I thought this was a very good article, and I’m glad that people are feeling confident enough to talk about pledging’s pros and cons in a public way. However, there was something I disagree with.

The overall tone of this article is negative, and speaks to our inner desire to belong. While this is a valid point, the negativity isn’t necessary. The desire to belong spurs us to do many things – including joining a church community where we feel welcome.  The Bible encourages us to be part of a community of others, encouraging one another and holding each other accountable. I believe many of the social clubs on ACU’s campus follow this as their core value. Sometimes this is hard to see when you are not a member of a club, only watching people dress oddly or yell at a fountain. However, it is these small things that help to create a bond. Women are taught that it doesn’t matter what you look like and that they are capable of anything they are asked to
do. They learn to care for one another and are expected to be courteous and classy women of God at all times. Men learn to be part of a brotherhood and not to be arrogant or proud. I have never seen bonds closer than those of men who pledge a club together. They learn to put others before themselves, and to always put God first. Please remember, we don’t just represent a club – we represent God in all that we do. This is laid out for each club in their rules. Individuals may wander astray, but the overall desire of a club is to represent God’s love and community.

I agree that the Homecoming nominations got out of hand. Lewd acts should be attended to. There will always be pros and cons to social clubs, especially that there is a limit to the number of people who can be part of them. But social clubs have survived because they have the power to positively influence lives. This positivity should not go unnoticed.

Thank you,
Brittany Herrod