COLUMN: Praise served as welcome alternative to decadence
I heard there was a lot of near-naked dancing, near-naked making out on the floor, near-naked underage drinking and pure near-naked viewing pleasure at every nook and cranny.
Apparently, there were even some amusing side shows, namely a few fights and dramatic medical emergencies.
But before becoming too engrossed in memories of the recent exhibitionism, pornography and orgies, let us not forget why Rice celebrates its decadence every year.
On second thought, why does Rice celebrate its decadence every year?
I couldn't figure it out, so instead, I went to a different celebration that night: Night of Praise.
Friday marked the end of a stressful week for me and, glad to have gotten it over with, I looked back and saw that I had so many things to be thankful for.
Surrounded by perhaps a hundred or so other students and great friends, I felt a true sense of joy as I sang, prayed and shared testimonies about how God has blessed our lives with his grace and mercy.
I really enjoyed it. Though NOP was no NOD, I still came out of there with a high ... and no hang-over or embarrasment the next day.
Even this week, amidst the mounting work and stress, I still celebrate why I celebrated NOP.
CCC, CSA and the other Christian groups had the right idea in mind in providing NOP as an alternative to NOD. I hope NOP grows stronger through the years and inspires other such events to accomodate the other half of Rice that chooses not to attend NOD.
Many people know Rice for its NOD. Wouldn't it be nice to be known for something respectable for a change?
James Ling is a Hanszen College sophomore and the opinion editor.
This item appeared in the Opinion section of the November 3, 1995 issue.
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