christianity in ritual?

scaredperson · #1 07-11-2002, 08:37 AM

i don't want to know anybody's secrets, but i'm wondering which GLOs reference christ or christianity in their ritual. not that i have anything against christians, but i'm not one and i'd feel uncomfortable about having to say a christian prayer.

PenguinTrax · #2 07-11-2002, 08:50 AM

Some GLO ritual is based on Christianity, some based on non-denominational themes. It varies.

Best thing to do is to ask during Recruitment if there are steps that can be taken so that your personal beliefs aren't compromised during ritual. Some sororities allow special permissions to be given to remove "Jesus Christ" from ritual and replace it with "G-d".

Please PM me with more questions. I am Jewish, as are other GC members.

Kevin · #3 07-11-2002, 08:58 AM

I wish I could say but I can't. I would probably tell you in person whether or not we do in some vague, non revealing way.. I just don't personally feel comfortable posting that sort of stuff on here.

I guess I can give this very vague answer...

sort of yes... but sort of no.

scaredperson · #4 07-11-2002, 09:10 AM

heh, i should have clarified. I'm a she, so it really doesn't matter to me what fraternities do. i'll PM you later, pnguintrax, gotta get to class now.

aephi alum · #5 07-11-2002, 09:23 AM

Look at who the founders are and what their intentions were. A Christian writing a ritual may include Christian symbols and references to Jesus; a Jew writing a ritual probably won't. Plus, some sororities were founded on non-religious principles, so they may not have any religious references at all.

This is just my conjecture... the only ritual I have actually experienced is my own sorority's, and I'm not about to share that

SigmaChiCard · #6 07-11-2002, 09:46 AM

Sigma Chi is founded very strongly on Christianity...thus the White Cross. I'm not sure why many are scared to say if they involve christianity.....that's what we pride ourselves on.....our ritual is one everyone knows, even though they may not know the actual words and exact practices....they know what type of guys we are and what we are founded on...

DWAlphaGam · #7 07-11-2002, 10:08 AM

If you don't feel comfortable saying something, don't say it. No one, especially your sisters/brothers, should be offended if you opt out of saying something that goes against your beliefs.

FuzzieAlum · #8 07-11-2002, 11:24 AM

There is a great deal of variation. Obviously, Sigma Chi with its cross, as someone else said, is going to be very Christian. Other orgs have no or almost no reference to Christianity. For example, let's say during pledging there is a line from the Bible read ... but the line says, "Be nice to your fellow man," and that's it - that's a lot different from "Follow Jesus." And other organizations were founded by Jewish women (AEPhi) or to be specifically nondenominational (DPhiE), so while I have no idea what their ritual is, I would guess neither is particualarly based in Christianity.

I have the impression (although I could of course be wrong), that generally, how religious a group is in their public statements is a good indicator of ritual. For example, look at their symbols as well as open motto/symphony/statement.

DeltAlum · #9 07-11-2002, 11:49 AM

I believe it is safe to say that the Delt Ritual has religious references, but does not dwell on Christianity alone. I think almost anyone would be comfortable with it.

I know that's vague. Sorry.

When I pledged in the sixties, there were a number of non-Christian members and I know that to be true today.

archangel689 · #10 07-11-2002, 12:39 PM

There are mentions of god, but all ritual is really original... no our fathers etc.

In my opinion I'd rather have to deal with christian influences then masonic ones.....

Carrie7777 · #11 07-11-2002, 02:40 PM

My sorority is based on the "ideals of Christian Womanhood", but there are several Jewish girls in our house. A sorority will not make you do anything you are uncomfortable with. Hope that helps, and don't be scared!

dzandiloo · #12 07-11-2002, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by archangel689
In my opinion I'd rather have to deal with christian influences then masonic ones.....

Just curious what you mean by that...care to expand? There is another thread discussing the similarities between Freemasonry & Greeks in general, but I'm wondering what influences you might be hesitant about.

sweetie adpi · #13 07-11-2002, 04:05 PM

an excerpt from our creed:
"I believe that our motto, "We live for each other," expresses the true spirit of fraternity; and that by living this motto my life will be enriched by true friendships and by unselfish service to mankind. I believe that the privilege of membership in Alpha Delta Pi brings the responsibility to do my best in whatever I undertake, always remembering that leadership requires confidence tempered with humility and courage blended with tolerance. I believe that I must strive to become a well-balanced person by following the dictates of the four points symbolized by our diamond-shaped badge: first, strengthening my own character and personality; second, watching my attitudes toward my fellow-beings; third, recognizing the value of high educational standards: and fourth, developing faith and loyalty. I believe that these four guide-posts, guarded by the stars and friendly hands clasped in the Adelphean bonds of fellowship, will lead me to achieve a rich and useful life."

i know that there are a wide range of religious beliefs in our chapter from agnostic to christian to muslim background... and no on has taken offense to our ritual

it just happens to be that the creed does say that the founders believed the above to be the "highest ideals of christian womanhood"...

however, certainly our ideals are ones that many people wouldn't mind living by regardless of their specific religion.

now there are different areas of the united states, where chapters may emphasize their christian origins more than others (i'm thinking bible-belt -- i have met sisters from chapters like this) so like pnguintrax mentioned since you are aware of your feelings it probly would be a good idea to ask how much the "christian" aspect is emphasized, or if your beliefs might be compromised...

Tom Earp · #14 07-11-2002, 04:23 PM

If you are worried about religious conotations in Greek Orgs., most are founded on some type of religious contation whether is be Christian or Hebrew. FreeMasonary is based on Christian Principles along like the Social Orgs other things!

Not Heathenisms tho!

I know of any Greek Social organization based on Paganism!

I think it is safe to say, that most of use feel some supreme being in our hearts and minds!

God Created Earth in 6 Days and on the 7 th he rested!

Just how long was a day?

I werent there was ya!?

phisigduchesscv · #15 07-12-2002, 02:32 AM

As someone suggested research the various organizations, their founders etc. the best place to begin is with www.npcwomen.org there are 26 member sororities listed with links to all their websites.

As a plug for Phi Sigma Sigma, I encourage you to check out their website at www.phisigmasigma.org. Phi Sig was the first non-sectarian sorority founded. the following is from our history:

"The Founders of Phi Sigma Sigma came from a variety of religious and socioeconomic backgrounds. They wished to stay together as the group they had become while still in high school, but found that because of their varied backgrounds they all could not join one of the existing sororities on campus. They approaced the Dean of Women at Hunter College, and inquired about starting their own sorority, one that would promote open membership to all women of character regardless of background.

Phi Sigma Sigma was the first non-sectarian sorority, the only one open to diverse membership from its inception with a ritual not based in scripture. First in the minds of these ten women were the twin ideals which endure today. To the brotherhood of man and the alleviation of the world's pain, each Founder extended herself to her fullest capacity to live up to the mottoes the group chose. "