Kadelphianism

Kadelphianism


     Psychologists often refer to the period of life known as adolescence as

one of the most difficult stages of development that an individual will endure.

It  has been stated that adolescence is the time when an individual forms

his/her own sense of identity.  A  sense of identity is defined as “an organized

sense of how our own personality traits, values, and beliefs fit together in

defining who we are.” Therefor, the development of a sense of identity is, in

fact,  the basis for a stable adult personality.

     Certain responsibilities accompany this development of an identity, such

as the commitments "to oneself, to one's family, to significant others, and to

the various subgroups in society of which one is a member."  One's sense of

identity is chronically jeopardized by the difficulty in holding to these

commitments; one important attribute in the retention of these commitments

involves a belief and faith in a given religion.  This religion yields a basis

for all decisions that must be made in adolescent life; it forms the moral and

ethical skeleton of an individual, and affects all choices that are made and all

actions that are taken.  The students here at Texas Christian University are

faced with difficult choices each and every day, and are in dire need of a

source of higher direction.  It is my opinion that a belief in the religion

known as “Kadelphianism” serves as a firm basis for self commitment, peer

commitment, and social commitment, and provides an excellent example of the

correct way to lead one's life.

     The religion known as Kadelphianism differs from many conventional

religions due to the fact that it does not actually affect a student until

he/she makes the decision to attend Texas Christian University.  Upon making

this decision, each student will immediately begin his transition into the

Kadelphian way.  The mythology behind Kadelphianism is quite simple; it is this

simplicity and basic severity of its ideals that makes the religion so

successful.  From it's earliest origination in the nineteenth century,

Kadelphianism has exemplified human kindness, friendship, and peer unity.  The

earliest Kadelphians formed the religion as a means of uniting the students at

T.C.U.  The founding fathers, Robert Tucker Fitzgerald and Edward Pierce Turner,

began the organization based on the belief that Kadelphianism is more than a

ritual or a symbol; they believed it was a way of life.  The basic principle

formed by the founders was that of friendship and unity of the students; through

this friendship and unity, an individual is able to develop his/her own sense of

identity and responsibility.  The founders believed in unselfish service to

mankind, and they felt that personal leadership requires confidence tempered

with humility and tolerance.

     The rituals of Kadelphianism are also quite simple and pure in nature.

With Frog Fountain serving as a center for all activity, the Kadelphian students

meet on a bi-weekly basis; during these meetings there is an opening prayer

session, a candle lighting ceremony, and an open discussion or forum involving

all of the students present.  The members discuss private and publi
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