Christian Sorority

[so1913]

What you share makes sense and shows care. I think what has given this a negative image in the church is what is termed on many college campuses and the term Sorority is just connected to a secular origin.

I'm not saying yours, (I believe you about your Sorority), but today, everybody uses a Christian label and it's not Christian. I see where you have made it the foundation that even those 'outside' of our faith have to respect and abide by Christian ethics.

Bear in mind that this has not been made aware to the majority of churches who do not see a Sorority as a good thing. You know what? Sometimes we take for granted that what we do is so obvious that all should see and understand. I believe you and I too apologize for offending you.

There are many good things that we do that go misunderstood or placed into a sterotype. Yours is not deserving of such. Again, I apologize.

Only a question: What does the term 'crossing over' mean in initiation terms? Again, it's only a question.

Thanks, Angel.

I am soooo sorry, I rushed home (because it's been on my mind since leaving the office and class) to get back on here to acknowledge, accept and thank you for your apology as I know you had no intention on offending me or anyone else on this board. I know that is not the intentions of anyone who has commented in this thread. I'm glad you are open minded enough to at least listen and consider another view.

 

[so1913]

"SO", I'm glad you shared this. I'll tell you why. Even when our faith doesn't agree to something, or if we lack understanding, the pureness of your heart in this shines through every word you have shared. I believe you. No matter what my perceptions were of Sorority's and Fraternity's, I believe the heart of you.

That's what I feel badly about. I'm a hard one when it comes to what I've learned in the faith of being a Christian. I will not budge and God uses this part of me in spiritual warfare. In prayer, I battle to win (through God), and I will not come down from my stand, until I see a heart such as yours.

In my stand and in my lack of knowledge (of your personal experience and witness), my original comments hurt you and I'm not happy that I did. No one in this thread deserves to be mis-judged, because of what I said.

I will not pretend that I 'trust' what occurs in all Sorority's and Fraternity's; and that's only because I have been witness to the contrary of what you've shared about yours.

As I shared, so many use the Christian label and do not live it. There are some 'chapters' (am I using the right term?), where I've witnessed the lifestyles are the total opposite (they live as the world). And "SO", I have witnessed those who lack humility and they wear being in a Sorority or Fraternity as to boast of themselves. I simply retained that image.

Can you forgive me for thinking that of yours? Even if no one else in your membership measures up, I know that you do. That's not to say that your members are in question. I clearly see that you stand out as God's handmaiden to the communities to heal others lives and his daughter whom He loves.

I believe you. I will not lie to you for while I do still have some reservations, about the organizations (only as a concept to some I've seen, not yours), 'S'weet 'O'ne, I believe you. I can see your heart.

BTW: Aren't you glad that the Holy Spirit has me in check?
Awwww, don't answer that one. He's still working on me...big time.

ETA: I'm not playing with your name. I just didn't want to call you "SO1913" with such a serious reply. Hope it's okay and that I'm making some kind of sense. If not, blame it on the Raw Food Diet...

{{{{ Hugs }}}}

I truly appreciate and find comfort in your words. Your reservations are well justified based on your experience and encounters. You are right, there are definitely "bad" apples in the bunch, as with any group, and the individual chapters (you are correct in your reference) of the larger organization do differ from chapter to chapter, There is always a problem and battle of a subset not living up to the ideals of the main organization and it can give the wrong impression. In today's time, we have more of an ego issue of the more recent generations (including my own), I can admittedly say I had my stint of "ego trippin' " in my early years, lol. But God willing, these egos will diminish and humbling will set in as people who choose to join these organization mature in their membership, do the work and dedicate themselves to it's TRUE purpose. I think this ego comes with not having to face the same things that those who came before us had to face, at least not as "in your face" as it use to be, so we take things for granted tend to "forget" our purpose, and that is not good. I almost equate this to certain people in the church. You have some people so involved they think they are more highly favored in God's eyes, so much more than the average person who may not worship in the same manner that they do. They get so wrapped up in themselves and what makes them a better worshipper than the next, that they look down on those who may not be in at the same point in their relationship with God as they are, those who probably need just need someone to show them the way rather tear them down and make them feel less worthy of God's love. These people can give other's the wrong idea of Christianity and the church's purpose and scare them away from the church. This is not God's purpose for us as Christians, God wants us to bring people to the church and towards Him, not to judge or not scare them away. But there are always those few, and you pray that they will realize where they need to "adjust" their ways in order to fulfill God's purpose more effective and efficiently. Back to frats and sororities, it's kind of the same thing. Reality, if not before exiting college, definitely sets in post undergrad when you are out in the real world and you realize that membership in any of these organizations means absolutely NOTHING to your "status" in this world. Those bad apples are weeded out, and you see who's membership is not in vain, those that continue to work and fulfill their promise to a lifetime commitment to serve and uplift, and protect the community, and do the work God set out for us to do (although there are those who go through times in their lives that don't allow them to actively participate as much as they would like to).

It's about sacrafice, serving, and uplifting those who need it most, and there is no way for us to accomplish this WITHOUT GOD'S guidance, which is why Christianity plays such a large role in our existance.

I'm just really happy that I could give another perspective on this, coming from someone who is an active member of a greek letter organization even after my college years. I appreciate the discussion and I thank you Shimmie for your inspirational words, you are definitely a blessing to this board.

 

[Shimmie]

I almost equate this to certain people in the church.

Equate, 'S'weet'O'ne, "Equate" about 'Church Egos' because you are only speaking the truth. I'm still being humbled. Trust me...the Holy Spirit will pull me up big time, even wake me from my sleep and set me quick and straight.

Those bad apples are weeded out, and you see who's membership is not in vain, those that continue to work and fulfill their promise to a lifetime commitment to serve and uplift, and protect the community, and do the work God set out for us to do (although there are those who go through times in their lives that don't allow them to actively participate as much as they would like to).

I see you as the "Apple of God's Eye". Truly, for He gleams that someone is not afraid to be on His side. ("He calls out in His word, "Who's on the Lord's side?"). Hmmmm, when you look in the mirror, smile at the 'Apple' you see...you. )

It's about sacrafice, serving, and uplifting those who need it most, and there is no way for us to accomplish this WITHOUT GOD'S guidance, which is why Christianity plays such a large role in our existance.

You made another sacrifice by putting yourself on the line with this subject and presenting the facts with such good style and class, which stems from who you represent in Heaven, and those in your 'Sisterhood'.

I'm just really happy that I could give another perspective on this, coming from someone who is an active member of a greek letter organization even after my college years. I appreciate the discussion and I thank you Shimmie for your inspirational words, you are definitely a blessing to this board.

I happy because I was humbled. As I shared, I am hard, I am 'fixed' in my faith, for it's needed in spiritual warfare. You can't let your spiritual guard down. Let the truth be known about me, I'm just ridgid; I'm not easily moved. Remember Nehemiah on the wall? Tool in one hand; weapon in the other? That's me. When I'm in prayer or standing faith, I'm not coming off the wall. Too much is at stake when our prayers are wavered.

But as I shared, 'S'weet'O'ne, the pureness of your heart, came through so strong, that it broke me. I cried when I read your words, "that it hurts when people misunderstand how hard you've worked."

I broke, not in compromise of 'our' faith, but it broke me to open up and see the warmth and beauty of you and not the issue. I hurt your feelings. Your matter too much to God and this life we live. You matter to me. You conquered the heart of a warrior today. You and Jesus, recaptured my heart.

I respect the 'wall' that you stand upon...stand strong.

Sweet sleep, Angel. Have wonderful peace being the Apple of God's eye; because you are.

 

[mango387]

I went to an HBCU too, and I was actually interested in joining a sorority until I realized that I did not have a chance in earth to gain acceptance, because the majority (meaning all except for maybe two) looked a certain way (2a-3b/c hair, BSL, or really light complexions). The two who did not look like that were, I believe, legacies. I do not think sororities are "un-Christian" or "evil," because chapters of this and other sororities or fraternities were more service oriented/less appearance driven. While I admit that there are even churches that appear to care more about vanity, I think that some chapters of sororities/fraternities focus on it more.

Please, current members of sororities or someone, prove me wrong! LOL I am still struggling w/ this.

 

[so1913]

I went to an HBCU too, and I was actually interested in joining a sorority until I realized that I did not have a chance in earth to gain acceptance, because the majority (meaning all accept for maybe two) looked a certain way (2a-3b/c hair, BSL, or really light complexions). The two who did not look like that were, I believe, legacies. I do not think sororities are "un-Christian" or "evil," because chapters of this and other sororities or fraternities were more service oriented/less appearance driven. While I admit that there are even churches that appear to care more about vanity, I think that some chapters of sororities/fraternities focus on it more.

Please, current members of sororities or someone, prove me wrong! LOL I am still struggling w/ this.

Based on one specific term that you used, I do not believe you are referring to my Sorority, however, if you are, please feel free to PM me if my previous posts in this thread do not give you perspective. I can speak "generally" for the other organizations based on association and self study on the National Pan Hellenic Council organizations, however, I can only factually on my own organization and the exact basis of it's creation, and requirements for membership. Also, please refer to my last post as I touched on individuals and individual chapters often times as subsets of a larger group can lose focus as to it's purpose in the big picture which can be unfortunate. I also urge you to read and research all you can on all the various organizations and it's history. It's important that you share the same ideals, and goals and they support your own beliefs. Always go to God for answers, he will not stir you in the wrong direction in your decision about whether or not joining is right for you, if you decide to join, which one is right for you, and when the time is right for you. In the end, all the organizations have a similar common goal to serve, however as there are with the various denominations in the Christian faith, there are those "factors" that set us apart from each other. Hopefully your concerns can be addressed and clarified.

 

[mango387]

So1913, if you get my pm's, please ignore them. (I am still relatively ignorant about the pm process). Thank you for your advice and I shall use it.

 

[MrsQueeny]

I was able to witness the good and bad sides of sororities. One bad experience was with a young lady who had just crossed over and she used that to bully and intimidate people. Me being the smart mouth that I am stood up to her to which she replied "you will never be a (sorority name here)". I said good "because I wasn't going to pledge (sorority name here) anyway, and even if I did I wouldn't want to be associated with anything that would let you in". She was shocked and shut up.

Then I had the pleasure of being around the most wonderful group of young ladies that took me in, would talk with me, and let me hang out although I was a freshman and not really into it at that time. I think that if you decide to pledge, you should get as much info as you can about the types of activities they are involved in and how the chapter is run. You will find that a good number are in line with GOD and His word. I think the reservation some have is just from seeing those who are strictly focused on the letters, parties, and putting their responsibility to the chapter before GOD. Thankfully there are those who are in these organizations and allow their steps to be ordered by GOD. Take care Q

 

[live2bgr8]

I see this discussion as similar to Christian Hip-hop... or other music that sounds "too" secular...

But the real point is to listen to the content. What are the people talking about the most? What is their focus?

What they're talking about is what they're caring about...

Not all sororities are the same... And in some instances, they can provide a GREAT opportunity to witness to others...

See:
http://www.alocs.org/index.html

OR

http://www.deltapsiepsilon.com/

I feel these young women are truly inspirational. And I will not question their dedication to God, the Christian faith, the Holy Spirit, or their values.

This statement is coming from a non Greek.

 

[asubeauty]

Wow, I'm impressed by this thread! As a member of a sorority, I definitely wouldn't want some one to think that I was a part of something that would be detrimental to my spiritual growth (although I do know that's not true).

I'm in an undergrad chapter of a sorority, and I honestly don't think that one should base her opinion of greeks on undergrads because joining the org is a lifelong committment, and some undergrads are not at the point where they see that the most valuable part of our sisterhood are those values that the organizations are based on.

I do think that joining a sorority made me a better person; others have told me that as well. If anything, my sorors have helped me remain spiritual and selfless. If I want to go to church, I call my LS. If I want to go to Bible Study, I'll call my LS. If I need prayer or somebody to read and discuss the Bible with, most likely I will call a soror.

Keep in mind that I won't just call ANY soror, but I think that my membership is valuable because now I have someone to call that is concerned with my spiritual growth.

Just my $0.02

 

[Supergirl]

To clarify, at least with my Sorority, in essence, you are pledging yourself to a life long commitment to service, upliftment and working with your "sisters" to achieve this goal. That's the oath in a nutshell. I think too many people take the "oath" part waaay out of context and make it into more of something it isn't. We are not selling our souls . Most members of these organizations are Christians because of the strong Christian influence, which can deter people of other religious backgrounds. There are members who are not Christians as that is not a requirement (I don't know any personally in my organization) and I question their motives for joining being that they are exposed to these Christian influences, and would not be opposed to that becoming an requirement, however, the main purpose and goal of the organization is to gather strong, educated women together to work to better the community on a Christian foundation.

I am just curious how many of these "spiritual advisors" have actually been through the process to actually know first hand what they are speaking about rather than hear say and assumptions. Like I said, there are quite a few church leaders who are/were members, my family church pastor, my BF brother in law, even including well known leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Jessie Jackson, so did they all just miss the memo??? (yes, there may be some "un-Godly" activities in their past, but those activities would have been there whether they pledged a Frat or not, and there are PLENTY of "non greek" church leaders with dirt under their belts). These are people who have GONE through the process, proudly state their membership, and yet, continue to do the work of God.

And my frustration isn't directed towards you, but towards this whole "idea". You know we are cool

I've not read through this thread, but I thought this was good. I too am a member of a sorority that I joined back in my college days. While my role in the sorority is much different now, I still keep in touch with all of my linesisters and we've had the blessing and opportunity to see each other grow in the Lord over the years even though our sorority was not a Christian sorority per say. We've also gotten to see many life changes and blessings happen with each other. It's really neat to continually enter and witness good friends in the progressive stages of life.

Now, there was a predominantly black Christian sorority on our campus and I fell in love with these ladies in my last couple of years in college and I think I hung out with them as much as I did my own sorority. Their camraderie (sp?) and ministry was just a wonderful thing. I see nothing wrong with a Christian sorority. These ladies as individuals were great, but a whole group of them--I can't even begin to explain the power there.

My pastor, as much as I love him, is so against greek organizations and I just don't agree with him. I really kind of think he is bitter because of his experience with greek orgs. in his college days. He's never said it, but the way he dogs greek orgs, it sounds like perhaps he was rejected or mistreated by one. His bitterness on that issue comes across the pulpit in a non-subtle way.

 

[live2bgr8]

...Now, there was a predominantly black Christian sorority on our campus and I fell in love with these ladies in my last couple of years in college and I think I hung out with them as much as I did my own sorority. Their camraderie (sp?) and ministry was just a wonderful thing. I see nothing wrong with a Christian sorority. These ladies as individuals were great, but a whole group of them--I can't even begin to explain the power there....

Hi Supergirl: Which one? Just curious... I have been thinking/praying about pledging as a graduate, but still not sure... neither of the one's that I'm leaning towards are in this area (that I know of). But I hope that I could get with some other like minded women and charter one. :scratchch

 

[Supergirl]

Hi Supergirl: Which one? Just curious... I have been thinking/praying about pledging as a graduate, but still not sure... neither of the one's that I'm leaning towards are in this area (that I know of). But I hope that I could get with some other like minded women and charter one. :scratchch

It was ALO