Re: Define Religion?
Pat Bartley (nightowl@woody.lopernet.net)
Thu Jan 08 09:02:32 1998
Tony,
The boy scouts don't define one specific religion. According to the Scout
Law (used for boy Scouts), "A Scout Is Reverent." And according to the
Scout Law, "will do my duty to God & my country." This does not define a
specific God, but as I understand it, a higher power. The important thing,
I think, is to be spiritual, not necessarily religious (they are 2
different things!).
I think as advisors, we need to encourage the Explorers to find their own
beliefs, examining them with a critical eye, and being open to change as
they grow. I think you handled it very well by telling this young person
they must define religion on their own. It is truly a personal thing, and
even those from the same religious group probably have different religions,
because everyone's perspective & perception is different!
Pat Bartley
----------
From: Tony Vining <TVining@usa.net>
To: Multiple recipients of list <explorer-net@scouter.com>
Subject: Define Religion?
Date: Wednesday, January 07, 1998 3:00 PM
I recieved an email the other day that recieved this:
-----SNIP SNIP-----
I would love to join, pending the clarification of one thing, your
definition
of religion in your code...I am not an athiest or even agnostic,
but I also do not consider myself part of any particular church either.
------SNIP SNIP------
Stumped me. What is our definition of religion? We mention God, and state
that we have to be faithful in our Religious duties, but what does that
mean?
If an agnostic doesn't believe, isn't he/she being faithful in their
religious
duties? (They ARE fulfilling the obligations of thier chosen religion)
I told him to come to a meeting and decide for himself; and mentioned that
the
application states that he/she would have to sign stating that they would
do
their best to live by the Explorer Code, but the definition would have to
be in
their heart, not mine.
What would you do, what should I have done?
Tony
Check out 2 Great Web sites:
Explorer Post 2868: HTTP://bsaawac.fwi.com/Post2868
Anthony Wayne Area Council: HTTP://BSAAWAC.FWI.COM
And To view the photo of the person originating this email:
http://bsaawac.fwi.com/Post2868/Bios.htm
Lemme know what you think!
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