Religion a factor?

[absolutuscchick]

While I'm not an atheist, I'm really really worried about the possibility of bible studies in a sorority. That's probably one of my biggest concerns about joining a non-Jewish based sorority. I'm really super excited about rush, but a part of me is worried that the girls will hold bible study groups and be religious oriented and that I will feel really out of place and uncomftorable. Is this common practice everywhere? I really don't want to join any sorority that's going to be having such events, however, I am really interested in becoming a part of the sisterhood and lifelong involvement that NPC Sororities offer. For these reasons, I really wish ASU had AEPhi, DPhiE, SDT, etc...

[GPhiBLtColonel]

Originally posted by absolutuscchick
While I'm not an atheist, I'm really really worried about the possibility of bible studies in a sorority. That's probably one of my biggest concerns about joining a non-Jewish based sorority. I'm really super excited about rush, but a part of me is worried that the girls will hold bible study groups and be religious oriented and that I will feel really out of place and uncomftorable. Is this common practice everywhere? I really don't want to join any sorority that's going to be having such events, however, I am really interested in becoming a part of the sisterhood and lifelong involvement that NPC Sororities offer. For these reasons, I really wish ASU had AEPhi, DPhiE, SDT, etc...

Are there bible studies at the college you are going to? Do those make you feel uncomfortable? Way back when...some of my sorority sisters and I had bible studies at the house but it was just for those who were interested -- no one was coerced etc...I cannot imagine that has changed....

Lunarwolf - I agree with JAM and Ktsnake....they have good advice.

[absolutuscchick]

Originally posted by GPhiBLtColonel
Are there bible studies at the college you are going to? Do those make you feel uncomfortable? Way back when...some of my sorority sisters and I had bible studies at the house but it was just for those who were interested -- no one was coerced etc...I cannot imagine that has changed....

I don't know if there are bible studies or not yet...but I'm really hoping this isn't a big thing here. This will be my first semester at ASU (I just transferred from 'SC) though, so I guess I'll find out soon enough, and if it really bothered me, I could always depledge...

[Munchkin03]

All of this talk of a sister not being accepted because of her religion surprises me. Not once has a sister's religion come in the way of daily activities. Our chapter is pretty reflective of its larger surroundings; not many people are observant in their religion, and it really hasn't impacted how she's treated in the house. The only time it became a problem was when our Catholic president did not want us to do anything with the on-campus women's center (which does a lot with domestic violence awareness--one of our altriusms) because they were a pro-choice leaning center. That could happen with anyone, really.

And since when is an atheist a pagan?

[pinkyphimu]

wow, i had no idea there were so many distinct practices.

i did go to a wiccan (i think) ritual when my friend moved into her new apt. it was actually really great. there were 4 of us who were friends and we talked about things that made us happy, etc. we brought some good energy to the new place!

[absolutuscchick]

ariesrising, you seriously rock!! Your "hijack" was exactly the info I was looking for to understand this thread better!!! I am now so much more interested in the whole witchcraft thing, before I think I was just totally weirded out by the idea of it!! I think it's so interesting how many different totally legitimate practices there are out there.

Originally posted by absolutuscchick
[BI'm really super excited about rush, but a part of me is worried that the girls will hold bible study groups and be religious oriented and that I will feel really out of place and uncomftorable. Is this common practice everywhere? [/B]

I don't think that there are any chapters who hold Bible studies at my school, but I know the ASA chapter at IIT has Bible studies listed on thier website (which I've always found odd, seeing as how DePaul is a Catholic university and IIT is a technical one). It's probibly something that's going to vary wildly from chapter to chapter. If you're not comfortable asking the chapters directly about it, talk to the recruitment councilors or panhellenic women -- they'd probibly have an idea of what kind of religious events chapters are holding.

And do keep in mind that just because a chapter holds Bible study meetings doesn't mean that they'd make you feel uncomfortable. It could be that they hold Bible studies because a couple of girls started getting together and it grew from there. The girls who have Bible study might be very into it for themselves, but not for others, or might be a minority in the group. Go in with an open mind and you might find that even a group that holds Bible studies still has all the sisterhood you want.

[PSUSigKap]

this is a very informative thread. i myself am openly atheist and my sisters know this and don't treat me any differently than my buddhist sister or the jewish sisters or the christian sisters. lunarwolf, you should just practice as you would normally and if people have questions answer them. don't try to hide it, but don't make a big deal out of it either. people fear the unknown and only by education can people overcome their fears.

on the note of bible studies, a bunch of the girls in our chapter get together to do one. whomever wants to take part does, and it's not forced upon anyone. there's also a panhellenic bible study that's open to any of the sorority women on campus who want to take part. i think there was one announcement about it at a chapter one time that if people wanted more info they could get it. that's my .02

[KappaKittyCat]

Rachel, on a campus like ASU, I'm pretty sure there will be Bible studies. However, there's also a chapter of Hillel. It seems pretty big, so I'm sure that you won't be isolated religiously.

As far as Bible studies in chapter are concerned, I highly doubt that they will be the center of the organization, or that you will feel pressured to attend. Look at this as an opportunity to broaden horizons, both yours and your future sisters', by attending their religious events and inviting them to yours.

Lunarwolf, it's too bad that your sisters took such a narrow-minded approach to things. I mean, cursing their hairspray? That's just ridiculous!

I really don't think that you need to "come out" to your sisters about your personal spirituality, but since it seems like you're interested in sharing that part of yourself with them, maybe you might just leave your books and cards out once in a while. College is a time for people to search and question, and certainly they cannot fault you for exploring "alternate" paths.

[absolutuscchick]

Originally posted by KappaKittyCat
As far as Bible studies in chapter are concerned, I highly doubt that they will be the center of the organization, or that you will feel pressured to attend. Look at this as an opportunity to broaden horizons, both yours and your future sisters', by attending their religious events and inviting them to yours.

That's such an awesome way to think about it!!

[sugar and spice]

Originally posted by absolutuscchick
While I'm not an atheist, I'm really really worried about the possibility of bible studies in a sorority. That's probably one of my biggest concerns about joining a non-Jewish based sorority. I'm really super excited about rush, but a part of me is worried that the girls will hold bible study groups and be religious oriented and that I will feel really out of place and uncomftorable. Is this common practice everywhere? I really don't want to join any sorority that's going to be having such events, however, I am really interested in becoming a part of the sisterhood and lifelong involvement that NPC Sororities offer. For these reasons, I really wish ASU had AEPhi, DPhiE, SDT, etc...

Don't stress too much -- I think that sorority Bible studies are fairly rare outside of the Bible belt, and even when they do exist they don't involve the whole chapter or even close, just a handful of the more devoted girls. Most chapters will be fine with your religion. For example, Tri Delta was formed on Christian principles but we have Jewish girls and agnostics (and probably some other religions I don't even know of!) in our chapter. We don't really do any social activities related to religion, and I don't even know what religion most of my sisters are. And as KKC says, Hillel is always a good option if you're looking to interact with more people who share your faith.

[GeekyPenguin]

Originally posted by WillowAnneLyra
And do keep in mind that just because a chapter holds Bible study meetings doesn't mean that they'd make you feel uncomfortable. It could be that they hold Bible studies because a couple of girls started getting together and it grew from there. The girls who have Bible study might be very into it for themselves, but not for others, or might be a minority in the group. Go in with an open mind and you might find that even a group that holds Bible studies still has all the sisterhood you want.

Great points. I know that at Wisconsin there's a Greek Bible study (I can't remember the name, maybe sugar and spice will know, but there is no pressure to attend at all...some chapters have a lot of girls go and some don't have any. IMHO, having a Bible study is really no different than sisters getting together to watch American Idol or go running - it's a group of sisters doing something they enjoy anyway together.

[PsychTau]

Oh Good Gravy, I just found this thread!!! (and no I don't worship gravy! )

Lunarwolf, I STRONGLY suggest an SG&D program in the fall. DON'T have anyone in the chapter present it, rather get an outside party, such as a religion professor at the school. See if someone from the counseling center can talk about tolerance/getting along/etc.

I'll be looking for a report on it in the Fall Reports

If you need help, contact me or your DP.

Little E, I love what you said in your post. And everyone else, kudos on a good discussion!
PsychTau