erickelly65

I actually don't believe that, if the BSA were to changes its policy on Homosexuality, the Catholic Church in America would necessarily change its support of scouting in a significant way. I base this belief on two things: One: Currently, the Church actively sponsors Girl Scouting, which folks here at this forum seem to think is the end-all-be-all of inclusivity, as one of its youth ministries and takes no issue with their stances on sexuality or faith. Second the teachings of the Church are not in conflict with allowing homosexuals (youth or adult) to be involved in parish ministr

It's true there is no right to free speech in this forum but at the same time a discussion forum that won't allow an open discussion with varied opinions is of much use to anyone. Except perhaps "sheeple" waiting for someone to tell them what to think.

I didnt see anything in his post that "attacked" anyone else. Certainly not in any way that is offensive.

This op/ed piece best summarizes my view of this entire fiasco.... http://news.yahoo.com/s/huffpost/20070903/cm_huffpost/062928;_ylt=AmXiLQ9fCL.neVwlSzEUbMn9wxIF Opinion In the Age of Terror, Isn't Busting Toe-Tappers an Insane Use of Our Law Enforcement Resources? Arianna Huffington Mon Sep 3, 6:22 PM ET In the consensus judgment of America's 16 intelligence agencies, the terrorist threat to our homeland is "persistent and evolving," placing our country in "a heightened threat environment." Given that chilling assessment, isn't it the height of madness to use Ame

Just to clarify, I have been to Baloo Training. I have attending every training needed for me to assume my leadership role(s) in the program and never used my previous scouting experiences as a way to try to "opt out" of any class. That isnt to say I found all the courses I have attended valuable. Baloo was one of them but that was my personal experience. (I found it to be way too basic)

Short answer to the initial question? YES hehe. Actually, taken alone, I don't think simply being an Eagle Scout is enough to ensure you will be a good leader. I do think that having been a scout as a youth and especially being an Eagle Scout provides one with a frame of reference and understanding of the underlying goals of the program not easily gained elsewhere. That said, any leader still needs to go through all the necessary training and follow the policies and procedures of the BSA and his/her council and chartering organization. I am an Eagle Scout ('81) and an Arrow

YIKES....sorry about the multiple posts...I am not sure what I did but it sure made a mess (and with typos too..ugh)

GernBlansten Once again the differences in your example are huge. An obese child isnt rejecting the tenant of being physically fit he just doesnt happen to achieved that status (which could be for a myriad of reasons) The atheist boy in the example is "Stiving" to meet the requirement of faith. He is out right rejectiing it. It couldnt be more "apples and oranges"

GernBlansten Once again the differences in your example are huge. An obese child isnt rejecting the tenant of being physically fit he just doesnt happen to achieved that status (which could be for a myriad of reasons) The atheist boy in the example is "Stiving" to meet the requirement of faith. He is out right rejectiing it. It couldnt be more "apples and oranges"

GernBlansten Once again the differences in your example are huge. An obese child isnt rejecting the tenant of being physically fit he just doesnt happen to achieved that status (which could be for a myriad of reasons) The atheist boy in the example is "Stiving" to meet the requirement of faith. He is out right rejectiing it. It couldnt be more "apples and oranges"

GernBlansten Once again the differences in your example are huge. An obese child isnt rejecting the tenant of being physically fit he just doesnt happen to achieved that status (which could be for a myriad of reasons) The atheist boy in the example is "Stiving" to meet the requirement of faith. He is out right rejectiing it. It couldnt be more "apples and oranges"

DanKroh While often used to refer to relationship among various Christian denominations, Ecumenical's definition is "involving or promoting friendly relations between different religions" (Encarta) and that is the definition to which I was refering. As for the boy in your example that grows up to not believe in a higher power, why would he want to remain a group that had that belief as part of its tenants? Why would he want to keep an affiliation with such a group as Boy Scouts (because they camp) or Fellowship of Christian Atheletes (Becuase they have fun events) or his local Church (

GernBlansten If a person is willing to say the scout oath and law and subscribe to the precepts of the BSA Declaration of Religious Principle and comply with the Bylaws of the BSA they should be admitted to membership. The BSA does not nor should it entertain conducting a deeper assessment of whether or not a person is one of faith (Truth be told that is only known in our own hearts). But I would ask you this, why would an atheist want to or even be willing to state they will strive to live by the tenants of the scout oath and law as they currently are written? I agree with you that the

Personally, I think the BSA has it right on Religion and needs to rethink its stance on sexual orientation. I agree with the BSA's stance on religion. My view has nothing to do with keeping "atheists" out but to keep faith in the program. The belief in a higher-power is a central and explicit part of the BSA program included in elements of both Scout Oath and Scout Law. I personally don't want the program to consider dropping the Scout Oath's "Duty to God" nor the Law's "Reverent" components. There are a plethora of youth organizations that are comletely secular in nature. Why can't

Packsaddle, Although I dont have a definative list of groups who are exclusionary but arent the PC presses "whipping boy", one that springs to mind immediately is Girl Scouts of America. They have no program for boys at any age, even supporting programs for male siblings. While men can technically be adult volunteers they are, in my opinion, extremely limited in role and not typically welcomed. It is also my understanding they can not hold certain leadership positions. As far as organizations that are exclusionary based on Race, lets go down to the local chapter of La Raza or