Biola University — an institute among universities. The students are smart, passionate and driven. Striding with pride around campus, every student is equipped with Grudem’s Systematic Theology, their “sword” that’s so sharp it’ll give you a paper cut, and Seattle’s Best “half-full” coffee cups under the wingspan of their beloved mascot, the Eagle.
Students usually spend most of their time in cliques that reflect what God has placed on their hearts. Such examples of these cliques include, but are not limited to: Student Missionary Union, Student Orientation Services, Residence Life, Associated Students, chapel scanners and [insert prefix here]-poc. The only missing clique on this campus is the sorority. And in this way, as with all things in this world, the community is facing the effects of sin and the fall. Biolans, we have lost sight of the fact that there is neither Jew nor Greek.
Ask any student their favorite thing about Biola, and more than likely 10 out of 10 will reply, “The community. I really love my friends and have been beyond blessed by them all.” There’s nothing more important to these overly intentional 20-somethings than their community. Case in point, the Caf rages and overflows with so many people during any given meal time that anyone who sets foot on this campus would think the Messianic Banquet has come. Given students’ passion for community, to take a step further and introduce one of the most thriving sources of community in the secular school system would be a great blessing to this campus in providing yet another way for students to become connected.
Every Biolan is required to minor in biblical and theological studies, taking 30 units of Bible classes. These classes, along with the 30 required chapels for each and every person — as chapel reductions are sparingly implemented — are the sources of every Biolan’s profound wisdom. However, despite their profound wisdom these sons and daughters have lost root with one of the most important aspects the New Covenant presents — there is neither Jew nor Greek. Now, every Biola Bob and Betty is guilty of being a Pharisee, myself included. It’s hard not to be when we think we know everything about the Bible, Jesus’ life, the second coming and God’s plans. But there is a horrible Pharisaical practice occurring on this campus that has condemned Greek life. If Biola Eagles are passionate about their community, then we must overcome this gap of separation.
My feminists and egalitarians will stand with me when I say this: We need a sisterhood. It’s detrimental for girls to sit alone in silence without a group of gals to rise up with and soar like the women we were made to be. It’s time for us sisters in Christ to take a stance: We need a sorority. We need a group of girls to laugh, cry and sing — the secular but with Christian overtones implied by the band name — One Direction with. The implementation of Greek life on Biola’s campus will not only deepen the relationships that girls in particular need during this crucial time of growing into womanhood, but being involved in Greek life will open their minds to the secular world and better prepare them for life post-Biola. It will bridge a gap between public and private school, secular and Christian, between the University of Southern California student and the Biola student. There will be a common ground of Greek life and doors will be opened. And with that we should be open to the idea. Not only meek, but also Greek.
