http://usscouts.org/aboutbsa/rp.aspThe 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 it is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. Its policy is that the home and organization or group with which the member is connected shall give definite attention to religious life.
Only persons willing to subscribe to these precepts from the Declaration of Religious Principle and to the Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America shall be entitled to certificates of leadership.
I have been in scouts since first grade, and in my specific troop since fifth. I am starting work on my Eagle Project, and was going over all the requirements for the board of review when I came across this.
I am required to personally affirm my belief in god and follow the BSA Declaration of Religious Principle. When I joined scouting, I guess my parents just did this for me, but to become Eagle I am expected to do it myself.
It seems that is has caused quite a bit of controversy:
http://www.bsa-discrimination.org/html/god-top.htmlBut the BSA apparently wins all of these court cases. They have the right to kick people out and deny membership based on morals.
I personally believe that the concept of god is ridiculous and that belief in it is out of touch with reality and in fact destructive to society, but do not worry about it because I am confident that religion is fading and will disappear altogether eventually. I do, however, respect the beliefs of others and just smile and nod when people start talking about anything religious.
This has bothered me for days now. I really don't want to have to deal with this kind of thing Even the girl scouts of america have moved into the modern era and eliminated any religious requirement.
Should I just lie and say "um yea woo god n' stuff, can we move on?"
