Religion?
 

Hi I'll be going through rush in a couple weeks and I'm super excited! I just had a question along the lines of religion when it comes to being a member.

I'm just curious how much Christianity plays a role in the sororities? I only ask because many websites say something along the lines of "encouraging Christian ideals" or something to that extent. I've read through my schools NPC website and they state they don't discriminate due to religion, race, etc. I'm actually an atheist so I'm just curious how big a part religion plays when it comes to being a member.

I'm curious so any insight would be really helpful! Thanks!:)

Religion shouldn't be an issue. In my house we have many girls who follow many different religions, and many who don't follow one at all.

During recruitment chapter women are advised to stay away from controversial topics (like religion), so you also shouldn't run into an issue there.

One thing to think about is many sororities were founded in a time period where the religious nature of things was much different than it is today.

Hope this helps a little, maybe someone has a better answer than I can give you.

If they say they don't discriminate, then I would accept that they don't.

Thank you so much! I figured it was fairly diverse but I just wasn't sure since it mentioned it on the website

I obviously wouldn't bring anything up during recruitment or anything like that.

And I'm not too worried about them discriminating, more just wondering if I would feel odd if a lot of it was centered around being Christian

That will probably depend on your campus culture. I believe (have been told and read, but if I'm wrong about the following, please someone more knowledgeable correct me!) that many sororities and fraternities have religious elements ranging from minor to major in their rituals. That's something to keep in mind, but ritual isn't discussed with non members. So you probably won't be able to know before joining whtehr or not the organization does or does not have any religious elements to ritual. You do not have to be of a certain religion to get a bid, and whether or not many members are of one religion or not will probably depend on the general campus culture. Talking to someone who is from your school might help. If you know any current students, ask them what they think.

I will tell you that I went to a southern campus with many NPC women that were very actively (and sometimes loudly) Christian. If I had to give myself a label it would be agnostic, and very rarely did anyone ever even bring it up. I just didn't talk about religion myself, except to occasionally remind people gently that not everyone in the chapter was Christian and we should all be respectful of each others' beliefs. But then, being agnostic and atheist are two different things. I don't think you will have trouble with other members, but whether or not you will be comfortable around others who are religious is something to keep in mind.

If it were me I would just keep an open mind and if I were offered a bid, accept it. You'll be able to get a feel for it as a new member and you'll be able to talk to actives who can address your concerns if it warrants discussion. Then you can go from there depending on the situation.

PS-Is there any way your username is related to Harry Potter?

Some chapters on southern campuses have their own Bible study, but it's more of a special interest group, certainly not a required element.

Alumiyum- yes my username is harry potter related :) haha HP<3

Okay that you all for your help. I wish I knew more girls who I could ask. But I guess I just won't really worry about it unless it becomes an issue. I'm used to having friends who are religious and I was raised Catholic so I doubt I'll feel uncomfortable unless they start actively trying to convert me haha (though that happens to me fairly frequently)

Thanks violetpretty that was what I was curious about. But as long as its not required I'll be fine. I was just wondering if I'd be required to attend Bible study or something like that.

There are some sororities, one at UCLA, that specifically say that they are a Christian house. Does this mean if you are agnostic, for example, that you can't join? No. But you have to be aware of this fact.

Many NPC chapters are historically Christian or Jewish. Please note: historical being the operative word. If there is Bible study or Torah study I hope that this is optional. And I imagine that if ritual included certain references that certain wording could be changed to: God, Allah, and/or Father/Son/Holy Spirit for those so inclined.

I can say that my daughter has not had a problem or a crisis of conscience in her house. We are on the west coast so things here could be different than in other parts of the country.

My chapter was largely Catholic and remains so due to the location. I am Baptist. Many of my sisters are Jewish. In fact, I can safely say we had more Jewish women than chapters who had Jewish founders and non-sectarian ritualswhile I was was there. My sorority was founded at a Methodist school by the daughter of a Methodist minister.

Religion was just never an issue except for some of the Jewish girls while I was there and even then it was not in a negative way at all. People respected each other very well.

Just don't expect for rituals to be changed or modified to accomodate you. If you accept a bid, also accept that you might have to "grin and bare it." Just think of it as positive overall and it's not going to kill you to participate. If it is, then don't do it.

Yes! Love Harry Potter. So much.

That's the right attitude to have...just go with it, and if you get offered a bid and accept keep your mind open and address issues if they come up. You'll be able to tell before initiation if religion will be a big factor in the chapter. You won't have to attend a bible study or anything.

I would never expect them to modify their rituals or anything like that for me. I was just curious to what extent religion was involved, not trying to make waves or anything. :)

Thanks for all your help :) I'll definitely just keep an open mind and not really worry about it because it doesn't sound like it should be an issue. I'm so excited just a few more weeks :)

Good luck with recruitment!

Religion is a big part of many chapters and their sorority's rituals. Like every chapter meeting y'all pray together. Many rituals have heavy religious overtones. You just have to ask yourself if you can pledge your entire self to something that is heavily focused on God if you don't really believe in it. It could really offend some people if you participate in a ritual that you don't believe in. Of course you won't know until you go through it, and by then it's too late!

Go through Recruitment and feel it out. You can talk frankly with your Recruitment Counselor about such things and she will be able to give you a lot of insight about the campus sorority culture. those conversations are pretty confidential so don't be afraid to ask any questions that you may have.