Triskelions, we are all good in rationalizing our “so-called” tradition without an iota of understanding of what we are rationalizing about. Do we even use our brains when we try to defend and justify this awful and shameful tradition called HAZING? The “scourge of the devil,” that is giving the noble name of our beloved fraternity a despicable image and causing it to go down the drain. We need to do something drastic about this before each and every one of us become irrelevant and become outcasts in our society.
A paradigm shift to change our stony hearts into contrite hearts is what needed to happen to each and every one of us. We cannot do it on our own volition because we have stony hearts. Let us, therefore, find a common ground where we can discuss this subject without being irrational. Our common ground is none other than “VOLUNTAS.”
What is Voluntas? It is FREEWILL in English. Freewill is the power of acting without the constraint of necessity or fate; the ability to act at one’s own discretion. Now, when we see the word “DISCRETION,” we need to know that it is necessary before we proceed to understand VOLUNTAS.
DISCRETION is a quality of wisdom that has respect for what is desirable and appropriate as contrasted with that which is opposite. Especially, it regards the feelings and circumstances of others who may see our actions or hear our words.
Now, without DISCRETION it is impossible for us to fully understand the dynamics of how God molds and shapes our FREEWILL. Scripture is clear that God knows the future (Matthew 6:8; Psalm 139:1-4) and He has total sovereign control over all things (Colossians 1:16-17; Daniel 4:35). The Scripture further says that we must choose God or be eternally separated from Him. We are all held responsible for our actions (Romans 3:19; 6:23; 9:19-21). How these facts work together is impossible for a finite mind to comprehend (Romans 11:33-36).
Triskelions can take one of two extremes in regard to this question. Some emphasize the sovereignty of God to the point that human beings are little more than robots simply doing what they have been divinely programmed to do. And others will emphasize freewill to the point of God not having complete control and/or knowledge of all things.
Neither of these positions is scriptural. The truth is that God does not violate our wills by choosing us and redeeming us. Rather, He changes our hearts so that our wills choose Him. “We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19), and “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (John 15:16).
We all want what is in the best interest of our fraternity. Otherwise, we will violate Capital “R” of our Code of Conduct which says:
“Rise to defend the name and honor of our fraternity whenever it is unjustly criticized.”
Now some of us, at this point, are beginning to be uneasy with what you are hearing because you can’t imagine that what you went through in the past ought to go away. All you care about is your deep-seated bitterness that in order for you to find relevance is to pass on to others what you experienced in the hands of cruel and senseless beasts that believe hazing is just and noble to make a person worthy to be a TRISKELION.
IF WE ARE TO DO AWAY WITH HAZING, WHAT ARE WE TO DO THEN?
First, we are to trust in the Lord, knowing that He is in control (Proverbs 3:5-6). God’s sovereignty is supposed to be a comfort to us, not an issue to be concerned about or debate over.
Second, we are to live our lives making wise decisions in accordance with God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:5). There will be no excuses before God for why we chose to disobey Him. We will have no one to blame but ourselves for our sin.
Last but not least, we are to worship the Lord, praising Him that He is so wonderful, infinite, powerful, full of grace and mercy—and sovereign. Amen.
On the occasion of the 49th Founding Anniversary of the TAU GAMMA PHI—the TRISKELION GRAND FRATERNITY. God bless all of you. Have a great and blessed day. Celebrate in moderation.
Fraternally yours,
TITO S. VENIDA
FOUNDING FATHER
October 4, 2017
