Penn Christians discuss flinging with faith

As security tightens and campus prepares for Spring Fling weekend, students gathered to explore the place of faith in a social setting characterized by drugs, alcohol and sex.

God’s Property, a club striving to create a community where black Christians can have fellowship and discuss relevant issues facing students, met last night in Huntsman Hall to discuss how to “Fling in Faith.”

College junior and GP President Chantias Ford stressed that the conversation would be confidential and, most importantly, nonjudgmental. Discussion centered on the intersection of Christianity and a social college atmosphere, especially at such a time as Spring Fling — when students are surrounded by activities that often conflict with religious or moral beliefs.

When asked about their reasons for attending the meeting, students shared that “flinging in faith” was an interesting topic.

“You don’t hear Fling and faith in the same sentence,” Wharton sophomore Justin Malone said. “I personally believe it’s okay as long as you know your limit.”

College freshman Raamiah Bethea said that he was still divided on the fine line between right and wrong when it came to specific issues. “I came to be prepared for the pressures that come with being a Christian during Fling,” he added.

Students discussed how easily their peers could misunderstand their faith when they would attend a party one night, then attend church the next morning.

“Sometimes people project their faith in everyday life, but at a party, those claims seem to go out the window,” College freshman Soraya Hebron said.

The group discussion, however, stressed that being a Christian isn’t necessarily about religion, but rather one’s relationship with God.

Throughout the discussion, many people expressed their uncertainty about such issues as dancing, drinking and doing drugs.

For example, the idea of dancing in a cultural context had a very different meaning for many students in the room. One student, who asked to remain anonymous, said that “in my culture, dancing should be good-natured.”

Others, however, cautioned about the messages that dancing can project. “Dancing is about the message you send with your body,” College sophomore Abrina Hyatt said.

Many shared that in order to avoid the contradictions involved in such issues, they just preferred to stay out of those environments that had the potential to encourage activities they didn’t agree with.

Some believed that ultimately, young Christians need to be secure in their relationship with God and that diligence in their religious devotions would help guide them in making the right decisions.

In the meantime, God’s Property is putting their discussion of “flinging in faith” into action as they plan a “praise party,” where students can enjoy themselves and do what society labels as fun in a Christian context.

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