First: Don't try to convert an athiest, unless s/he is trying to convert you. That's not fair. Besides, as a belief system, athieism is just like any other, except it is not predicated on something you cannot see.
Second: My opinion is that if the BSA was THAT concerned with ensuring all leaders believe in some form of superior being, and expect leaders to exercise that belief, athiests would be found out and expelled. It wouldn't come to you having to resign. One might interpret this lack of diligence as institutional hyprocracy. The fact of the matter is they don't because they need/want everyone they can get. The BSA simply cannot afford to turn away interested adults.
So, as a leader, you should ask yourself - are you benefitting the boys? Are you impinging upon their ability to make their own determination of faith? If the answer is 'yes' and 'no' respectively, lighten up on yourself and do the best you can for the boys.
After all, if you were perfect, EVERYONE would hate you.
Atheist leader
in Cub Scouts
Posted
Here is my two cents:
First: Don't try to convert an athiest, unless s/he is trying to convert you. That's not fair. Besides, as a belief system, athieism is just like any other, except it is not predicated on something you cannot see.
Second: My opinion is that if the BSA was THAT concerned with ensuring all leaders believe in some form of superior being, and expect leaders to exercise that belief, athiests would be found out and expelled. It wouldn't come to you having to resign. One might interpret this lack of diligence as institutional hyprocracy. The fact of the matter is they don't because they need/want everyone they can get. The BSA simply cannot afford to turn away interested adults.
So, as a leader, you should ask yourself - are you benefitting the boys? Are you impinging upon their ability to make their own determination of faith? If the answer is 'yes' and 'no' respectively, lighten up on yourself and do the best you can for the boys.
After all, if you were perfect, EVERYONE would hate you.