Is frat life good for Man of God?

[preachdawg]

Hey everybody for me as a preacha this has been the best discussion on this site for me yet! I hope thru this type of discussion that Frat2b will be better exposed to both sides of Greek life. LadyGreek as someone who is older than I, I respectively apologize if I came across as disrespectful ( Momma taught me better) I stand on what I said though. As Laidbackfella put it, we all as Christians in our respective orgs need to continue to be Lights shining in darkness. I hope that this has brought some of you all that have been peeking into this discussion as greeks back to your first love which is Christ, as for those of you who don't know him as your Lord and Savior, please PM me so we can talk. Finally those of you professing to be Christians, please stop hiding your light under a bushel. We all have a biblical mandate to proclaim the Gospel(Good News), If its good news than lets act like it and be a little bolder about what you believe to be truth. As the statement goes.. we shouldn't just talk the talk, but we should walk the walk. Well let me add alittle piece to that and say if your walking it you can sure talk it, and if your talking it you better be walking it. If your a Christian you don't have to back down from anybody because you don't want to offend, if its the truth , then let it be said! And I'm gone Alright! Alright!

Hey LaidBackfella, Holla at a bruh in my PM. Roo!

[ladygreek]

Yes, it has been quite an enlightening conversation.

I will just end it by saying that to the many people who PMd the411 to tell her I did come across defensive and negative in my first post, I assure you that was not my intent. At that point I was not angry nor offended and was merely trying to point out that there were members of my sorority, including our current national president and national chaplain who did not feel they were serving two masters.

Now having said that, kudos to Preachdawg for letting me know how he felt. You have earned my respect.

[frat2b]

preachdawg,

Thanks for being involved in this conversation. I can't tell you how long I have wondered and contemplated about this subject.

I have a woman in my church who basically denounced DST, but I heard her give a testimony that she met someone who was a soror at her job, then she turned around and spreaded some gospel light after building that repoire.

So I can see how this can really be something to enjoy...FRAT LIFE!

[the411]

Hi all!

Over the last 2 days, I've been convicted because I realize that I have put way too much time and energy in this whole GC thing. I'd come to this realization over a year ago-- before then I was a major forum junkie--which is why I disappeared. I believe that God doesn't like it when I'm overly attached to things like the Internet. But here I am, back again. And, now that the online debate has come to a close, my spirit is vexed... which means it's time for me to go. I should be spending more time in the Word or at least on Bible.com or BibleGateway.com, don't you think?

That being said, if anyone (including you, Love_6) wants to stay in touch with me for spiritual edification and fellowship, you can e-mail me directly at alyelle@lycos.com. And just so no one will get it twisted, hear me now:

I am NOT saying that surfing the 'net and chatting in a forum is wrong! I'm saying that, FOR ME, it has certain addictive qualities that hinder my ability to keep my mind on the things of God. This decision is for and about me and me only, 'cuz I know my own tendencies and weaknesses. Let's be clear on that.

Before I close my GC account, I do have a tiny little prayer request: I'm starting Divinity school this fall, and I'm asking the Saints to pray for me that I don't lose heart and that I don't get too stressed out. I'm already in a Master's program in counseling, so the MDiv comes as a joint-degree. I'll be working full time and going to school full time , and it won't be easy. Lately I've been getting a little nervous about combining the programs, so your prayers for peace, patience, and provision (gotta pay tuition) are greatly appreciated.

I love y'all!

Aly Lajune (the PreacherGirl formerly known as the411)

And I'm OUT! (I had to say it one last time)

[Love_Spell_6]

Preachagirl

Although you probably won't get this...Your posts will be sorely missed...(at least by me I'll definitely send some prayers up for ya...keep your eyes on the one above...and you'll never go wrong!

I'll be in touch...

[AKA2D '91]

Originally posted by the411
Hi all!

Over the last 2 days, I've been convicted because I realize that I have put way too much time and energy in this whole GC thing. I'd come to this realization over a year ago-- before then I was a major forum junkie--which is why I disappeared. I believe that God doesn't like it when I'm overly attached to things like the Internet. But here I am, back again. And, now that the online debate has come to a close, my spirit is vexed... which means it's time for me to go. I should be spending more time in the Word or at least on Bible.com or BibleGateway.com, don't you think?

That being said, if anyone (including you, Love_6) wants to stay in touch with me for spiritual edification and fellowship, you can e-mail me directly at alyelle@lycos.com. And just so no one will get it twisted, hear me now:

I am NOT saying that surfing the 'net and chatting in a forum is wrong! I'm saying that, FOR ME, it has certain addictive qualities that hinder my ability to keep my mind on the things of God. This decision is for and about me and me only, 'cuz I know my own tendencies and weaknesses. Let's be clear on that.

Before I close my GC account, I do have a tiny little prayer request: I'm starting Divinity school this fall, and I'm asking the Saints to pray for me that I don't lose heart and that I don't get too stressed out. I'm already in a Master's program in counseling, so the MDiv comes as a joint-degree. I'll be working full time and going to school full time , and it won't be easy. Lately I've been getting a little nervous about combining the programs, so your prayers for peace, patience, and provision (gotta pay tuition) are greatly appreciated.

I love y'all!

Aly Lajune (the PreacherGirl formerly known as the411)

And I'm OUT! (I had to say it one last time)

Deep.
We'll miss you!

[delph998]

Originally posted by AKA2D '91
Deep.
We'll miss you!

No doubt!

[ChaosDST]

Originally posted by frat2b
I am about 1-2 months away from pledging Grad chapter...Omega
I have been around good bruhs and bad.

[ChaosDST]

Originally posted by the411
I pledged a sorority in 1997 and thoroughly enjoyed black greek life. However, before and during that time, I had no relationship with God and did not know His Word. A couple of years ago, that all changed (that's why I haven't been posting on GreekChat like I used to). He saved me, called me into serious ministry, and has given me a major purpose for the kingdom. More importantly, I have received His Holy Spirit, who has helped me fully dissect and understand the divine Word of God. Given what the Spirit has revealed and what I now believe to be true, I have chosen not to be an active member of my sorority in order that I may be an active member of the Body of Christ. I have much biblical basis for my decision, but the following sealed it for me:

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:24)

I would be lying to you if I said that I regret my decision to pledge. I had some wonderful times and met some outstanding people. There are people on GC that I care about, which is why I still pop in every blue moon. Yet, even after I crossed, there was still a void in my heart because I knew I was not in God's will. Now that I am walking in synchronized steps with the Lord, I see the greek system and life in general (work, money, relationships, etc.) very differently. This may not be the case for others, and that's fine-- I can't be concerned with what works or doesn't work for anyone else but me. My relationship with God and my Christian walk are irrevocable, nonnegotiable, and nondebatable. A true Christian does not and will not ostracize another for being active, just as I expect others to respect my decision to be inactive.

At the end of the day, you have to make the decision that's best for you, given what you know and believe God's purpose, requirements, instructions, and expectations are for YOUR life.

I respect your opinion and I'm glad you presented it as nothing more than your opinion and how God spoke to you, personally. I personally chose to maintain my financial status with Delta AND seek a closer relationship with God. That's how God spoke to me and guided my footsteps...even in my reading of Scripture, such as that in your post

How people handle their membership AND their relationship with God is a personal decision. There's nothing innate about our organizations that says you have to worship them or devote more of your life to them than your relationship with God. If there are people who know their ritual like the back of their hand, but know nothing about the Word of God, that's not about the organization, that's about the person.

[dstbrat]

I used to frequent this board when I first became a Delta back in '97. Let me say this one of the most fruitful discussions that I have read. I think it is a good thing when we can discuss topics other than paper v. pledge, etc.

Let me offer my thoughts on a few points. First, no one attacked 411. Differences of opinion were offered and that's okay! There is this perception that because we all wear the same shirt that we all have to have the same thoughts or else we are being indiscrete or not showing sisterhood. Strong minds and opinions keep us from all going down the same wrong paths together!

Delta is, like many other sorors have stated, is based on Christian principles. If you are acting or doing ungodly thinngs, that is the member, not the organization. If a person cannot govern themselves accordingly, then they should remove themselves. In Delta there is a process by which to severe your membership and it is fitting that a soror do that if she cannot or will not honor her commitment.

[StrangeFruit]

I think this is a very interesting thread.

As a sorority member I truly do not believe that belonging to a fraternity or sorority is serving another God. If however, you allow it to become who you are then perhaps it is your god and as others have said that's the individual not the organization.

I've never been one to engage in activities that I believed to be outside of my values or morals.

I've been criticized and ostracized by line sisters and chapter members for not going with "the flow." Some things just don't make sense. Many people would say I did such and such b/c it was done to me. My response was always, but did it make sense? What will the outcome be? Would you do that to your own children? etc.

BGLOs were all founded on Christian principles (as far as I know) and there are hundreds-thousands of BGLO members that serve God and are members of an organization(s), whether it be a BGLO, the NAACP, The Links, Mason, Eastern Stars.

BGLOs are to serve it's communities-help those who are less fortunate than us, educate our community on issues that directly affect us. I don't believe The Creator frowns upon helping others.

One could pose the same argument towards certain occupations.

It's what YOU do in the organization that determines if you're serving God or the organization, or your job, or money, or sex and everything else that can distract you from keeping God first.

[frat2b]

Originally posted by StrangeFruit
I think this is a very interesting thread.

As a sorority member I truly do not believe that belonging to a fraternity or sorority is serving another God. If however, you allow it to become who you are then perhaps it is your god and as others have said that's the individual not the organization.

I've never been one to engage in activities that I believed to be outside of my values or morals.

I've been criticized and ostracized by line sisters and chapter members for not going with "the flow." Some things just don't make sense. Many people would say I did such and such b/c it was done to me. My response was always, but did it make sense? What will the outcome be? Would you do that to your own children? etc.

BGLOs were all founded on Christian principles (as far as I know) and there are hundreds-thousands of BGLO members that serve God and are members of an organization(s), whether it be a BGLO, the NAACP, The Links, Mason, Eastern Stars.

BGLOs are to serve it's communities-help those who are less fortunate than us, educate our community on issues that directly affect us. I don't believe The Creator frowns upon helping others.

One could pose the same argument towards certain occupations.

It's what YOU do in the organization that determines if you're serving God or the organization, or your job, or money, or sex and everything else that can distract you from keeping God first.

That was great information and insight. And yes anything can become a henderance to the orginal purpose.

I think the reason I've had questions such as this is because I was under a campus ministry that spoke against any dealings with fraternities. Although when looked at further the fraternities were serving more of humanity than the church and it's leadership was. It was always something I wanted to do and felt positive about but not wanting to offend, I didn't do it. But now living in another region of the country, it is encouraged by my Pastor.

So it's in my heart to pursue it.
I just never want to be a coulda shoulda, woulda person.

I give it the 99 year old rocking chair test.

When your 99 years old in a rocking chair is this something you'll say, "dang, I should have done it when I had the chance"

For me this is one of those things/experiences. So I gotta pursue Omega Psi Phi, yet keep God first!

What do you think.

[Honeykiss1974]

Originally posted by frat2b
That was great information and insight. And yes anything can become a henderance to the orginal purpose.

I think the reason I've had questions such as this is because I was under a campus ministry that spoke against any dealings with fraternities. Although when looked at further the fraternities were serving more of humanity than the church and it's leadership was. It was always something I wanted to do and felt positive about but not wanting to offend, I didn't do it. But now living in another region of the country, it is encouraged by my Pastor.

So it's in my heart to pursue it.
I just never want to be a coulda shoulda, woulda person.

I give it the 99 year old rocking chair test.

When your 99 years old in a rocking chair is this something you'll say, "dang, I should have done it when I had the chance"

For me this is one of those things/experiences. So I gotta pursue Omega Psi Phi, yet keep God first!

What do you think.

Frat2b,

What we (as humans) want and what God wants are usually two different things. You've given a lot of reasons as to why this is something that YOU want to do, but have you discerned that this is something that GOD wants you do? As a man of God, you know that if this is something that GOD wants for you then (A) it will not violate ANY of His commandments or laws and (B) HE will give you an unshakable peace about the situation.

As you have noticed on this thread already, different people will have different opinions about this subject matter. I suggest that you continue to dive into the Word of God seek His answer in prayer. You and your pastor are two different people and God has His own, situation-specific answer waiting for you, frat2b.


ETA:

I know of other biblical scriptures that The411 spoke of as well. Maybe you should read them and discern whether or not your desire/motivation is conflict with them.

Just trying to help.

[Love_Spell_6]

Originally posted by Honeykiss1974
Frat2b,

What we (as humans) want and what God wants are usually two different things. You've given a lot of reasons as to why this is something that YOU want to do, but have you discerned that this is something that GOD wants you do? As a man of God, you know that if this is something that GOD wants for you then (A) it will not violate ANY of His commandments or laws and (B) HE will give you an unshakable peace about the situation.

As you have noticed on this thread already, different people will have different opinions about this subject matter. I suggest that you continue to dive into the Word of God seek His answer in prayer. You and your pastor are two different people and God has His own, situation-specific answer waiting for you, frat2b.

Couldn't have said it better myself girlie If God doesn't ordain it in the beginning..he isn't obligated to bless it in the end!

And Frat2b..It kinda sounds like you already knew what you wanted to do in the beginning..so although you see the difference of opinion...have you really given it to GOD? Just a question

[1savvydiva]

Originally posted by Iconoclastic
Frat2b,

So much compromise occurs from the outset and gets worse. If you are saved, it should be an issue to you. I have e-mailed you, and hope to hear back from you before you make your choice. If you are going grad, you should be physically safe for the most part. But as for your spiritual safety I know you are not safe. Whatever you feel you need to know about GLO's, I am here. Check out my profile.

Oh please!