ETHIC
DECLARATION
OF PRINCIPLES
ETHIC is a clearing-house for sharing and disseminating information about the history and modern locations of all the tribes of Israel. ETHIC will also address other specialized but related topics involving the history of the tribes of Israel and their activities in the modern world.
ETHIC acknowledges the
divinely-inspired nature of the Holy Bible, both the Old Testament (the Hebrew
Bible) and the New Testament. Many of ETHIC’s founders are Torah-observant
Christians who recognize the Christian faith was founded on the biblical laws
and heritage of the Old Testament.
ETHIC is not a church nor is
it sponsored or funded by any church denomination. ETHIC is not a venue for
churches, denominations or individuals to proselytize or recruit others to a
particular faith or denomination. It is
open to people of all faiths who have a genuine interest in the history or
modern whereabouts of the tribes of Israel.
However, since the subject matter on ETHIC’s website discusses and examines
topics addressed in the narrative and prophetic accounts of the Bible, it will
likely appeal most to those sharing and recognizing a Judeo-Christian heritage
based on the Bible. ETHIC recognizes that a person’s personal
religious beliefs and perspectives may sometimes be linked to views expressed
in books, articles, etc. about subjects involving the tribes of Israel, but
care should be exercised to not include unrelated denominational material in
such writings.
ETHIC recognizes that
scholars, researchers, authors and other interested persons will have honest
differences of opinion regarding topics involving the tribes of Israel (their
history, migrations, modern tribal locations, etc.). ETHIC understands that authors and others featured on its website
and in future ETHIC activities and functions will have unique perspectives and
conclusions on subject matter involving the tribes of Israel. ETHIC encourages this diversity of scholarly
viewpoints as ETHIC believes that the goal of discovering the truth about the
Israelite tribes’ history and modern locations can best be served by
publicizing and airing all responsible viewpoints on the subject. Participants in ETHIC’s website and any
future activities (regional seminars, tours, etc.) agree to interact with each
other in a spirit of mutual respect and appreciation for the beliefs and
dignity of all other participants. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture
of rights to participate in ETHIC activities.
ETHIC believes the modern
descendants of the biblical ten tribes of Israel (the house of Israel) are
found mostly, but not exclusively, in the nations of modern Europe,
Scandinavia, the British Isles, North America, Australia, New Zealand and
portions of other nations. ETHIC
believes the modern descendants of the house of Judah are mostly, but not
exclusively, found among the modern Israelis and Jews.
ETHIC recognizes that
participants in ETHIC’s website will have different viewpoints regarding the
use of Divine Names. Most Christians
are comfortable with such terms as God the Father, Jesus Christ, etc. Many Messianic/Hebraic believers prefer such
names as Yahweh and Yahshua (Yeshuah).
People of the Jewish faith will likely be comfortable with such terms as
God and Hashem. ETHIC is not a church denomination,
but a clearinghouse where people of different faiths may share and obtain
information about the ten tribes of Israel as well as the tribes in the house
of Judah. Ethic does not dictate or
require the use of a particular system of Divine Nomenclature. Participants may utilize the Divine Terms
with which they are most comfortable as long as the Divine Terms are used in a
respectful and reverent manner.
ETHIC acknowledges the
inspired nature and modern applicability of biblical prophecies about the
tribes of Israel. ETHIC particularly
notes that biblical prophecies about the modern tribes of Israel have been
fulfilled among modern nations descended from the tribes of Israel, and that
these fulfillments affirm that the Creator God of Israel guides and shapes
human events and national destinies.
ETHIC aspires to assist and
help the modern nations of the tribes of Israel to realize and recognize their
biblical and Israelite history and heritage.
ETHIC seeks to promote mutual
recognition, respect and good-will among the nations of the modern house of
Israel and the house of Judah.
ETHIC intends to encourage
all people, Israelite or non-Israelite, to observe the laws and commandments
given by the Creator God who inspired the Bible. ETHIC believes that nations
and individuals who strive to serve and obey the laws and will of the Creator
God will derive blessings for doing so.
By Steven M. Collins, Founder and President of ETHIC