Taking the Creed Apart
 

As I was reading our creed again, for the millionth time (posted by Tracy on the other thread), I started thinking about it piece by piece, and how I had never really done that before, other than to focus on the parts that really jumped out at me...but now that I read it a bit at a time, I realize just how accurately that creed reflects what DZ is all about.

I decided that we should take it apart--a section a week for the next few weeks, and each of us post what that section means to us. Now, don't get ahead and start talking about your favorite section, etc. Stick to the game plan...



SO--tell me what this phrase means to you:


To the World, I Promise Temperence, and Insight, and Courage

Andi,
What a cute idea!

This is what I interpret the first part of our creed to be..."To the world"...(my parents, friends, sisters, bosess...etc.) "I promise temperance" (patience) "insight" (I will use my actions and words positivley) "and courage" (I will face my fears...I will not be afraid of what life may bring me b/c I'm a Delta Zee!)

Corny, I know...:p but that's my middle name! I think our creed speaks volumes of our sorroity and of our founders. I truly think that if we lived by our creed daily, we would be better people!

Blaire ps Welcome Nikki! Go Iota Iota! I love you!

So proud to be a DELTA ZEE!

No matter the letter, greeks do it better!

Re: Taking the Creed Apart
 

Awesome idea, Andi! :D

To me, that particular phrase means that I should try to be level-headed and rational around others, to offer helpful advice when I can, and to not be afraid of standing up for the things I believe in.

I think that portion of the creed is one that all Greeks could benefit from because it's the part that reminds us how to act in public. If we all practiced temperance, insight, and courage, then we would never have to worry about how other people view us. We'd always be representing ourselves and our organizations in the best possible light. :)

But I thought "temperance" meant not drinking alcohol...

The word "temperance" can definitely mean that... such as with the big temperance movement at the beginning of the 20th century.

However, there is another meaning for the word, and that's the one that I believe our creed refers to. The dictionary defines "temperance" as:

1 moderation in action, thought, or feeling : restraint
2 a : habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions b : moderation in or abstinence from the use of intoxicating drink

The first definition is the one that our creed uses. :)

Meaning of "temperance"
 

Good question & good call. I don't know for sure when our creed was written...but I would suspect that the definition re. moderation/restraint is what it means, given the context of the sentence. Of course, it wouldn't hurt to use a little temperance where alcohol is concerned!

Historically, the word become associated with alcohol use, thanks to the "Temperance Society" which was an association formed for the purpose of diminishing or stopping the use of alcoholic liquors as a beverage.

And that's our history lesson for today!

Keep those responses coming, folks. I'll post my own later.
-A

Hey Cooper (LoL...sorry :))


Ug, my brain hurts too much to think about this. It's Covention overdrive I think. I will toss it around when I have a few hours to myself (the plane trip? LOL). Good activity.

Tracy

Hey, Bank (don't know the maiden name).

Bragger.

You just have to rub it in that I'm stuck in Odessa, Texas doing anything BUT fun DZ convention stuff, and you will be in Oxford.

We will expect a full report from you and others, including your analysis of sections 1 and 2 of the creed when you return. :)

Part 2
 

Tell us what this means to you:

"To crusade for justice, to seek the truth, and defend it always"

What I think this part of our creed means is that we should strive for what is right 100% of the time. I'm sure you've all heard..."What's popular may not always be right and what's right may not always be popular"? That's sorta what I think that this is saying. That we, as Delta Zetas and as human beings, should always be true to ourselves. That we should never lie and that we should stick up for what we think is right. I hope that made sense!

Blaire

To Crusade for Justice, To Seek the Truth and defend it Always

This is the line I aways trip over when i say the creed. I always wat to say to seek the truth, to crusade for justice and defend it always.

anyway, to me - this is a "fight for what's right" kind of mission. To make sure that honesty is a high priority for each individual member, and to know that no matter what DELTA ZETAs do the best thing in any situation.

Part 3
 

Okay, I'll bite - Part 3

To Those Whom My Life May Touch In Slight Measure - May I Give Graciously of What Is Mine


any thoughts ladies?

Ok, this is the third time I've tried to post this!

~To the world, I promise temperance, insight and courage~

We should set an example of restraint and acceptance to those around us. Truly think about things that are offered to us and to the things going on around us. Offer that insight and have the courage to share it. Stand for what you believe in, even if it isn't popular. Be reasonable and try to stay calm in the presence of others.

~to crusade for justice, seek the truth, and defend it always~

Always seek out what is true and just. Find what you believe in and fight for that. Seek what is moral and try to live that. Too often we roll over and let things happen when we know that they are not right. Be willing to change that. Defend your opinion and what you know in your heart is true.

~to those who my life may touch in slight measure, may I give graciously of what is mine~

I think this is my favorite part. This is something I try to live every day. Regardless of who it is, if you somehow cross paths, then try to give them something, even if it's your smile. Help out someone needy, send a card to someone who is down, send a card to anyone just let them know how much they mean to you, live this part through philanthropy.

Those are some of my thoughts.....

Heather Brown II 98

I just got on here tonight to try and get an impression of Delta Zeta, and I just wanted to tell you that I've been very impressed! I hope you all have an awesome semester and a wonderful recruitment!

Crystal

Thanks for the encourgament Crystal! Recruiment if over...whew...and we had a GREAT one! Thanks again!

Blaire