Dates

• Existence: 1941-

Biographical Statement

The American Scientific Affiliation was founded in 1941 by five Christian scientists. John Haitsma, Peter Stoner, Russell Sturgis, Irving Cowperthaite, and Alton Everest met in Chicago to discuss their concern about the need for integration between science and scripture. The American Scientific Affiliation was established in order to "investigate any area relating Christian faith and science and to make known the results of such investigations for comment and criticism by the Christian community and by the scientific community." From the original five members, the ASA has grown to include over 2000 members from most of the 50 states and 38 foreign countries. These members come from all branches of science.

The constitution of the ASA, first published in May of 1942, with the most recent revision in 1970 provides for an Executive Council to be the governing body of the ASA. The Executive Council consists of a president, vice president, secretary treasurer, and two additional members. Each member of the Council serves a five year term. In addition to the Executive Council an Executive Secretary is appointed for an indefinite term. The ASA consists of five classes of membership: Associate, Member, Fellow, Emeritus, and Honorary Fellow. Although both Members and However, only Fellows may serve on the Executive Council.

In 1946 the ASA held their first Annual Convention at Wheaton College. The Annual Convention brings together members from all over the world, giving them opportunity to discuss and review changes within their respective fields.

The ASA, through its publications, seeks to present information that is scientifically accurate and scripturally sound. Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith: Journal of the American Scientific Affiliation (formerly Journal of the American Scientific Affiliation) has been published quarterly since 1949 and is the major periodical for the organization. In 1959 the ASA News a bimonthly newsletter was first issued. In addition to the Journal and the ASA News, the ASA has published several monographs, pamphlets, and books including Modern Science and Christian Faith (1st edition 1948) and Evolution and Christian Thought Today (1959). Co-founder Dr. F. Alton Everest authored a history of the organization, "The American Scientific Affiliation: Its Growth and Early Development" (1986).

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