"Christian" GLOs

[honeychile]

I see it more as how various people identify themselves. Some Latinos or Asians identify themselves by culture first, then by religion. Some Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual people would identify themselves by their sexual orientation first, then religion. Those in a Christian fraternity or sorority most likely identify themselves by their faith first, then by their culture or whatever. I really don't see the conflict.

[naraht]

Well, my question is whether you are including the NPHC fraternity Omega Psi Phi in this...

From http://www.omegapsiphifraternity.org/mofaq.asp

Q. What is the position of the Fraternity for Non-Christians who make application to become members of Omega Psi Phi?

A. Omega does not have an open admissions policy. It is a privilege to become a member of Omega Psi Phi and the Brotherhood is based on men who espouse Christian education and beliefs.

[DSTRen13]

Originally Posted by naraht

Well, my question is whether you are including the NPHC fraternity Omega Psi Phi in this...

This issue has been discussed with you on here before.

[BluPhire]

Originally Posted by 33girl

I would much rather have a Christian sorority like the ones mentioned who straight up say you have to do/not do this or that, believe this or that, than a chapter of an NPC that is theoretically "non-discriminatory" but that has nightly Bible study in the house or other things that might make the non-religious uncomfortable.

This is probably the reason why Christian organizations do exist.

I think I said it before in another thread, but I will say it again. I would only feel that there would an issue if the organization/chapter does NOT allow people of other faiths and beliefs or non-beliefs to hold whatever they feel comfortable holding.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by BluPhire

This is probably the reason why Christian organizations do exist.

I think I said it before in another thread, but I will say it again. I would only feel that there would an issue if the organization/chapter does NOT allow people of other faiths and beliefs or non-beliefs to hold whatever they feel comfortable holding.

Well, a chapter can say till they're blue in the face "go ahead! Be a Druid! We don't care, we accept all faiths!" but if every night 2/3 of the house is sitting around talking about what Jesus did for them today, and doesn't really want to listen to you say what Druidism did for you, it's going to make the Druid uncomfortable. Technically, they're fine with it, but in practice, it's not a welcoming environment. This also becomes a problem when ABC starts getting referred to as "the born-again house" or when "tent talk" says that ABC doesn't take anyone who's not Christian.

[DSTRen13]

Originally Posted by 33girl

Well, a chapter can say till they're blue in the face "go ahead! Be a Druid! We don't care, we accept all faiths!" but if every night 2/3 of the house is sitting around talking about what Jesus did for them today, and doesn't really want to listen to you say what Druidism did for you, it's going to make the Druid uncomfortable. Technically, they're fine with it, but in practice, it's not a welcoming environment. This also becomes a problem when ABC starts getting referred to as "the born-again house" or when "tent talk" says that ABC doesn't take anyone who's not Christian.

I understand what you're saying, but really, this is true of anything. For example, universities which are technically non-sectarian can, and often do, get reputations as being extremely Christian - it's just the kind of students that they tend to attract for one reason or another. If a student can't handle being in that environment, then they probably shouldn't go to that school. Or, for another example, the company where my mom works is strongly founded on Christian principles and ethics, but anyone of any religion is welcome to work there. Honestly, though, non-Christians probably wouldn't find it to be the most comfortable environment. I guess it's just a matter of perspective - who is responsible for an individual's sense of comfort in these types of situations? The individual in choosing where to work/study/socialize/etc., or the organization in ensuring that everyone's choices will make them happy? Personally, I tend to think it lies somewhere in the middle.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by DSTRen13

I understand what you're saying, but really, this is true of anything. For example, universities which are technically non-sectarian can, and often do, get reputations as being extremely Christian - it's just the kind of students that they tend to attract for one reason or another. If a student can't handle being in that environment, then they probably shouldn't go to that school. Or, for another example, the company where my mom works is strongly founded on Christian principles and ethics, but anyone of any religion is welcome to work there. Honestly, though, non-Christians probably wouldn't find it to be the most comfortable environment. I guess it's just a matter of perspective - who is responsible for an individual's sense of comfort in these types of situations? The individual in choosing where to work/study/socialize/etc., or the organization in ensuring that everyone's choices will make them happy? Personally, I tend to think it lies somewhere in the middle.

Depends on the organization's policies on the matter too.

[violetpretty]

Originally Posted by Kevin

... they generally compete for a lot of the same members we do.

Really? I can't imagine there being much overlap. Maybe there are some Christian men or women who are devout and are interested in going Greek and deciding whether to join a traditional social GLO + Christian club on campus or a Christian GLO. I'd think that with Christian GLOs with strict standards of behavior (no drinking, no premarital sex, etc) if you do adhere to that lifestyle, you might not feel comfortable surrounding yourself with people who don't share those same values.

The only type of school where I can see there being competition for members is at a private Christian college/University where most of the student body is devoutly Christian.

[Alumiyum]

Re: the problem of 2/3 of the members saying they are tolerant but still make others feel uncomfortable...I can say that became a problem in my chapter towards the end of my time there. For instance, I wasn't happy that chapter announcements often included bible studies or campus outreach while announcing other activities that were personal was frowned upon.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by Alumiyum

Re: the problem of 2/3 of the members saying they are tolerant but still make others feel uncomfortable...I can say that became a problem in my chapter towards the end of my time there. For instance, I wasn't happy that chapter announcements often included bible studies or campus outreach while announcing other activities that were personal was frowned upon.

Yeah, that's the exact sort of situation I'm talking about. If you're going to announce those things because sisters are members, you should also announce that the College Democrats are having a bake sale or the RPG Club is sponsoring a movie, if sisters are members of those groups.

[Alumiyum]

Originally Posted by 33girl

Yeah, that's the exact sort of situation I'm talking about. If you're going to announce those things because sisters are members, you should also announce that the College Democrats are having a bake sale or the RPG Club is sponsoring a movie, if sisters are members of those groups.

Agreed. Drove me nuts. I hate to add to southern stereotypes, but that type of situation apparently arises in almost every chapter on campus at points...very irritating.

[DrPhil]

That doesn't just happen in the south.

[Alumiyum]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

That doesn't just happen in the south.

I'm sure it doesn't, but in some parts of it religion (which means Christianity) is expected of you.

[DrPhil]

That doesn't just happen in the south, so this doesn't fuel some southern stereotype.

[Alumiyum]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

That doesn't just happen in the south, so this doesn't fuel some southern stereotype.

Ok great. Then I'll word it this way: I've spent my entire life down here and it is part of the culture, even for the non-religious/non-Christian. Doesn't change the point.