MICHAEL BROWN
Contributing Writer
Generally, when one mentions the words fraternity or sorority to the average person, they immediately think of binge drinking, drugs or buying friends. This is not to say that they shouldn’t associate those things with Greek life. In truth, that is what many of the Greeks take part in.
Despite the existence of pros and cons with Greek college life, there can be a middle ground. Christians who attend Pepperdine, particularly new students, face a dilemma concerning whether to participate in social groups that are usually associated with drinking and partying until dawn.
Contrary to belief, being followers of Christ doesn’t totally restrict you. The Bible does not say, “Thou shalt not drink alcohol.” This doesn’t mean go out and get drunk.
Greek life is not all about alcohol and partying, contrary to what many believe. Most fraternities and sororities perform several acts of community service and promote scholarship among their brother-/sisterhoods.
However, the negative lifestyle that Greek life encompasses blinded many eyes, causing the good to be tarnished. Community service, academic excellence, and brother-/sisterhoods are promoted in fraternities and sororities. No one notices the good because the unhealthy and wild lifestyle associated with Greek life is so prevalent in our minds.
During my past two years at Pepperdine, I would walk down upper-dorm road late at night and sometimes see police cars parked on the lawn in front of one of the dorms. I would later find out that a fraternity member was caught with alcohol or drugs.
When I see that, I can’t help but abolish the idea of getting involved with Greek life. I made that decision before starting college. As a freshman during New Student Orientation, the seminar I attended about Greek life still did not convince me.
Being a Christian, it’s not a lifestyle that I condone. It doesn’t matter what your fraternity stands for or what its code of conduct is. Greek life just never interested me.
However, there is the good side to Greek, community service and lifelong bonds, and then the bad side.
But there is also a middle ground, an uncharted ground, if you will. If you are a Christian, or religious in any way, should you be involved in Greek life? Should you rush? Ultimately, it’s up to you, of course. There are “alternatives,” like fraternities or sororities that firmly stand for Christian beliefs. To my knowledge, we don’t have Christian fraternities/sororities on campus.
But think about the term “Christian fraternity.” I don’t believe Christians need an outlet like fraternities to showcase their belief in God and Jesus Christ. Find a church and get involved. Do missionary work. There are alternatives to Greek life as a Christian.
I am not bashing Greeks, but at the same time, I am not condoning some aspects of the lifestyle that they lead. But there is a dilemma facing Christians and Greek involvement.
So go out and have fun. I’m not saying be a hermit and sit in your dorm room all day. Go to the beach. You are only young once. Live it up. But live it up smart.
09-15-2005
