Boy Scouts of America must believe in a god, any god. It doesn’t really matter which one, just as long as you believe in one.
“The Boy Scout Handbook goes on to explain that “A Scout is Reverent” simply means that “A Scout is reverent towards God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.” Buddhists, followers of Native American religions, Muslims, Jews, Christians of all denominations, and many others, including those who define their own spirituality, can be and are members of the BSA. The BSA recognizes religious awards for over 38 faith groups including Baha’i, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Hinduism, and 28 varieties of Christianity.[15] Boy Scouts of America–approved religious emblems exist for most religions”
I use this as an excuse to not buy merchandise the Boy Scouts peddle. Occasionally I’ll explain to the scout and parent that I’m an atheist and will not give money to an organization that does not accept me.
I use this as an excuse to not buy merchandise the Boy Scouts peddle. Occasionally I’ll explain to the scout and parent that I’m an atheist and will not give money to an organization that does not accept me.
You could do the same for the girl scouts when they try to sell you cookies. Explain to them that you are a male and will not give money to an organization that does not accept you.
Boy Scouts of America must believe in a god, any god. It doesn’t really matter which one, just as long as you believe in one.
“The Boy Scout Handbook goes on to explain that “A Scout is Reverent” simply means that “A Scout is reverent towards God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.” Buddhists, followers of Native American religions, Muslims, Jews, Christians of all denominations, and many others, including those who define their own spirituality, can be and are members of the BSA. The BSA recognizes religious awards for over 38 faith groups including Baha’i, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Hinduism, and 28 varieties of Christianity.[15] Boy Scouts of America–approved religious emblems exist for most religions”
My how the handbook has changed over the last 50+years. I joined the souts in 1957, my father was a scout leader and my mother was a den leader, and although my den, pack and later troop was sponsored by the local Presbytarian church, no one gave a rat’s ass about religious dogma; we were in it for the camping and outdoor skills. Our camp was built by the CCC and we stayed in log cabins. We hiked, camped out ate army surplus C rations (sans cigarettes) and our leaders were all World War II veterans. Those survival skills are still with me today. Point being, it was a great organization to learn practical skills and have fun outdoors, not in front of a tv screen killing imaginary zombies. But that was in the 50’s. If the souts or any other organization wants to survive then they must alter their rules with the times. Drop the specific allusions to Baden-Powell’s concept of god and incude any kid wanting to enjoy learning outdoor skills. Otherwise, be discarded as anachronistic and die. A person doesn’t have to be reverent to camp and have fun.
I use this as an excuse to not buy merchandise the Boy Scouts peddle. Occasionally I’ll explain to the scout and parent that I’m an atheist and will not give money to an organization that does not accept me.
You could do the same for the girl scouts when they try to sell you cookies. Explain to them that you are a male and will not give money to an organization that does not accept you.
That would be a big mistake. The Girl Scouts, unlike the Boy Scouts, is a very tolerant, accepting, positive organization. Yes it is for girls only, though men can in fact be troop leaders. But to not buy their cookies because they won’t accept you because you’re a boy is like refusing to buy anything at the Battery Store because they refuse to sell food.
I use this as an excuse to not buy merchandise the Boy Scouts peddle. Occasionally I’ll explain to the scout and parent that I’m an atheist and will not give money to an organization that does not accept me.
You could do the same for the girl scouts when they try to sell you cookies. Explain to them that you are a male and will not give money to an organization that does not accept you.
That would be a big mistake. The Girl Scouts, unlike the Boy Scouts, is a very tolerant, accepting, positive organization. Yes it is for girls only, though men can in fact be troop leaders. But to not buy their cookies because they won’t accept you because you’re a boy is like refusing to buy anything at the Battery Store because they refuse to sell food.
LOL! I know. I was joking. Girls scouts allow gays and atheists.
I don’t buy their cookies because last time I looked, they were made with trans fats.
I went to only one Boy Scout meeting in about 1942, and the main topic of conversation seemed to be about how, by tearing a hole in one’s pants pocket one could play pocket pool. I was young, innocent and apalled so I never went back.
I love their cookies. I don’t care if they’re bad for me. Thin Mints are magic. Delicious, Satan-made magic.
I buy a case every year.. It’s for a good cause…really! It IS!! That’s the only way I would suffer through eating….a whole case of thin mints…every year…
It’s for a good cause…really! It IS!! That’s the only way I would suffer through eating….a whole case of thin mints…every year…
