"Hard Partying and Bible Study, at the Fraternity House"

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/07/us/07greek.html?_r=1&ref=fraternitiesandsororities

This article, called "Hard Partying and Bible Study, at the Fraternity House" was published in the New York Times on March 6, 2011.  It is about a conference that was held in Indianapolis by the Greek InterVarsity campus group.  This group is an evangelical christian group located on many campuses throughout the United States that promotes bible study and christianity in sororities and fraternities.  The article makes many references to the stereotypes the greek community is typically given and acts surprised that these students were able to conduct themselves so well for a weekend at a hotel.  The conference was held at the hotel and the hotel staff commented nicely about the students.  The conference had many students from a wide variety of sororities and fraternities.  Some students were quoted talking about the conference, saying how they liked it and how they themselves try to individually implement bible study within their own fraternity/sorority and the values that come with their christianity (like not believing in drinking or having sex before marriage).  Some of them talked about the hardships they face while trying to implement these things.

I think this is a really cool article.  I have never been one to be super involved in my faith or bible study.  I don't go to church often or push my faith onto others, so I don't have a connection to this article in that sense.  I just really think it is awesome that some students from around the US are coming together and trying to create positive change in the greek community.  They talked about how they try to support their brothers and sisters; they help them through bad times, tell them when enough is enough, and hold open bible studies in the houses.  I think this is what should be happening in our community.  They are stepping up to come together like a family.  They are looking out for each other and ignoring the bystander effect.  Regardless of our faith or beliefs, I think we should have this group on our campus because it is really good to know that you have it there for you if you need it.  You have a group of really good brothers and sisters that can be there for you and that you can talk to about deeper and more meaningful things.  And I know there are a lot of people in the greek community that are religious and would love to have bible studies or just a group of friends who also share some of their beliefs.  Faith can be a really powerful instrument for making deep connections and long lasting friendships.  And I think one thing that the greek community needs most right now is stronger and more meaningful connections between its members so that we can support one another and help the community as a whole prosper.  I think that's what these students in the InterVarsity group are essentially doing, and it is comforting to know that there is a news article out there in support of what greeks are doing (as apposed to the ones that I came across with negative/horrible headlines).  They kept saying that it is not news when the greek community does what it is supposed to do, but I think this is evidence against that argument. :)