many types of educational institutions five exhibitors. eration with the membership to make the and other entities need the opportunity Steve Mason, York University, opened most of the new opportunities to foster to see the latest research, technology, and the meeting with a lecture on the status of biblical scholarship presented by this dra- teaching/learning strategies that have Josephus research. He provided a fascinat- matic change of circumstances. been so central to the annual meeting. ing update and renewed reasons to study

10 • SOCIETY REPORT 2003 SOCIETY REPORT 2003 • 11 Collaboration Sets Standards

UNICODE FONTS AND THE FONT the biblical studies font library. The con- RECOGNITION OF SBL FOUNDATION tributions of publishers to the foundation HANDBOOK OF STYLE create reinvestment funds for new fonts SBL’s interest in resolving the ancient or upgrades. The SBL Handbook of Style continues languages font problem began to come to to set the standard as the authoritative fruition in 2003. Working with the type TEXT ENCODING STANDARDS source for biblical references. Recognized foundry, Tiro, and their designer John for years as the standard in the field of Hudson, SBL initiated the design of three This past year SBL’s Director of biblical studies, it is now distinguished in Unicode fonts for Hebrew, Greek, and Research and Development, Patrick The Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, Latin. Unicode allows fonts to be read Durusau, worked with and chaired vari- which cites, “Any scholarly writer or edi- across all computer platforms. The al- ous committees that set standards for the tor working extensively with biblical ma- ready finished Hebrew font was designed encoding and digitization of texts. The terial should consult The SBL Handbook in the Sephardic style, which is suited to work of these committees ensures the of Style, which offers excellent advice and the low-contrast readability of computer availability of biblical texts for future numerous abbreviations.” screen text and offers greater degrees of study and use. It includes developing the distinction between potentially similar technical standards for digitizing ancient letters in Hebrew. manuscripts, forming XML standards, The SBL fonts are available for non- creating markup standards for office doc- commercial use at www.sbl-site.org. These uments, developing the Open Scriptural are becoming the fonts of choice for pub- Information Standard (OSIS), and filing lishing in biblical and related languages. requirements for the preservation of fair SBL also created a Font Foundation use, first sale, and the right of libraries to comprised of book and software publish- archive electronic resources. ers who contribute to the foundation. We thank our many partners for their Publishers will distribute the fonts freely commitment to the collaborative process to their authors and editors so that text and their dedication to setting high stan- uniformity and accuracy is assured. The dards within the field ensuring that the foundation will also set and maintain humanities stay on the forefront of devel- standards for any eventual additions to oping technologies. As we anticipate a new, revised edition, we are reminded of the editorial leadership David Petersen provided to the first edition and take this opportunity to once Thank You, Font Foundation Members again say thank you. We thank the members of the Font Foundation for investing in the development and upgrading of font technology. We anticipate announcing in the very near future additional font foundation members. Members American Bible Society American Schools of Oriental Research Baker Book House Brill Publishers LOGOS Research Systems

10 • SOCIETY REPORT 2003 SOCIETY REPORT 2003 • 11 Books and Journals of Distinction

We thank Editorial Director Rex A very special thanks to the general ing and developing the RBL website. We Matthews and our Research and editors of Semeia: also thank the graduate student interns, Publications Committee for their con- Robert W. Funk (1974–1980) Erika Fitz and Phillip Sherman, for help- tinuing endeavors to acquire titles that ing with the data conversion of over 3,000 John Dominic Crossan (1981–1987) are on the leading edge of scholarly pub- books. The RBL website has a new look lishing. Through their dedication and Robert C. Culley (1988–1992) that enables volunteers, staff, and review- diligence SBL continues to develop an ex- Daniel Patte (1993–1998) ers to function together more smoothly, tensive print and digital publication pro- David Jobling (1998–2003) creating a dynamic site. gram that is unmatched among learned societies. We also thank all those who have served on the editorial board. This year, the five best selling JOURNAL OF BIBLICAL LITERATURE titles gave access to primary source REVIEW OF BIBLICAL LITERATURE materials relevant to biblical studies A Tradition of Excellence and facilitated the mastery of bibli- Over the last two years: One Million Hits! cal languages: The Review of Biblical Literature (RBL) • 238 articles submitted of which 74 • Landes, Building Your Biblical were from individuals outside the U.S. continued to establish itself as the pre- Hebrew Vocabulary mier source of biblical studies book re- • Pardee, Ritual and Cult at Ugarit • 48 articles and 10 critical notes views in the world. During the last fiscal published • Roth, Law Collections from year, RBL published 514 online reviews Mesopotamia and Asia Minor 21 articles on the Hebrew Bible, of 440 recently published books and • Kalter/McKenzie, Beyond Babel 21 articles on the New Testament, electronic resources, a feat unmatched in • 2 on general topics, and 2 on extra- terms of quantity and timeliness by any • Van Voorst, Building Your New canonical material other biblical studies resource. In addi- Testament Greek Vocabulary Thanks to Editor Gail O’Day and her tion, RBL maintained its commitment to dedicated editorial colleagues. being international in focus, serving sub- Thanks to all the dedicated authors scribers from around the globe; reviewing for their stellar contributions to the SBL SEMEIA English, French, German, Spanish, and publishing program. Their ability to write Italian works as well as publishing reviews From Journal to Series skillfully and eloquently embodies an im- in those same languages; and operating portant aspect of our mission. Since 1974, the pioneering, cross-dis- under the guidance of an Editorial Board ciplinary journal Semeia has been a star representing eight different countries RECENT AND FORTHCOMING TITLES in the SBL publishing program. In 2003, from nearly every continent. Moreover, Semeia shed its identity as a journal, and since the launch of its new website in Academia Biblica was incorporated into the Semeia Studies September 2002 (http://bookreviews.org), Richard J. Bautch, Developments in Genre book series. This change advances the RBL has recorded over one million hits, between Post-Exilic Penitential Prayers and the Psalms of Communal Lament outstanding intellectual accomplishments for an average of over 3,400 per day. at the heart of the Semeia tradition, and Finally, the print edition of RBL, which Lawrence J. Mykytiuk, Identifying Biblical Persons in Northwest Semitic frees editors to produce the volumes they includes 160 of the best reviews pub- Inscriptions of 1200–539 B.C.E. envision, unencumbered by the limita- lished electronically during the year, of- tions of a journal production schedule. Matthew L. Skinner, Locating Paul: Places fers users a more traditional source of of Custody as Narrative Settings in Acts These multi-author thematic volumes will book reviews and generates a reasonable be published under the SBL-Brill agree- 21–28 profit to support the larger enterprise. Andrew H. Wakefield, Where to Live: The ment, allowing editor royalties for the first Comprehensive, international, and time- time, and greater exposure overseas. Hermeneutical Significance of Paul’s ly—RBL plays a key role in the Society’s Citations from Scripture in Galatians mission of fostering biblical scholarship. 3:1–14 Thanks to the work of website designer Jane S. Webster, Ingesting Jesus: Eating and Ken Wells and SPIN Solutions for design- Drinking in the Gospel of John

12 • SOCIETY REPORT 2003 SOCIETY REPORT 2003 • 13 ��Archaeology and Biblical Studies ��Lukan Narrative and Greco-Roman ��such as Jack Miles, Elaine Pagels, Regina ��Oded Borowski, ��Daily Life in Biblical ��Discourse ��Schwartz, and Renita Weems. The April ��Times ��John C. Reeves, ed., ��Bible and Qur’an: ��2003 issue featured an essay by Alicia ��Milton Moreland, ed., ��Between Text and ��Essays in Scriptural Intertextuality ��Ostriker on the Psalms, as well as poetry ��Artifact: Integrating Archaeology in ��Andrew G. Vaughn and Ann E. Killebrew, ��by Kathleen Norris and Czeslaw Milosz. ��Biblical Studies Teaching �ed.,�s� �Jerusalem�� in Bible�� and �Archaeology:�� The �First�� Temple�� Period�� Resources for Biblical Study �B��ROWN�� J��UDAIC�� S��TUDIES� ��AND� �� David L. Barr, ed., ��Reading the Book of ��Text-Critical Studies THE�� JOURNAL� OF�� FEMINIST� ��Revelation: A Resource for Students ��Alexander Kulik, ��Retroverting Slavonic �S��TUDIES� ��IN�� R��ELIGION ��Frederick E. Greenspahn, ��An Introduction ��Pseudepigrapha: Towards the Original ��of the ��Apocalypse of Abraham ��SBL’s partnerships with the Brown ��to Aramaic��, ��Second Edition ��Judaic Studies publishing program ��Kristin De Troyer, ��Rewriting the Sacred ��Arthur W. Walker-Jones, ��Hebrew for ��and the Journal of Feminist Studies in ��Biblical Interpretation ��Text: What the Old Greek Texts Tell Us ��about the Literary Growth of the Bible ��Religion continue to add interest and di-� ��Review of Biblical Literature ��versity to the scholarship offered to our ��Writings from the Ancient World �� Marvin A. Sweeney, ed., ��Review of Biblical membership and to the public at large. ��Literature 2003 ��James M. Lindenberger, ��Ancient Aramaic ��SBL provides production, distribution, ��and Hebrew Letters��, ��Second Edition ��and subscription services for these en-� ��Semeia Studies ��Martti Nissinen, with contributions by C. ��deavors within the framework of our own ��Randall C. Bailey, ed., ��Yet With a Steady ��L. Seow and Robert K. Ritner, ��Prophets ��contractual relationships with vendors, ��Beat: Contemporary U.S. Afrocentric ��and Prophecy in the Ancient Near East ��allowing BJS and JFSR the benefi t of our ��Biblical Interpretation ��Herman Vanstiphout, ��Epics of Sumerian ��volume discounts. In return, SBL has the ��Tamara Eskenazi, Gary A. Phillips, and ��Kings: The Matter of Aratta ��privilege of association with scholarly ��David Jobling, eds., ��Levinas and ��Writings from the Greco-Roman World ��endeavors beyond the scope our own pro-� ��Biblical Studies �� George A. Kennedy, ��Progymnasmata: grams and modest revenues gained from ��Jione Havea, ��Elusions of Control: Biblical ��these relationships enhance our programs ��Law on the Words of Women ��Greek Textbooks of Prose Composition ��and Rhetoric ��and initiatives. ��Cheryl Kirk-Duggan, ed., ��Pregnant ��Emma C. Clarke, John M. Dillon, and ��Our thanks to our colleagues who ��Passion: Gender, Sex, & Violence in the ��make these partnerships possible: ��Bible ��Jackson P. Hershbell, ��Iamblichus: On ��the Mysteries ��Stephen D. Moore and Janice Capel ��Brown Judaic Studies ��Anderson, eds., ��New Testament ��David Jacobson, Ross S. Kraemer, and ��RINT��ON��EMAND ��Masculinities P - -D ��Saul M. Olyan Co-editors ��Seminar Papers ��SBL Publications foster biblical schol-� ��Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion ��Matthew Collins, ed., ��SBL Seminar Papers ��arship not only by publishing new works �� 2003 ��each year but also by keeping older works Elisabeth Shüssler Fiorenza and Kwok Pui- ��Lan, Co-editors ��of enduring scholarly signifi cance in ��Septuagint and Cognate Studies ��print. To that end SBL established a print- ��Deborah Whitehead and Sarah Sentilles, ��Managing Editors ��Adrian Schenker, ed., ��The Earliest Text ��on-demand program that digitizes works ��of the Hebrew Bible: The Relationship ��that would otherwise go out of print. The ��between the Masoretic Text and �� the Hebrew Base of the Septuagint program benefi ts both the scholarly com- ��Reconsidered ��munity, which has access to classic works ��at a reasonable price, and SBL, which ��Studies in Biblical Literature ��generates sales without investing capital ��Rainer Albertz, ��Israel in Exile: The History ��in inventory. ��and Literature of the Sixth Century �� B.C.E (translated by David Green) ��SBL F��ORUM ��Janet Howe Gaines, ��Forgiveness in a ��Wounded World: Jonah’s Dilemma ��SBL Forum ��is the new name of what ��Stanley Isser, ��The Sword of Goliath: David ��used to be called ��Religious Studies News: ��in Heroic Literature ��SBL Edition��. The new name describes a ��place for scholarly exchange and provoca-� ��Symposium ��tive ideas attuned to the interests and ��Harold W. Attridge and Margot Fassler, ��ideas of Bible scholars. ��SBL Forum�� now ��eds., ��Psalms in Community: Jewish ��greets any visitor to the SBL homepage at ��and Christian Textual, Liturgical, and ��www.sbl-site.org�. ��Artistic Traditions ��In 2003 the electronic newsletter con-� ��Todd Penner and Caroline Vander ��tinued to set high standards with pub-� ��Stichele, eds., ��Contextualizing Acts: ��lished original essays of leading scholars

�12�� • ��SOCIETY REPORT 2003 ��SOCIETY REPORT 2003 ��• �13� Responsive, Accountable Administration

STAFF CHANGES Susan Madara, Director of Develop- CHANGE – CREATES THE NEED ment and Board Relations, brings to TO CHANGE The Executive Director, following the bear all the skills and knowledge she has leadership provided by Council, reviewed gained in administrative management Continuing changes in the SBL office the structure of the executive office staff and accounting, while contributing a va- have created the need for staff to adapt to ensure improved communications, riety of expertise developed over the last to an environment that is evolving. The productivity, efficiency, and accountabil- three years working for the Society. In Executive Director commends the SBL ity within the organization. To facilitate her new role she has assumed increased staff for their ability to respond effectively this goal there was a restructuring of staff. responsibilities for development and to the challenges. They have responded New staff includes two people on the re- board relations while continuing with positively, taken on new responsibilities, cently formed executive administrative the oversight of accounting matters. Her achieved higher standards, worked more committee, a new person in publications, experience in business and detailed un- closely with volunteers, and have adapted and a technology developer. The staff is derstanding of SBL operations provides to new governance structures. Thanks to dedicated to working as a team to help support to the daily running of the busi- the staff for its dedicated service to the advance the mission of the Society to fos- ness, strategic planning, and growth of work of the Society. ter biblical scholarship. the organization. Frank Ritchel Ames, Director of Bob Buller, Production Associate, is Programs and Initiatives, joined the staff new to the staff, but he is not a newcomer Thank You, SBL Staff in June 2003 to support congresses, pub- to the Society or to the field of biblical The Executive Director wishes lications, and technology. Prior to his studies. Undergraduate and graduate de- to thank the staff for its dedicated appointment, he advanced higher educa- grees in Hebrew Bible complement his service to the Society. tion in the roles of professor, librarian, years of experience in freelance editing, Frank Ritchel Ames and dean, and helped establish a liberal typesetting, and manuscript preparation. arts college that now enrolls 1,800 stu- Significant work as a college teacher and Leigh Andersen dents. He brings experience and expertise librarian also shape his understanding Moira Bucciarelli in information management, academic of Society members and academic books. administration, and Hebrew Bible, with His duties include book production and Bob Buller interests that range from gender and war- general oversight of the Review of Biblical Missy Colee fare in ancient Israel to academic freedom Literature. in confessional institutions. Matthew Collins Lauren Hightower, Technology Missy Colee, Director of Administra- Manager, was a co-owner of Spin Patrick Durusau tive and Technology Services, brings expe- Solutions with Ms. Colee. She is an ex- Lauren Hightower rience in meeting management, adminis- perienced technology developer who is trative oversight, and technology project directing a variety of technology solu- Sharon Johnson management and testing. As co-owner tions for SBL. She was one of the key de- Kathie Klein of Spin Solutions she attended to all the velopers for the new RBL site. It became details of running a very successful busi- obvious that the expertise of an in-house Trista Krock ness, working with clients, including SBL, technology manager was needed to meet Susan Madara to help them understand how technology the challenges that the organization can help them operate more efficiently, was facing to stay current with business Lorian Warrilow move them forward much faster and pro- technology and to provide services in a vide more value to their customers. She is changing environment and Lauren aptly an excellent multi-task worker with a gift fills that role. for listening to others and contributing creative solutions.

14 • SOCIETY REPORT 2003 SOCIETY REPORT 2003 • 15 “C��LEAN�� BILL�� OF�� HEALTH��”�� – ANNUAL�� AUDIT�� On�� the recommendation of the Executive Director, the Finance Committee engaged a new external auditor for the�� 2002/2003 audit. The accounting world suggests that periodically a new external auditor be selected. We thank the�� external accounting fi rm of Brooks, McGinnis & Company, LLC, for the many excellent years of audit service they�� provided. Special appreciation is extended to Jack McGinnis who has assisted so ably in a variety of account-� ing�� matters. The�� 2002/2003 audit by the fi rm of Cherry, Bekaert, and Holland, certifi ed public accountants and consul-� tants,�� has given SBL a “clean bill of health.” They have stated in their audit that: “In our opinion, the 2003 fi nancial statements�� referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the fi nancial position of the Society of Biblical Literature�� as of June 30, 2003, and the changes in its net assets and its cash fl ows for the years then ended in confor-� mity�� with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.” Below�� you will fi nd a summary report from the independent auditor’s statements of activities.

Changes�� in unrestricted net assets � 2003�� 2002�� Revenues�� and gains Book�� sales � $�� 322,586� $�� 297,673 Contributions�� 36,084�� 29,738�� Membership�� and fee income � 398,130�� 302,813�� Subscriptions�� 293,110�� 282,641�� Congresses�� 691,783�� 709,717�� Rental�� income, net � 50,302�� 64,279�� Royalties�� 67,556�� 58,198�� Openings�� 56,303�� 69,043�� Investment�� income � 68,709�� 92,086�� Marketing�� 151,136�� 61,645�� Other�� 23,326�� 3,557�� Net�� assets released from restriction � 6,089�� –�� ______�� ______�� Total�� unrestricted revenues and gains � 2,165,114�� 1,971,390�� Expenses�� Publications�� 861,507�� 817,596�� Congresses�� 707,409�� 553,642�� Membership�� 155,601�� 116,341�� Professions�� 43,936�� 26,915�� Regions�� 42,484�� 39,094�� Research�� and technology � 235,633�� 140,725�� Total program expenses ��2,046,570 1,694,313�� Development�� and fundraising� ��70,491� ��51,713 General�� and administration � 198,673�� 267,195�� ______�� ______�� Total� expenses ��2,315,734� ��2,013,221 �� ______�� ______�� Decrease� in unrestricted net assets ��(150,620)� (41,831) �� Changes in temporarily restricted net assets ��Investment income and change in market value 31,127 6,636 Net�� assets released from restriction � (6,089)�� – �� ______�� ______�� Increase� in temporarily restricted net assets ��25,038� ��6,636 �� Changes in net assets (125,582) (35,195) ��Net assets at beginning� of year 3,333,635�� 3,363,830�� Transfer�� of cash from Scholars �Press ��– � ��5,000 �� ______�� ______�� Net� assets at end of year $�� 3,208,053� $�� 3,333,635 ��

14�� • �� SOCIETY �� REPORT 2003 SOCIETY�� REPORT 2003 • �� 15 �� SOCIETY OF BIBLICAL LITERATURE EXECUTIVE OFFICE The Luce Center, 825 Houston Mill Road NE, Suite 350 Atlanta, GA 30329 USA www.sbl-site.org 404-727-3100

Frank Ritchel Ames Lauren Hightower Director of Programs & Initiatives, Technology Manager Acting Editorial Director [email protected] [email protected] 404-727-3114 404-727-2419 Sharon Johnson Leigh Andersen Website Manager Managing Editor [email protected] [email protected] 404-727-3102 404-727-2327 Kathie Klein Moira Bucciarelli Marketing Manager SBL Forum Features Editor [email protected] [email protected] 404-727-2325

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Missy Colee Susan Madara Director of Administrative & Director of Development & Technology Services Board Relations [email protected] [email protected] 404-727-3124 404-727-3103

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