Greeks seek guidance from Christian group
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 11/29/2007
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Editor's Note: This is the fourth in a five-part series exploring different religious groups on campus.
After the long process to enter a fraternity or sorority, some students are getting more than the experiences and friendships they expected.
They are finding a relationship with God through Christianity.
Whether students come into the house as Christians, connect to the religion after being introduced to it by someone in the house or take time to regain their religious focus, members of Greek housing look to Greek InterVarsity for guidance.
Scott Hamilton, a junior in the College of Engineering, went to Christian middle and high schools, but sought to branch out in college.
"I grew up in a bubble of the same people, and I wanted to abandon that for a world outside of the bubble," he said, noting that a part of that experience was joining a fraternity.
After partying and drinking for a few months, he realized he wasn't happy and the people around him noticed a change.
"I lost myself for a while and God used that," he said.
Others involved in the group have also reinforced their faith by the Greek housing system.
Sarah Ward, a Purdue alumna who works as a staff member for Greek InterVarsity, was raised in a Christian family but questioned religion after losing several people close to her.
A sister in her sorority, however, helped her to find the importance of religion in her life again, and Ward began to involve herself in the group.
With nearly 100 members, students in the group lead Bible studies in their houses and involve religion in their actions.
"We encourage them to be sober drivers, etc." Ward said. "Jesus cared for the needs of others, and we're trying to care for our brothers and sisters."
Although there are numerous Christian groups on campus, Ward explained that the Greek community is a specific subgroup with specific needs.
"People have different definitions of what a Christian is, but we follow Jesus Christ and look at how he lived his life," Ward said. "We try to follow living life but not living in a bubble."
Like all students, members of Greek InterVarsity constantly grow and learn within their religion and their houses.
"Believe me, I'm not completely pious," Hamilton said, laughing. "I still screw up."