From a Judeo-Christian perspective, allegiance to a secret society, sorority, or certain denominations can have complex spiritual implications. For many believers, adherence to such groups may conflict with the first commandment, which states, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3, KJV). Secret societies often involve oaths and rituals that may be inconsistent with Christian teachings. Jesus emphasized the importance of living transparently and truthfully, saying, “For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad” (Luke 8:17, KJV). Allegiance to secretive organizations can therefore raise concerns about divided loyalties and the potential for spiritually compromising one’s unequivocal commitment to God.
In the case of sororities and certain denominations, the spiritual impact also depends on the principles and practices of these groups. Paul advises believers in 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 (KJV) to be wary of partnerships that might pull them away from their faith, stating, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” This scripture calls Christians to assess alliances critically to ensure they align with biblical values. Denominations that differ significantly in doctrine from mainstream Christianity can sometimes lead to doctrinal confusion or conflict. Jude exhorts believers “to earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 1:3, KJV), encouraging them to cling to the foundational truths of the Bible. Therefore, while involvement in various organizations and groups is not inherently wrong, it requires vigilant discernment to maintain one’s spiritual integrity and faithfulness to God’s teachings as laid out in Scripture.
List of Major Secret Societies:
- Freemasons (Freemasonry)
– One of the oldest and most well-known secret societies, often associated with various fraternal and charitable activities.
- Skull and Bones
– An elite secret society at Yale University known for including prominent political and business leaders.
- The Illuminati
– Originally a rationalist secret society founded in 1776 in Germany, now the subject of numerous conspiracy theories suggesting global influence.
- The Rosicrucians
– A mystical and esoteric secret society claiming knowledge and teachings stemming from ancient traditions.
- The Bilderberg Group
– An annual private conference of approximately 120-150 political leaders and experts from industry, finance, academia, and the media.
- Opus Dei
– A somewhat secretive Catholic organization that has been portrayed in various works of fiction and is known for its influence within the Church.
- Bohemian Grove
– A private club and gathering of prominent men in politics, business, media, and the arts that takes place annually in California.
- The Priory of Sion
– A purported secret society said to have ancient roots and often associated with the legends of the Holy Grail and protecting Jesus Christ’s bloodline.
- The Knights Templar
– A medieval Christian military order dissolved in the 14th century, around which numerous myths and modern-day secret societies have formed.
- The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
– A British magical order active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries focused on occult practices and teachings.
- The Order of Nine Angles (O9A)
– A controversial Satanist group known for its radical philosophy and esoteric traditions.
- Le Cercle
– An elusive, private, and influential group that includes senior intelligence officers and politicians, primarily focused on promoting Western economic and political interests.
- The Thule Society – A post-World War I German occultist and nationalist group significant for its ideological influence on the Nazi Party.
National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) Sororities
- Alpha Chi Omega (ΑΧΩ)
- Alpha Delta Pi (ΑΔΠ)
- Alpha Epsilon Phi (ΑΕΦ)
- Alpha Gamma Delta (ΑΓΔ)
- Apha Omicron Pi (ΑΟΠ)
- Alpha Phi (ΑΦ)
- Alpha Sigma Alpha (ΑΣΑ)
- Alpha Sigma Tau (ΑΣΤ)
- Alpha Xi Delta (ΑΞΔ)
- Chi Omega (ΧΩ)
- Delta Delta Delta (ΔΔΔ)
- Delta Gamma (ΔΓ)
- Delta Phi Epsilon (ΔΦΕ)
- Delta Zeta (ΔΖ)
- Gamma Phi Beta (ΓΦΒ)
- Kappa Alpha Theta (ΚΑΘ)
- Kappa Delta (ΚΔ)
- Kappa Kappa Gamma (ΚΚΓ)
- Phi Mu (ΦΜ)
- Phi Sigma Sigma (ΦΣΣ)
- Pi Beta Phi (ΠΒΦ)
- Sigma Delta Tau (ΣΔΤ)
- Sigma Kappa (ΣΚ)
- Sigma Sigma Sigma (ΣΣΣ)
- Theta Phi Alpha (ΘΦΑ)
- Zeta Tau Alpha (ΖΤΑ)
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Sororities (Historically African-American Sororities)
1. Alpha Kappa Alpha (ΑΚΑ)
2. Delta Sigma Theta (ΔΣΘ)
3. Zeta Phi Beta (ΖΦΒ)
- Sigma Gamma Rho (ΣΓΡ)
Multicultural Sororities (Examples)
- Gamma Alpha Omega (ΓΑΩ)
- Lambda Theta Alpha (ΛΘΑ)
- Sigma Lambda Gamma (ΣΛΓ)
- Theta Nu Xi (ΘΝΞ)
Independent and Local Sororities (Examples)
- Chi Upsilon Sigma (XΥΣ)
- Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha (ΣΙΑ)
- Kappa Beta Gamma (ΚΒΓ)
- Psi Sigma Phi (ΨΣΦ)
Major fraternities in the United States
1. **Alpha Phi Alpha (ΑΦΑ)** – Founded in 1906 at Cornell University, it is the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African-American men.
2. **Kappa Alpha Psi (ΚΑΨ)** – Established in 1911 at Indiana University, Bloomington, this fraternity aims to uplift African Americans through academic achievement and social engagement.
3. **Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ)** – Also founded in 1911, at Howard University, this fraternity places a strong emphasis on community service.
4. **Alpha Kappa Lambda (ΑΚΛ)** – Founded in 1914 at the University of California, Berkeley, it focuses on developing well-rounded leaders.
5. **Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ)** – Established in 1839 at Miami University in Ohio, it promotes the cultivation of intellect and leadership.
6. **Chi Phi (ΧΦ)** – Founded in 1824 at Princeton University, Chi Phi is one of the oldest collegiate fraternities that emphasizes education and integrity.
7. **Delta Tau Delta (ΔΤΔ)** – Founded in 1858 at Bethany College, it is known for its strong commitment to leadership and academic excellence.
8. **Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ)** – Established in 1869 at the University of Virginia, it has a rich tradition of scholarship, leadership, and fellowship.
9. **Lambda Chi Alpha (ΛΧΑ)** – Founded in 1909 at Boston University, this fraternity is known for its philanthropic endeavors, especially centered on fighting hunger.
10. **Phi Beta Sigma (ΦΒΣ)** – Established in 1914 at Howard University, it seeks to exemplify the ideals of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service.
11. **Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)** – Founded in 1848 at Miami University in Ohio, it emphasizes the principles of friendship, sound learning, and moral rectitude.
12. **Phi Kappa Psi (ΦΚΨ)** – Founded in 1852 at Jefferson College, it champions friendship, academic success, and a robust social life.
13. **Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ)** – Also known as Pike, it was established in 1868 at the University of Virginia and promotes interest and well-rounded development.
14. **Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ)** – Established in 1856 at the University of Alabama, SAE is one of the largest North American fraternities.
15. **Sigma Chi (ΣΧ)** – Founded in 1855 at Miami University, it is one of the oldest and largest men’s college fraternities with a strong focus on character.
16. **Tau Kappa Epsilon (ΤΚΕ)** – Also known as TKE, this fraternity was founded in 1899 at Illinois Wesleyan University and is known for its leadership training programs.
17. **Theta Chi (ΘΧ)** – Established in 1856 at Norwich University, Theta Chi prioritizes personal development and celebration of individual worth.
18. **Zeta Beta Tau (ΖΒΤ)** – Founded in 1898 at City College of New York, it started as a Zionist youth society and later expanded as a social fraternity.
The impact of fraternity membership varies widely, and these organizations often emphasize values like community service, leadership, and personal development, aligning better with some belief systems more than others.
Major Christian Traditions
- Catholicism:
– Roman Catholic Church
– Eastern Catholic Churches (e.g., Melkite, Maronite, Byzantine)
- Eastern Orthodoxy:
– Greek Orthodox Church
– Russian Orthodox Church
– Serbian Orthodox Church
– Bulgarian Orthodox Church
– Romanian Orthodox Church
– Antiochian Orthodox Church
– Albanian Orthodox Church
– Georgian Orthodox Church
– Orthodox Church in America
- Oriental Orthodoxy:
– Coptic Orthodox Church
– Armenian Apostolic Church
– Syriac Orthodox Church
– Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
– Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church
– Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (Indian Orthodox Church)
- Protestantism:
– Anglicanism (including the Episcopal Church in the USA and others within the Anglican Communion)
– Lutheranism (e.g., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod)
– Reformed Churches (e.g., Presbyterian Church, United Church of Christ)
– Methodism (e.g., United Methodist Church, African Methodist Episcopal Church)
– Baptist Churches (e.g., Southern Baptist Convention, American Baptist Churches USA)
– Anabaptists (e.g., Mennonite, Amish, Hutterite)
– Pentecostalism (e.g., Assemblies of God, Church of God in Christ)
– Adventism (e.g., Seventh-day Adventist Church)
– Congregationalism
– Holiness Movement (e.g., Church of the Nazarene, Wesleyan Church)
- Restoration Movement:
– Churches of Christ
– Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
– International Churches of Christ
- Latter Day Saint Movement** (Mormonism):
– The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church)
– Community of Christ
– Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS)
- Nontrinitarian:
– Jehovah’s Witnesses
– Christadelphians
– Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist)
– Unitarian Universalism (only applicable where it retains some historic Christian elements)
Smaller or Less Common Denominations:
- Eastern Catholic Churches** (in communion with Rome, but distinct rites):
– Chaldean Catholic Church
– Syro-Malabar Catholic Church
– Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church
- Old Catholic Churches:
– Union of Utrecht
– PNCC (Polish National Catholic Church)
- Independent Catholic Churches:
– Old Roman Catholicism
– Liberal Catholic Church
- New Apostolic Groups:
– New Apostolic Church
– Apostolic Church
- Miscellaneous or Syncretic Movements:
– Quakers (Religious Society of Friends)
– Swedenborgianism (Church of the New Jerusalem)
– Shakers (United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing)
- Evangelical and Non-denominational Churches:
– Megachurches often have specific teachings and structures not affiliated with traditional denominational lines.
About Author
Wooooow! Heavy stuff here, my goodness 😳. I haven’t even heard about most of these things. Good information 👍🏾.
Pledging in secret societies is serving other gods. These popular cults are causing many people to create demonic covenants and leaders in the church are backing it because they’re apart of these groups also. I would encourage anyone that is considering or that has already pledged go pack and read your oaths. Research the names/deities you’re pledging too. Repent, renounce, denounce and be restored in Jesus Name. Freemasonry almost killed my husband but God in all His mercy delivered him. Hallelujah!