If the subject is brought up, we make our position clear during rush, just like I am doing with you right now....before I pledged, I asked if there would be any problems being Jewish and in the fraternity, as I had a sincere worry/question/whatever and I was explained what I am explaining now. During pledging, this requirement is made clear and we make sure each pledge understands, without questioning or prolonging the subject.

To me, that seems vague (now, I'm not saying that's a bad thing at all, so please don't take it that way). Anything could be a higher authority, really. I think that you could be an atheist and still believe in a higher authority. To me, the term "higher authority" does not equal god. The earth or nature could be considered a higher authority. Or the stock market. Or your mother. I'm not trying to be funny -- I just think that could mean anything.

Edited to add: BTW, I'm Buddhist and I do not believe in a higher, divine being. :)

Before initiation, you must profess belief in a "Supreme Being," hence, the quote above. Does that make it a little more clear?

This is our position...there are a thousand what-ifs, and that's fine...however, Kappa Sigma's position has been relayed and I've tried to explain it as best as I can...

I find that a little harsh as a reply. It is very obvious what she meant in her question. I dont want to point fingers but she never asked anything beyond what she should know. If she had said "Tell me what I have to do." I can understand but she simply asked about the prayers part.

Now, I think sometimes the term "ritual" scares people. Non-Christians take it as a "churchy" thing (I have even heard rituals somewhat compared to communion.) yet christians seem to take the term "ritual" as an occult term.

My advice, Ask the prospective GLO's members and make sure you let them know that you just want the facts before you make a decision. Quite frankly, we (my chapter especially) love to tell as much as is allowed and we are always willing to help a PNM make a confident choice.

Good Luck,
*mlk

AWESOME post. :cool:

I can't say too much, obviously, but SAI does reference the Greek Bible (New Testament) in ritual and in our Symphony, which can be a bit out of the blue for a non-Christian. And really, the usage can be heavy at times. Unfortunately, this aspect of our sisterhood was never made clear in my chapter, and it was only revealed at a point where most sisters said they felt unable to drop, that they were too devoted to leave over it. We come from a private Lutheran university. No-one thinks to stop and ask if someone is a non-Christian.

I understand that religious texts are quoted because of their meaning to the founders and to the populace at large. But at the same time, they can be alienating to members who do not affirm the meaning and validity of the Greek Bible. It is a hard place for many organisations, I'm sure, and a tough position out of which to navigate without being overly PC but not being insensitive to issues of cultural diversity in the 21st century. Would I be happier if the Greek Bible references were removed from ritual? I can't say right now. They have meaning now for me as a sister, but as a pledge they were jarring and only reminded me of things with which I was dealing at the time that were unconnected to the sorority.

I think religion has its place. I'm not entirely sold that it is within the formalised rites and rituals of SAI.

I'm not supposed to tell you anything that might give away our secret ritual or anything, but to be general and answer your question, a reference is made in some way, but I know non-Christians whom have not been bothered by it or felt like anything is forced upon them. I think you should be alright.

Re: Chirstianity in rituals
 

Please stop spamming the boards Rev. Hatchett

It wouldn't be remiss in saying as it already has that many GLOs rituals base their rituals on christian beliefs. Granted, I bet they are all non denominational beliefs as someone else said earlier.

Coming from a Masonic family and ,very few greeks in my family, the Masons were the first fraternity showing their christian beliefs. My dad, granddads and uncles are all masons and someof them are in GLOS. I myself being a PHQ, MM from Job's Daughters as well as a member of Eastern Star can tell you it is like a sorority and we have ritual but there again it is based in the most middle fo the road themes. We don't focus on any one religion.

Laura

Re: Chirstianity in rituals
 

Prove it.

Re: Re: Chirstianity in rituals
 

Direct from Fred's website:

I Peter 2:22- "Jesus would have never joined a GLO, because He never knew sin, or comitted sin."

Somehow it doesn't read that way in my Bible.

Hey Reverand/iconoclastic:

Thank you for your post. Your post about there being no christian principles in GLO's made me very happy, being a Jew, who you believe will go to Hell for not believing in Jesus' salvation...

Shucks. oh well.

Ah but didn't Jesus eat and have gatherings with sinners and prostitutes while the "reliogious" people of the day wouldn't have anything to do with those people. Well i know i am not in my Fraternity trying to rid my brothers of their sins but i am there as a friend who can advise them when they have spiritual questions.

"AMEN!" steelepike :D

LMAO Jesus would have never joined a GLO.

Could it be that iconoclastic was burned by a GLO and now has made it his supreme mission to down ALL of them?

I would like to know what you think about XA (chi alpha) and some of the other religious fellowships that use greek letters in their name. There is no ritual there but you said "Jesus would never join a GLO."

Also, I believe it is Sigma Nu whose creed almost DIRECTLY quotes the Bible. (....To walk in the way.....the truth....the light.....*BAD MISQUOTE BUT YOU GET IT*)

ALso I would like to point out that this post was not meant to
be a "witness festival" or revival so if the girl who started it was "born and raised" agnostic it doesn't matter what you or anyone else has to say. Just like I was raised Assembly of God. Sometimes, we need to realize that college and growing up in general is all a time to learn how to accept people regardless of his/her belief in God or any other power. I know my sisters would accept me no matter what I believe. Thats what sisterhood is all about and I promise (to the girl who started this thread) you will know when you find that group because they wont give a flip about where you came from.....they'll be more concerned about where they can help you go and who they can help you become.
*mlk