| Theta Chi Beta | |
|---|---|
| ΘΧΒ | |
 | |
| Founded | 1915 Syracuse University |
| Type | Honor |
| Affiliation | Independent |
| Emphasis | Religion, Theological studies |
| Scope | National (US) |
| Motto | Progressive Revelations[1] |
| Symbol | 6-pointed star, Shield of David, Outline of a fish, ICHTHUS |
| Chapters | 3+ installed, 0 active |
Theta Chi Beta (ΘΧΒ) was a national honor society recognizing excellence in the study of religion. It was founded at Syracuse University.
History
Theta Chi Beta was formed in 1915 at Syracuse University as an honor society for students in the fields of Religious Studies and Theology.[1] It was the first and only society of its kind in the United States.[1] Several chapters were formed.[2]
The Aleph chapter (Alpha) remains active as the Theta Chi Beta chapter of Theta Alpha Kappa, a larger, national honor society for students in Religious studies. It was allowed to keep this name in recognition of its long history and formative role in establishing its own national society.[3]
The last remaining independent chapter of Theta Chi Beta was the Gimel chapter, (Gamma), formed in 1937 at Florida Southern College, which went dormant sometime after 2008.[4]
Traditions
Symbols of the Fraternity include the six-pointed Star called Magen David, the Shield of David, the outline of a fish symbolic of early Christians, and the Greek word and acronym, ICHTHUS, representative of "Jesous Christos Theou Uios Soter", or "Jesus Christ God's Son Savior".
Chapter officers used Hebrew designations:
- Melek (king) for president
- Sar (prince) for vice-president
- Sopher (scribe) for secretary/treasurer
- Maskir (rememberer) for recording secretary[2]
The emblem of the society was similar to other honor society keys, with the Hebrew letter Beth as a frame, in which was held an open book, the Bible, all rendered in gold.[2]
Chapters
The list of chapters of Theta Chi Beta was as follows:
| Chapter | Installation Date | College or University | Location | Status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aleph | 1915-1991 | Syracuse University | Syracuse, New York | Merged, became Theta Chi Beta chapter of ΘΑΚ in 1991 | |
| Beth | ≥1934–2008+ | St. Lawrence Theological School | Canton (village), New York | [5] | |
| Gimel | 1937-20xx | Florida Southern College | Lakeland, Florida | ||
| Daleth ? | ≥1937 |
This list is incomplete.
References
- 1 2 3 Galpin, William Freeman; Barck Jr, Oscar Theodore (August 1984). Wilson, Richard R. (ed.). Syracuse University: Volume III: The Critical Years. Syracuse, N.Y.: Syracuse University Press. p. 268. ISBN 978-0-8156-8108-3. OCLC 1023038841. Archived from the original on 9 October 2020. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- 1 2 3 Peritz, Ismar J. (Summer 1938). "Theta Chi Beta - Bible Honor Fraternity". Journal of the American Academy of Religion. Oxford Academic: American Academy of Religion. VI (III): 146. doi:10.1093/jaarel/VI.III.146. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
- ↑ Noted on the chapter's Syracuse portal, accessed 20 Nov 2021.
- ↑ Interlachen 2008
- ↑ Bulletin Volumes 10-11 By Council on the Study of Religion · 1979