Re: ?? Religious Symbol on CSP!!

Hi Stephen (and Scout-L'ers)

>The mere wearing of the patch does not make you a member of that faith.

Agreed. Some religions are very sensitive about the symbols of others,
however. We dont have to like it, but we should probably respect their
beliefs/wishes/etc. Im not "into" the PC stuff and the boys probably dont
even know what it is for the most part.

>When he was in Saudi the troop
>he was with had a CSP which had Islamic symbolism on it. He was a Christian
>yet he wore the patch. Did this make him a Muslim? No, the patch merely
>reflected the symbols of the culture he was in and the organization he
>was part of.

True. For the most part (and you would likely get some arguments in my neck
of the woods), most people wouldnt care. OTOH, as noted above, some take
these things very seriously and to wear a cross etc would not be acceptable.

My church (more or less generic protestant, very laid back) sponsors a very
fine troop with a long history (30+ years). There are Jewish boys in that
troop. They *never* attend Scout Sunday and cite religious reasons for
doing so, yet they are active in the troop. For whatever reason, they or
their parents choose not to "get over it" for 90 minutes a year (worst
case). Its not my place to question their decision, but Id sure like to see
the WHOLE troop in church. After all, there is a meal afterwards<g>.

>In both cases, the patches are merely a relfection of the reality you find
>yourself in; the place, the location, the culture. In no case do they
>reflect your conversion or belief.

Agreed. Some folks of other faiths probably dont share our agreement. Thats
their choice, of course.

>Look at the symbolism on OA pocket flaps! If a person was a die hard of
>the opinion that patches should be free of supposed religious symbolism,
>they would object even to the OA!

I never really paid much attention to them, but perhaps thats because Ive
only been a Scouter for 3 1/2 yrs (plus a few as an Explorer - Im one of
those so-called losers<g>) and havent had the honor of being asked to join.
Yet<g>. I do recall that they are almost always Indian-oriented, which I
like.

>It is strange though, that the boys don't seem to be bothered by all this.

I find it refreshing, rather than strange<g>. "My" boys are something to
find hope, fun and solace in, much less to enjoy, teach and grow with.

>It mainly stems for the strivings of the PC adults which is destroying
>all vestiges of any moral value system that might have any connection with
>any religion. The net result of this is that we have become so neutered that
>we are afraid to espouse any values because we might offend someone. Hence
>we teach no values!

Im not sure Id agree that is the 'reason' behind all the PC junk, but since
Im not a card carrying PC-er, who am I to say? I doubt that kids of PC
parents are being taught no or poor values, but again, thats a gross
generalization of the type scorned by the PC<g>

Mark

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