Are NPHC orgs Christian?
 

Hello to all.

I have a very serious, and quite possibly loaded question to the NPHC Greeks out there.

I have heard at various times and in various forums that several, if not all the NPHC orgs were founded on Christian principles.

So, I ask this with a very serious intent to "use" this information to guide me down the right road.

Seeing your organization as it is NOW (NOT as it was founded or what it was, but right now)as well as seeing it's vision for the 21st century, is your organization a Christian fraternity/sorority? If yes, what is it that makes it a Christian organization? If no, why not?

Serious, thought out replies only, please. No Springer drama or hatin'. I'm in a very focused mode right now and I can't have any "mess".

Rain Man

I would think that those founded on Christian principles would still be using them. The Christian principles are not to teach the Bible or such, but to help you fellow man--in that sense, we are all following those principles through philanthropy projects.

Rain man, yes many orgs, incl mine, were founded on Christian principles but members need not be Christian to join.

If you think about it, most "Christian" principles are universal--charity, service, fellowship, dedication.

But to go as far as being a "Christian organization" would seriously alienate many members and potential members and reduce the ability to carry out the national projects and goals.



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MCCOYRED

Dynamic
Salient
Temperate

Mu Psi '86
BaltCo Alumnae

While I understand what you are saying about being founded on Christian principles, and that members need not be Christian to join, please understand that being founded on Christian principles means nothing unless all members actively put those principles into practice.

Let me explain. Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity was founded by (and originally ONLY FOR)former Boy Scouts and thus the fraternity was founded under Scouting principles. After the Scouting requirement was dropped and the organization went coed, the Scouting principles headed south. Now with APO proudly proclaiming that they even admit gays and atheists as well as presently trying to officially break ties with the BSA, it is fair to say that APO is no longer a Scouting fraternity as it was 75 years ago.

That being said, I ask: Do you feel that all Deltas (assuming you are a Delta) actively exemplify the principles of Christ not only in DST, but in their own private lives as well? I am using this elaboration as a basis of determining if NPHC orgs are Christian GLOs or not, regardless of their founding principles, because time passes and changes can and do occur, even unintentionally.

Rain Man

From what you have told me, Delta Sigma Theta is not a Christian organization. I am basically looking for a simple yes or no answer. I am not making my above conclusion to disgrace or "snub" my nose at Delta in any way. It is very good to have moral principles to follow in ANY organization. I just wanted a definitive answer to my question from a fellow member and I am looking for similar responses from other NPHC org members.

Thank you Deltas for responding.

What about the other eight NPHC orgs. Are you Christian organizations?

Rain Man

If what you are looking for is a simple yes or no answer, then I will say no. We are community service organizations who's foundations happen to be based off of Christian priciples and teachings (ie. service to mankind, fellowship...)

But we are not Christian organizations - we were not founded as such.

Hope that answers you question...

1922
Sigma Gamma Rho




[This message has been edited by prettypoodle6 (edited November 29, 2000).]

The only fraternal organization that I know of that requires its members be Christian is masonry.

I understand what you are saying with regards to Christian principles and teachings. But based on the examples you and others gave, I feel that those are actually MORAL principles, it's just that Christ exemplified those principles very well that He was rightfully put on a pedestal. You do not need to be a Christian to have morals and IMHO I think the two principles (moral vs. Christian) people confuse one for the other.

But no matter. I got my response from the SGRhos and thanks a lot.

sorry to mislead you, I'm not a Delta. I am a Delta Zeta though. We also are not a Christian organizaion, we are a community service organization.

Mccoyred and 12dn94dst are Deltas.

I wasn't sure if he/she thought I was a Delta too or not, so I just thought I'd clear it up, just in case. Ya know what, I totally didn't see the title either, I just jumped into the convo even though it said NPHC. . .whoops--sorry!!!!

[This message has been edited by mgdzkm433 (edited November 29, 2000).]

Since all Deltas do not follow the teachings of Christ (some are Muslim, Buddhist, Agnostic, etc.) it is pretty hard to determine if they exemplify the principles of Christ in their personal lives. They may exemplify the principles of Buddah, or Muhammad as given to him by Allah, or some other set of principles that may be very similar to the teachings of Christ as we know them. As my Soror said, we are not a "Christian" organization. We were not founded "for" Christians as APO was founded "for" former Boy Scouts. We were founded "for" college educated women who have a commitment to serving their community.

If you really take the time to think about it, the principles we were founded on are not Christian per se. Principles of charity, service, fellowship, dedication can be found in all religions and more importantly in all PEOPLE. Just because, for example, someone does not believe in God does not mean that he/she does not wish to associate with friends and family (fellowship). It does not mean that she/he will not do regulary help someone less fortunate (charity, service) and it does not mean that person will not see a cause out to it's end (dedication).

please understand that being founded on Christian principles means nothing unless all members actively put those principles into practice.

If you speak in the terms you are asking, then no, they are no longer acting on those christian principles. Why? Becuase the non-christian members will not follow the 'christ-like' process it takes to be Christian, so in their everyday life, they will not carry out Christian principles. However, that shouldn't be the question here, it should be does the GROUP carry out it's Christian Principles--because it is the sorority that we are talking about, not sara, jessica, martha, and mary. If these girls are all buddhist, then they themselves were not founded on christian principals, it is the SORORITY that is founded on those christian principles. In this sense (the group), the answer would then be yes. The group as a whole is not responsible for the individual actions or beliefs of one member. The group as a whole DOES, however, take part in furthering their ideals involving helping their fellow mankind in many endevors such as feeding the hungry, helping with child care programs, cleaning up trashy highways, volunteering at hospitals, helping build a home for habitat for humanity, and so on. Those are the Christian principals that we were founded to DO. We can't base the groups purpose on the actions of individuals. The group functions as one while they are representing themselves but the function as individuals at all other times.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding what you are asking, but that is how I understood your question.

With regards for if NPHC orgs are Christian, I have only heard from the sororities. What about the fraternities? Lemme hear from yall. I am very curious.

Rain Man

As a LXA, Yes our principles are founded on Chrisran beliefs. I am also a non practicing Mason which is also founded on Christian beliefs. While I know there are many religious beliefs in our world, none of them are wrong or right! I live in Kansas City Kansas and this is without a doubt the largest melting pot in the world where cultures, races, and relegions have intermarried. The moto that I chose when I started the local was cogito ergo sum. I Think Therefor I am. Not I am better than. There is some one or thing out there but we know not of which. It makes not what difference death is final as being an ex-police officer, death is final. No matter who you are and where live life is precious. That is why I care about all Greeks! We join learn and meet the world. I have had many great freinds in all walks of life and if they are blgo or glo what the matter they are my freinds!

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Tom Earp LX Z#1
Pittsburg State U. (Kansas)