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Greek acceptance in the church!
Too many individuals in the church believe that sororities and fraternities are not needed and would do away with them if they could.
Our founders saw a better principle for our organizations and all greeks should respond as such. pinkice9 |
I think a lot of churches take advantage of the greek letter organizations on their nearby campuses. From what I've witnessed, a lot of churches love to have greeks involved because they can be active role models for the young children and youth. They can show leadership skills and also help plan and run church activities. They can also help with fundraisers and get people on campus involved in church activities, just by wearing letters or wearing a church t-shirt. Lots of greek letter organizations have people with different religious backgrounds, so it's not the actual whole sorority or fraternity that gets involved, but even one or two members can make all the difference.
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pinkice9 |
that's very true. I've met a few "Christians" who have told me in no uncertain terms that I am going to hell because I'm in a Sorority. I've also heard of Sorors who have denounced us for that very reason. This puzzles me because we were founded on Christian principles and there's a definite spiritual presence in our ceremonies.
------------------ Kelli 12-DN-94 SSU c/o 1997 |
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Just a little gospel note Pinkice9 |
Hi pinkice9!
"To be a Christian is to be like Christ and if you can not accomplish that task than you will be going to hell." You are not serious on this, are you? Otherwise, I am really wondering what kind of a picture you have of Jesus. I mean, we are humans and that's why we have to fail in trying to be like Jesus - What is asked of us as Christians is to try to be as "Jesus-like " as possible, but failing doesn't mean necessarily that we drive right into hell.... Not even the Pope in Rome would write something like that. Best greetings, matthewg member of a catholic German fraternity www.kdstv-bodensee.de |
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Hi Pinkice9,
I am glad to hear that you meant everything cynically. However, I think we have to keep the different churches in Christanity somewhat seperated even though they all refer to the Bible and the New Testament. Unfortunately there seems to be a tendency towards the development of new radical movements within certain churches and these are really scary. Fortunately, this development seems to be concentrated to North America but all those who take christan beliefs seriously should watch out that these charismatic and creationist movements don't take overhand. Christianity, to my mind, is a religion that leaves a lot of space for interpretation - as opposed to sectist movements who have very strict frameworks. This open space leaves much space for the different directions that we currently find among the churches. It should first and foremost teach us tolerance towards other opinions. Afterall, we are all humans and thus might not be right with our believes..... who knows? Best, matthewg |
Well i think the main problem of church memebers accepting you are greek is lack of knowledge of the greek world. When i went off to the University of North Florida 3 years ago, i pledged The Sigma Chi Fraternity. When i came home over Christmas break a lot of people were like woah frat boy!! But after talking to them about all the philanthropy Sigma Chi does for the Childrens Miricale Network, 6 of our 7 founders were ordained ministers, our symbol is the White Cross, our public motto is In Hoc Signo Vinces...in this sign you will conques, and that our history has an amazingly large christian history they seemed to understand that Greek life isn't about who can sleep with the most women, drink the other under the table and all the other animal house antics. That and the fact that when everyone saw my minister is a sigma chi from the Univ of Illinois everyone was cool with it. Educating people in the church and elsewhere about what true greek life is about and that you don't buy your friends....it is true brotherhood is the only way people will understand and respect you are greek.
Kinny P. Sigma Chi Fraternity Kappa Beta Chapter ------------------ In Hoc Signo Vinces |
I agree with what both of you are saying and I am aware of the Christian and or religious background routed in the BGLO's and I can not speak for everyone but being greek has brought me closer to God.
I have had several testimonies since becoming greek and with out my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ I would not have had a positive outlook about certain situations. Pinkice9 |
We have a ceremony that we do to initiate our mothers (after they meet certain criteria like community support, etc.), but my mom won't do it because she says that her church is against secret societies. It doesn't bother her that I'm in one, but she says her church wouldn't approve. She says the church (the whole denomination - not just her church) does this to prevent people from joining org's like the KKK. But the Shriners are a secret society (I think) and they do all kinds of good things for humanity. It confuses me. Has anyone else heard or read about secret societies in church or the Bible? Thanks!
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I have not heard of secret societies but I do know that greeks are seen as bad in the church when we were founded on Christian principals.
Greeks have made a bad name for us everywhere because of this hazing thing. My grandfather is a shriner and he is in his church choir. I don't know if it is your mother's religion or what but this is not uncommon. Pinkice9 |
Rather hypocritical don't you think? Historically, during some of the Roman Empire's greatest points of persecution against Christians, they became secret societies, in effect, to protect themselves - even so far as to use the fish as a symbol rather than the cross, met in private, secret locations, etc.... ?
I've never had a problem with my GLO membership and my church affiliation. In fact, we recently used the church building to hold our initiation ritual. I've explained to my pastor that our Ritual is based primarily on Christian teachings, and that my intitiation started me on the path to Christianity. I even serve my church as a deacon. The hardest thing to overcome with GLO membership and church are the stereotypes we are all too familiar with. We can point fingers, blame the media, etc. The best way to overcome these stereotypes, if you attend church, is to have people get to know YOU - if they know YOU, they will know what the majority of your chapter's membership is like. I'm not saying going to church is a requirement of GLO membership - please don't get me wrong. But, if you do go, you'll be able to show the positives that many people often don't see about us. |
I think this is a great topic to discuss. The college students involved in these organizations need to realize what they are really in. Knealing down before people, dressed in all black with candles lighting the room is kind of freaky- would you think so?
---------------- If we read the Bible, we can see that the very first commandment says "Do not worship any god before me." The 10 Commandments also contain the statement that we should not make an idol for ourselves to worship. Therefore, any type of organization which involves idols (such as Minerva or Demeter), is evil. Greek organizations that have a goddess or god as their patron, are bad because this type of thing promote the worshipping of FALSE GODS. A true Christian would not continue to participate in a club or organization that has a false god as its symbol/patron/mentor. If these organizations' rituals were brought out into the open, observed and researched, then it would help us put an end to their evilness. You know that ancient temple... the one where the Eleusinian Mysteries (Demeter's Cult) were held (at Eleusis)? It was destroyed by the Christians. Any true Christian would know, deep inside their heart that an organization that involves strange rituals and false gods is evil. God is a loving god and if we turn away from these evil organizations and denounce them, he will help free us from their binds. God is a Judge, and he judges these organizations, and those who are involved with them. Isaiah 33:22 As Christians, we need to team up together and fight against wrong doings- I believe that many of these GLOs are founded on evil principles. I hope that Chi Omega is the only Greek organization that does this kind of thing. Am I wrong? |
Wow- this is an interesting topic. Are any of these organizations actually anywhere near Christian?
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I was recently told I am going to hell several times over. First I am going to hell because I am greek, second I am going to hell because I've got a brand and several tattoos. I refuse to believe that my God will condemn me because of the way I've marked my body. The God I pray to told me to come as I am, flaws and all for he will accept me...AS I AM.
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My mom would't let me join a sorority because "those social clubs" and "secret societies" weren't Christian. I wish she had known more about them. By the time my sister, who is 9 years younger, was in school, I had educated my mom, and my sister pledged. Sometimes all it takes is letting the person know what is really going on.
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ahhkbah
We are saved..I've found the infamous quote. virtuosity Isaiah 33:22 actually says: "Indeed the Lord will be there with us, majestic; yes, the Lord our judge, the Lord our lawgiver, the Lord our king, he is who will SAVE us." This means that he will judge EVERYONE, even you, & that he is here to SAVE, even you, not send to us all hell! |
[A true Christian would not continue to participate in a club or organization that has a false god as its symbol/patron/mentor.
If these organizations' rituals were brought out into the open, observed and researched, then it would help us put an end to their evilness.] Virtuosity (Fred Hatchett), Take care when "preaching" to those that do not follow your personal version of the scripture (or religion in my case).. I take offense at having Bible verses thrown in my face, especially when they are random pickings intended only to prove a point. I could continue on a biblical debate with you, but 1) don't feel that this is the correct forum and 2) don't feel like wasting my time with you on this subject. A quick note on false prophets (i.e. those that twist the "word" for their own good) Jeremiah 14:14-15 Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed. *Note: I apologize for putting this on this board, however "virtuosity" has regretibly neglected to put his email address on his profile. **Further Note: I mean no offense to those that may be offended. I am merely trying to make a point that anyone can pick and choose random "phrases" from the bible to prove their point. ------------------ Faced with the Divine, I was asked; "What one gift do you seek?" I answered ever so meekly; "I seek Honor, Truth, Integrity, and Wisdom, yet those are four. How am I to choose?" The answer came as a pounding whisper; "The four you seek are but one. I grant thee Compassion; for without it the four make none." Author - me |
Just another note about worshiping other gods. The verse says "Do not worship any god before me." It doesn't say that there are no other gods, it just says don't put them before GOD. So, with that said, it's almost as if the Bible is admiting there are other gods. hmmmmm. And it doesn't say you can't worship them, if just says don't put them first. hmmmmm. So wouldn't that mean that any other god wouldn't be false? And, if we use a god/goddess as our 'patron' in our greek organizations, we are just using that patron for one thing, yet we still attend church and proclaim Jesus as our saviour, we are putting him first. So our using the patron isn't coming first, our church is, God is because we proclaim him our saviour. Just something to think about.
Oh, and one more point. Christians recognize the stories of greek gods/goddesses as myths, as never actually being real. So that's not worshiping. We only worship what we believe. If we don't believe that these gods/goddesses are real, then we never worship them. Christians worship God because they actually BELIEVE in him/her. So really, the whole thing is a pointless topic. [This message has been edited by mgdzkm433 (edited October 10, 2000).] |
I can't speak for all greeks but, AKA was founded on Christian principals and we do not worship any gods. We are considered greek because of our letters of our organizations. The thought that greeks worship any greek gods is false. Again I can only speak for AKA and for this much I can say is true. If we are greek it does not mean that we don't chose Jesus as our Lord and Savior. I know I do.
Pinkice 9 Quote:
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I am sorry if my posting a biblical quote offended anyone. I truly did not mean it to. I think the fact that going to a school, for half of my life, where everyone has the same beliefs, often aids me in forgetting that I'm not there anymore. I simply wanted to post the REAL quote & show how it did not mean what it was said to have meant. Again..hope no one was offended.
Allison |
It's amazing how the definition varies as to what a 'true christian' is between people. Ya know folks, go with what YOU think is right, and to heck with everyone else. Follow what YOU believe. People have done it for years (hense various denominations/religions). People use their definition of a 'TRUE christian' as a defense, AND an attack. Don't let people scare you or intimidate you with THEIR definition. You all have enough sense to decifer what you believe on your own. Who is anyone to tell you what is right or wrong? The Bible says "Judge not, lest ye be judged". If people are trying to tell you that you aren't a Christian, then they are just condemning themselves according to the Bible. It says that those that judge others will suffer a worse fate than those they judged. Maybe a TRUE christian doesn't concern themselves with what others do?
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Dear virtuosity:
Did you see my earlier post in this board? It applies here too. Do you think that no-one notices that you are going through the archives and digging up OLD DEAD threads just so you can apply your own personal propaganda? Please do not insult our intelligence. I am not passing judgment on you or your situation or the allegations of the incident, but I DO resent being patronized, which is what you are currently doing to all the members of this board. If you have a philosophy to share, then come right out and be open and honest -- don't be sneaky and sideways and manipulative. |
Texas Alum
I think you are exactly right. Correct me if I'm wrong, but most of the members on this board are pretty honest when they post their opinions. True we don't always agree, but we rarely ever (IF ever) have turned the board into a battlefield since I've been here. I feel like that's what we have been doing the past few days is fighting some kind of war. If everyone was just honest & accepted that people may see things differently (yes, including myself), we would once again be a peaceful group of people. Hopefully, it won't be much longer. Love to ALL! Allison ------------------ A mistake at least proves that somebody stopped talking long enough to do something. ~ Anonymous |
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There are two interchangeable wars on this board, Race and Religion!! But don't take my word for it, go back to some of the old threads and look! ZetaAce |
I just want to say that to be able to talk to you people on an kind of level that gets responses that aren't vile, you can't say HEY I"M THE GIRL THEY HAD RAPED AND DROPPED IN A COFFIN---LIKE OVER HERE- ABUSE ME SOME MORE FOR TELLING THE TRUTH AND MAKING ALL GREEK LETTERED ORGANIZATIONS LOOK BAD, EVEN THOUGH CHI OMEGA IS THE ONE I'M TALKING ABOUT! Sneeky? Why don't you ask the ones who are members of the defunct chapter and under criminal investigation to identify themselves, before they post? Fair is fair, isn't it? Or does it only work one way. There are people at the highest levels of government and school administration that very much want to converse with her, but you don't want her "sneaking up on you" and entertaining an intelligent conversation.
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LOL ZetaAce
Thanks for correcting me because You ARE right. How could I forget? I usually try not to get involved in the race discussions, but everyone knows I'm there to talk about religion. Guess I forgot about the Fred thing! I can't even remember how many times I posted to him. Geez...Thanks for making me laugh at myself for forgetting!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif Allison |
I couldnt agree with you more. Thats why I dont go to church.
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I'll be glad to post that way, but I will not disclose to you and of the details of this investigation to you, because I have been asked not to do it, by the D.A.'s office and our personal attorney. So, that's the only thing you won't get out of me and any personal information that puts me or my family at any further risk. I do want to tell you that Sigma Theta's and their boy friends, three car loads of them (recognized, thank you) vandalized our home on Saturday night, and any further indentification of us on this board will be taken as an attempt to cause an even more dangerous situation. If what you want to know from me is of importance to improving the situation, we will post, otherwise--no. Those are my perameters for continuing anything on a separate post.
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Q-T Pie, I didn't mean someone on this board said I was going to Hell. I apologize if that is what my comment implied. I was told that by a very religious relative of mine.
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Ahhkbah
OOps...Sorry about that. I misunderstood you. Thanks for the correction http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif Allison |
It's interesting that people are still trying to debate whether one can be a Greek and a Christian. In the African-American community, a good number of pastors are members of NPHC fraternities and sororities.
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I agree with you, LB1914.
I feel this is an odd subject, why would anyone think being Greek would be a one way ticket to hell? P.S. Who gives any one person the authority on who is and isn't a Christian and/or where we are all going eventually? Maybe I missed something, but who knows, some peolpe have to make bad experiences into tall tales and lable every group that ever was. |
Year old posts
Except for today's posts, the last ones were a year ago. Some things change; some things don't.
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This whole christianity/Greek discussion is very interesting to me. My father's a pastor and when I pledged he was so against it. He still doesn't like the fact that I'm in the sorority because of the reputation that Greeks have, especially on my campus. I don't think it should even be argued whether or not you can be Greek and still be a Christian. Of course you can. I am in a sorority and am also a born-again Christian. I wore letters to church this morning and I know people think it's weird that I'm in a sorority and also go to church every week. Everyone seems to think it's weird. I'm known as the "Preacher's Daughter" by all the frats in my town :) You can't judge someone by what they wear or by what organizations they are in. Romans 14:1-4 says " Accept him whose faith is wak; without passing judgement on disputable matters. One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands of falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand." Sorry I just wrote a book.... I just read that and thought it applied to what everyone's talking about.
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Maybe it has something to do with the Southern Greek system, but a lot of adults I know in my church are not only very accepting of collegiate Greeks, they are Greek alumni themselves! In fact, two of my pastor's daughters are ADPi's, and a TON of people in my college Sunday School class (at home, this is) are in my sorority! In my church here at school, the congregation is very accepting of any student who comes, whether they are Greek or not. They want to encourage EVERYONE to strengthen their faith.
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What, lol?
The Bishop of Pittsburgh is a Phi Kap... Pope John Paul II, our current Pope, he is a Phi Kap. We've been joking that God himself is a Phi Kap!! Whats that about the Church & greeks again? |
OH, I'd really like to know your story on the Pope being a Phi Kapp. In an old Irish family full of priests and nuns, strangely, I've never heard this one.....
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