Greeks with Devout Christian Parents, Can I get some advice?

[fastandfancy]

I am a member of a d9 organization, and also the first in my household, region and community to do so. My parents are from West Africa and moved into North America for greener pastures, and are clergymen so the idea of Greek life is very foreign to them. When making my decision to involve myself in this organization, I went through a period of independent research, and counsel to determine if this was a right move and if it would be approved in terms of the christian faith and the west african community in my area. Please note, I am a firm believer in discretion, and did not disclose during my research process that I was interested in greek life, I simply said that I was interested in joining an on-campus group that is foreign in the community. I was inducted into the intake process, did what was required of me and by grace was inducted into my organization. I did this all by my lonesome; I went out and compiled my recommendation letters, saved up money to pay for membership fees, and depended on myself and my line sisters when looking for research and help.

Presently, as we know it's convention season, and I am making plans to attend the convention for my organization that's coming in the next few weeks. Since crossing I've mentioned the organization to my parents, and they were quite confused on what it was and questioned on whether it had connections with the occult due to the discretion aspect. I assure them constantly that it is not, and they believe it to a degree, but still do not understand what this organization does and why I decided to join, regardless of the numerous times I've tried to explain to them.

My question is, how did you explain to your parents your involvement with a greek organization. Are they disapproving of it? Do they think you're "serving the devil"? Any feedback would be great. Thank you.

[DrPhil]

NPHC GLOs are a big part of my family so I didn't and don't have to explain to my parents. They love NPHC GLOs, certain BGLOs in particular.

Your situation is complex because you have West African and religious concerns. My biggest advice is to show them the good your GLO does in the community and world. Have your parents read something and invite them to a service event. Your parents will still see the negatives including the websites of ex-members who say BGLOs are devil worship. They will decide to what to give the most credence.

Now that you're grown there may come a time when you keep certain things separate from your parents. It doesn't mean you love your parents any less and doesn't mean you don't respect your West African and Christian roots. It means you are an individual who has figured out/is figuring out what makes you happy. That isn't easy but you will see what works for you. That is even less difficult if you are paying your own GLO dues and overall bills. Good luck.

[candygirl200413]

I'm also first generation, my parents are from east africa. My sister is a part of a D9 chapter while I'm a part of the NPC. My parents went to school in the US but never really knew about Greek culture. I know espeically with my sister, my parents witnessed her interaction with her sisters which they realized that her organization is something so important with her and that it's such a great second family for her as well.

My aunt on the other hand thinks me and my sister basically sold our lives to the devil. (my parents are very chill when it comes to religion, my aunt is a little more intense). We gave up on explaining why that isn't true but since she isn't immediate family me and my sister just keep living our lives.

[PersistentDST]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Your situation is complex because you have West African and religious concerns. My biggest advice is to show them the good your GLO does in the community and world. Have your parents read something and invite them to a service event. Your parents will still see the negatives including the websites of ex-members who say BGLOs are devil worship. They will decide to what to give the most credence.

I totally agree with the bolded.

Although my parents are not apart of any NPHC organization, they were very supportive of me. I also have some relatives who are in NPHC orgs, as well as teachers and coaches in my support system. My parents also know their daughter. They know that if I came across rituals/ceremonies/etc that went against my relgious/spiritual beliefs in anyway, I would not have continued my participation in the organization.

This post is quite personal to me, because when I was younger, I struggled with trying to be a Delta and my Christian walk. I know a few people who decided they were not interested in BLGO's because of that very same reason. It did create genuine fears for me. But I researched (as much as any interest can do) and I realized that my fears were unwarrented. Ironically, I ended up being on a line dubbed, "one of the most prayingest (I know that's not a word) lines we've ever seen," by my Sorors.

While you can't give your parents 100% transparency into your org, you can certainly show them what we are about, because that is no sercret! I agree that you should show them community service projects and programming. Additionally, show them that we do stand for Christian principles. I know my chapter goes to a different church in our service area to worship once-a-month together and also has a Bible study. I am praying that your parents will have open minds, and see all the great things your organization has to offer you and the world.