Re: "humanistic" believer scout
Michael F. Bowman (mfbowman@CAPACCESS.ORG)
Fri, 27 Mar 1998 00:23:31 -0500
Terry,
You have already taken the first step in resolving your dilemna by asking
to learn more about the situation with your Cub. The assertion of his
parents that they are humanistics could mean many things. And you have
done well to avoid jumping to any conclusions just yet.
What is a humanistic? Tough question and answered differently by many
commentators. As far as I can tell the term covers a range of beliefs.
An example of one group of humanistics is the Society for Humanistic
Judaism http://www.shj.org/believe.html which believes in freedom from
supernatural authority. I've seen a few essays on humanistic belief tied
into Chinese Buddhaism as well from a German University dissertation. And
Scouting certainly does acknowledge Buddhaism (note the religious
emblem for Buddhaists.)
A lot will depend on what the family in this case believes and especially
what the Cub believes. They may well have a set of religious beliefs
that are not well articulated and may believe in something outside of
themselves or they may believe that there is nothing outside of
themselves.
You should consult with your nearest professional staff member on this as
well (even if you have to do so by mail). This touches on a membership
standard that is hard to define well; e.g., having a religious belief.
It may be that what you hear from the family is sufficient or it may be
that you have a Scout who is unable to meet the membership requirements.
This consultation is important as a result.
You may also want to be aware of BSA's 1991 resolution on this:
Resolution of
The National Executive Board
of the
Boy Scouts of America
"Be it resolved that the following reaffirmation of the position of
the Boy Scouts of America relating to duty to God be, and hereby is,
enacted and that the bylaws, rules and regulations, and literature of the
Corporation reflect
this reaffirmation accordingly.
"In 1985, America celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Boy Scouts
of America. Since 1910, 80 million Americans have subscribed to the Scout
Oath and the Scout Law, which have stood the test of time.
"The National Executive Board of the BSA proudly states, through its
mission statement, that the values which the organization strives to
instill in young people are those based upon the Scout Oath and Scout
Law. A Scout pledges: 'On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God
and my country and to obey the Scout Law...'.
"The first BSA HANDBOOK FOR BOYS, published in August 1911, declares
that '...no boy can grow into the best kind of citizen without
recognizing an obligation to God' (page 215).
"The latest edition of the BOY SCOUT HANDBOOK, published in 1990,
reads: 'A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious
duties. He respects the beliefs of others' (page 561).
"While not intending to define what constitutes belief in God, the
BSA is proud to reaffirm the Scout Oath and its declaration of duty to God.
"The following statements are additional information on the BSA position:
"The BSA has always been committed to the moral, ethical, and
spiritual development of our youth. Scouting is not a religion but duty
to God is a basic tenant of the Scout Oath and Law.
"Scouting does not seek to impose its beliefs upon others who do
not share them. Virtually every religion is represented in Scouting, and
the BSA does not define or interpret God. That is the role of the
Scout's family and religious advisors.
"Scouting respects those who do not share its beliefs and it
would not ask others to alter their faith in any fashion in order
to become Scouts. They too are free to follow their own beliefs. Rather
the BSA membership believes that the principles set forth in the Scout
Oath and Law are central to the BSA goal of teaching the values of
self-reliance, courage, integrity, and consideration to others. Scouting
may not be for everyone, but for eight decades, Scouting has provided
meaningful programs and adventure to more than eighty million young
people in the United States."
---Approved, BSA National Executive Board, June
12, 1991
Mike
Speaking in | mfbowman@usscouts.org netcommish@aol.com
the Scouting | The NetCommish http://members.aol.com/netcommish
Spirit from | Professor Beaver Online - http://usscouts.org/profbvr/
Alexandria, VA| U.S. Scouting Service Project - http://usscouts.org
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
