Black Greek Fraternities: Why is there so much controversy?
A look at some facts about Omega Psi Phi and Kappa Alpha Psi.
Why the Controversy?
Artificial Intelligence was used to assist with some information in this article, which addresses the growing number of preachers who say that belonging to the Greek fraternities Kappa Alpha Psi and Omega Psi Phi is idolatry. The reference point is the following verses from Exodus chapter 20. (KJV)
3 Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.
4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me
Are other gods being worshipped?
Historically, Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs) like Kappa Alpha Psi and Omega Psi Phi do not worship Greek deities, as their founders were predominantly Christian who utilized Greek letters to symbolize intellectual, classical education.
However, within the context of their rituals and symbols, and through critical or spiritual analyses, associations with specific mythological or symbolic figures have been discussed.
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (The Kappas)
Apollo: Some, particularly in critical analyses from a religious perspective, have pointed to the Delphic Shrine (associated with the Greek god Apollo) as being referenced in the rituals of Kappa Alpha Psi, often interpreting this as an adoption of classical, non-Christian symbols.
Ares: The Greek god of war/battle is sometimes mentioned within the context of the fraternity's intense, competitive, or "noble" ideals in these analyses.
Significance: The organization focuses on the "honorable achievement in every field of human endeavor," with the "Diamond" and the "Crimson and Cream" being primary symbols.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (The Omegas/Ques)
Omega/Biblical Symbolism: The name Omega is derived from the last letter of the Greek alphabet, which in Christian symbolism represents the end, or God as the "Alpha and Omega" (the beginning and the end).
Anubis: Critics or commentators sometimes associate the fraternity's "hound" or "dog" mascot (representing the "Omega Dear" or "Que Dawg" nickname) with the Egyptian god Anubis, who has a jackal/dog-like head.
Shekinah: In some interpretations of the "Spirit of Omega" mentioned in their rituals, some critics connect it to a female goddess spirit (Shekinah).
Significance: The fraternity is based on four cardinal principles: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift, with the motto "Friendship is essential to the soul".
As a side note, I add that the Bible speaks of the Shekinah Glory of the Lord.
Context of "Greek Gods" in Fraternities
Not Worship: It is important to note that, as stated by members and historical analyses, these organizations are not founded on the worship of Greek deities, but rather on camaraderie and scholarship, with the "Greek" aspect being a nod to classical academic traditions.
Idolatry Allegations: The mention of "False Gods" in the search results (e.g., Apollos for Kappa, Anubis for Omega) is primarily from theological perspectives arguing that the use of these symbols in rituals constitutes a form of modern "idolatry" or "spiritual, non-Christian" practice.
Other "Kappa" Organizations (Kappa Sigma)
Cronus/Saturn: The Kappa Sigma fraternity, which originated from an older order in Bologna, Italy, has connections to the Greek god Cronus (represented as Saturn), as their badge (the Star and Crescent) is sometimes tied to the astronomical symbol of Saturn, which has roots in the Greek kappa-rho abbreviation for Cronus.
Manuel Chrysoloras: Kappa Sigma also traces its history to the Italian Renaissance scholar Manuel Chrysoloras, rather than a direct association with a mythological deity.
The takeaway
Those who remain a part of these fraternities are strong in their belief that they are not committing idolatry. Some who have walked away from these associations suggest that the rituals are against what is taught in the Bible.
Many of us grew up pledging allegiance to the US flag every morning in school without giving it a second thought. As adults, some wonder why we pledged our loyalty to a piece of cloth. Some say this was a form of idolatry.
The article Just Greek Letter Organizations or Idoltry puts things in perspective by suggesting that each person should pray and search their own heart for answers and be led by His Spirit in their choices.
About the Creator
Cheryl E Preston
Cheryl enjoys writing about current events, soap spoilers and baby boomer nostalgia. Tips are greatly appreciated.
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