I am only fifteen. I just thought I would mention that before I launched into a discourse that might seem "juvenile" or "senseless" or any number of adjectives that are generally stamped onto a youth's opinion without a second thought. I don't mean to rant, but I want to impress upon all the enlightened and experienced writers in this forum that sometimes, a child has the most open and unbiased view, one that hasn't been sullied with hate, or prejudice, or any manner of things that adults have come across in their lifetimes. That being said, I want to make an address to the esteemed EagerLeader, if he chances to read over this thread again. Sir: It is my belief, and the belief (I hope) many others in Scouting, that the beliefs, values, and codes of the Boy Scouts of America were founded in the idea of a supreme being that created, governs, and cares for all that exists in our universe. Now, reading across your previous threads I believe you said, sir,
"Are you all also going to tell me that, since I don't believe in God, that I can't live in the USA because I can't recite the Pledge of Allegiance without being a hypocrite? That I shouldn't be allowed to handle US currency because it has "In God We Trust" printed on it?" Respectfully, sir, it has been extremely evident to me that this nation was founded on morals and values drawn directly from the Bible,
and it was intended that these values survive well into our future. I am not sure if my opinion has any merit, sir, but I am going to try my best to live up to those values that have defined the formation and growth of the United States of America. I am the Senior Patrol Leader of my troop, and there came a time when everyone was asked whether or not they subscribed to a faith or doctrine. That was one of the scariest moments of my tenure as a Senior Patrol Leader, because what if one my Scouts, my friends, had said, "I'm sorry, but I do not believe in God, or any God, and have no desire whatsoever to investigate any faiths." What if one of them said that? What would I do? Report it to my Scoutmaster, as duty commanded, and thereby place one of my friends in the same position as the Scout in Washington that was evicted from the BSA on the grounds of "No faith"? Or, follow the Law point "Loyal" and not divulge the information? Thankfully, all the Scouts under my direction had found God in one form or another (Likely
due to the fact we live in a predominantly Southern Babtist state), and the decision was spared me, but I know that the situation is going to arise one day, and I will have to face it. Thinking about that day leads me to understand EagerLeader's problem, in that should he allow a decent and moral person to be forced from the Scouts, a openly religious organization, or continue to be a member that believes in all but one facet of it? Sadly, and it may seem horribly prejudiced and unfair, the answer is that person must either put forth the effort to understand and become a part of that one facet, or leave for their own peace of mind. EagerLeader, you were concerned about being hypocritical of your own beliefs; remaining involved in the BSA will certainly lead you to that end. One of the most important tenets of the Scout Law is "A Scout is Trustworthy". How can you claim to be following every other aspect of Scouting's ideals when you are offending the first of the bunch? I apologixe to you, your sons, and any other Atheist within Scouting when I say there is no place for you in Scouts if you cannot admit to a God, creator of all, now and forever. Remaining in this organization is an affront to the very beliefs you claim to hold dear, being honest and open with everyone. However misguided the beliefs of the BSA may appear to you, sir, they were put in place and enforced for over one hundred years for a reason, sir. The BSA was designed to be a place where young men could grow up in a moral environment, with a belief in a supreme creator. We of the Boy Scouts of America do not wish to offend anyone, so please sir, if our viewpoint is simply intolerable, found an organization dedicated to the moral upbringing of young men without the guidance of a God. Repectfully, I will remain where I feel that I can best become the man I want to be.
....But then, this is just the opinion of a child.
Atheist leader
in Cub Scouts
Posted
I am only fifteen. I just thought I would mention that before I launched into a discourse that might seem "juvenile" or "senseless" or any number of adjectives that are generally stamped onto a youth's opinion without a second thought. I don't mean to rant, but I want to impress upon all the enlightened and experienced writers in this forum that sometimes, a child has the most open and unbiased view, one that hasn't been sullied with hate, or prejudice, or any manner of things that adults have come across in their lifetimes. That being said, I want to make an address to the esteemed EagerLeader, if he chances to read over this thread again. Sir: It is my belief, and the belief (I hope) many others in Scouting, that the beliefs, values, and codes of the Boy Scouts of America were founded in the idea of a supreme being that created, governs, and cares for all that exists in our universe. Now, reading across your previous threads I believe you said, sir,
"Are you all also going to tell me that, since I don't believe in God, that I can't live in the USA because I can't recite the Pledge of Allegiance without being a hypocrite? That I shouldn't be allowed to handle US currency because it has "In God We Trust" printed on it?" Respectfully, sir, it has been extremely evident to me that this nation was founded on morals and values drawn directly from the Bible,
and it was intended that these values survive well into our future. I am not sure if my opinion has any merit, sir, but I am going to try my best to live up to those values that have defined the formation and growth of the United States of America. I am the Senior Patrol Leader of my troop, and there came a time when everyone was asked whether or not they subscribed to a faith or doctrine. That was one of the scariest moments of my tenure as a Senior Patrol Leader, because what if one my Scouts, my friends, had said, "I'm sorry, but I do not believe in God, or any God, and have no desire whatsoever to investigate any faiths." What if one of them said that? What would I do? Report it to my Scoutmaster, as duty commanded, and thereby place one of my friends in the same position as the Scout in Washington that was evicted from the BSA on the grounds of "No faith"? Or, follow the Law point "Loyal" and not divulge the information? Thankfully, all the Scouts under my direction had found God in one form or another (Likely
due to the fact we live in a predominantly Southern Babtist state), and the decision was spared me, but I know that the situation is going to arise one day, and I will have to face it. Thinking about that day leads me to understand EagerLeader's problem, in that should he allow a decent and moral person to be forced from the Scouts, a openly religious organization, or continue to be a member that believes in all but one facet of it? Sadly, and it may seem horribly prejudiced and unfair, the answer is that person must either put forth the effort to understand and become a part of that one facet, or leave for their own peace of mind. EagerLeader, you were concerned about being hypocritical of your own beliefs; remaining involved in the BSA will certainly lead you to that end. One of the most important tenets of the Scout Law is "A Scout is Trustworthy". How can you claim to be following every other aspect of Scouting's ideals when you are offending the first of the bunch? I apologixe to you, your sons, and any other Atheist within Scouting when I say there is no place for you in Scouts if you cannot admit to a God, creator of all, now and forever. Remaining in this organization is an affront to the very beliefs you claim to hold dear, being honest and open with everyone. However misguided the beliefs of the BSA may appear to you, sir, they were put in place and enforced for over one hundred years for a reason, sir. The BSA was designed to be a place where young men could grow up in a moral environment, with a belief in a supreme creator. We of the Boy Scouts of America do not wish to offend anyone, so please sir, if our viewpoint is simply intolerable, found an organization dedicated to the moral upbringing of young men without the guidance of a God. Repectfully, I will remain where I feel that I can best become the man I want to be.
....But then, this is just the opinion of a child.