Beckwith and ETS follow-up

The web version of Christianity Today reported on fall-out from the Beckwith resignation: “The Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) indicated that its members will discuss the role of tradition in Protestant theology after president Francis Beckwith rejoined the Roman Catholic Church and resigned on May 5. Beckwith, a philosophy professor at Baylor University, also surrendered his ETS membership.” 

It is interesting to note the CT article’s subheading, “Executive committee: Roman Catholics may not join.”

The irenic statement from the The Evangelical Theological Society may be seen en toto HERE.  However, below are the pertinent statements which indicate the ETS is attempting to draw lines which would exclude Romanism:

“The work of the Evangelical Theological Society as a scholarly forum proceeds on the basis that “the Bible alone and the Bible in its entirety, is the Word of God written and is therefore inerrant in the autographs.” This affirmation, together with the statement on the Trinity, forms the basis for membership in the ETS to which all members annually subscribe in writing. Confessional Catholicism, as defined by the Roman Catholic Church’s declarations from the Council of Trent to Vatican II, sets forth a more expansive view of verbal, infallible revelation.”

“Certainly, the two traditions share many common Christian doctrines. However there are important theological differences as well. We expect that the events of these days will bring a renewed discussion of these matters. We welcome and encourage this as well.”