Re: Define Religion?
Craig Bond (craig00@inu.net)
Sat Jan 10 19:18:19 1998
Tony, it seems to me you did the right thing. BSA's Declaration of
Religious Principle (on the inside cover of every adult application) says
it rather clearly, I think:
"The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best
kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God and, therefore,
recognizes the religious element in the training of the member, but is
absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious training.
The Boy Scouts of America's policy is that the home and the organization
with which the person is connected shall give definite attention to
religious life."
In youth applications (on the "Information to Parents" page), the following
statement appears:
"The Boy Scouts of America recognizes the importance of religous faith and
duty; it leaves religious instruction to the member's religious leaders and
family."
All four (Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Explorer) applications
contain language similar to this (from the Boy Scout application): "I want
to be a Scout. I have read the Scout Oath or Promise and the Scout Law and
promise to observe them." Of course, each of the "Oath's" of these
programs makes specific reference to a "duty to God".
At 08:58 PM 1/7/98 CST6CDT, you wrote:
>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
>
Craig Bond
Lufkin, TX
http://www.etexscouts.com
To be a winner, all you need to give
is all you have.
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