Atheist Boy Scout must declare belief in "higher power" or get kicked out

Yossarian

Lifer
Dec 26, 2000
18,010
1
81
Hopefully not a repost--

Atheist Scout

At least they gave him a week to rebuild his belief structure to fit in with the rest of the group
rolleye.gif
Apparently all his community service and merit badge work is meaningless to the Boy Scouts since he does not share their beliefs. I hope he sticks to his guns and lets them kick him out.
 

cjchaps

Diamond Member
Jul 24, 2000
3,013
1
81
I saw that on CNN a few minutes ago before you posted this. Let the flame war begin!
 

HappyPuppy

Lifer
Apr 5, 2001
16,997
2
71
Originally posted by: PipBoy
Hopefully not a repost--

Atheist Scout

At least they gave him a week to rebuild his belief structure to fit in with the rest of the group. Apparently all his community service and merit badge work is meaningless to the Boy Scouts since he does not share their beliefs. I hope he sticks to his guns and lets them kick him out.


Belief in a higher power is one of the core rules of the Boy Scouts. If he can't live by the rules he should leave.
 

Aves

Lifer
Feb 7, 2001
12,232
30
101
While I think it's a load of BS and they should just leave the kid alone, the BSA is a private organization that to my knowledge doesn't receive any government money so they have every right to do what they want.
 

StageLeft

No Lifer
Sep 29, 2000
70,150
5
0
Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
Originally posted by: PipBoy
Hopefully not a repost--

Atheist Scout

At least they gave him a week to rebuild his belief structure to fit in with the rest of the group. Apparently all his community service and merit badge work is meaningless to the Boy Scouts since he does not share their beliefs. I hope he sticks to his guns and lets them kick him out.


Belief in a higher power is one of the core rules of the Boy Scouts. If he can't live by the rules he should leave.
Yes, same as somebody in a church. Also since they are a private group all public government funding should immediately cease. It's only fair.

 

Electric Amish

Elite Member
Oct 11, 1999
23,578
1
0
Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
Originally posted by: PipBoy
Hopefully not a repost--

Atheist Scout

At least they gave him a week to rebuild his belief structure to fit in with the rest of the group. Apparently all his community service and merit badge work is meaningless to the Boy Scouts since he does not share their beliefs. I hope he sticks to his guns and lets them kick him out.


Belief in a higher power is one of the core rules of the Boy Scouts. If he can't live by the rules he should leave.

It is??? When did this happen?

amish
 

Amused

Elite Member
Apr 14, 2001
56,837
17,641
146
Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
Originally posted by: PipBoy
Hopefully not a repost--

Atheist Scout

At least they gave him a week to rebuild his belief structure to fit in with the rest of the group. Apparently all his community service and merit badge work is meaningless to the Boy Scouts since he does not share their beliefs. I hope he sticks to his guns and lets them kick him out.


Belief in a higher power is one of the core rules of the Boy Scouts. If he can't live by the rules he should leave.

Exactly. The Boy Scouts are a Private, non-profit organization. They have central, core beliefs and values. If a member cannot abide by them, they have every right to kick them out.

And this opinion is coming from an agnostic (me).
 

FettsBabe

Diamond Member
Oct 21, 1999
3,708
0
0
My stepson will move up to Boy Scouts in January. The Boy Scouts tolerate many religions (Methodist, Catholic, Baptist, etc), but one of the core values is the belief in God. You can't belong to the organization if you don't believe. Can you promise to do your duty to God and your Country if you don't believe????

Its a private organization and they can allow whomever they wish. It is not an equal opportunity organization. Its like Augusta. You don't play in the tournament unless you are a male. They are private and can do whatever they want.

If you don't like it DON"T JOIN! He knew the values when he signed up.
 

HappyPuppy

Lifer
Apr 5, 2001
16,997
2
71
Originally posted by: Electric Amish
Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
Originally posted by: PipBoy
Hopefully not a repost--

Atheist Scout

At least they gave him a week to rebuild his belief structure to fit in with the rest of the group. Apparently all his community service and merit badge work is meaningless to the Boy Scouts since he does not share their beliefs. I hope he sticks to his guns and lets them kick him out.


Belief in a higher power is one of the core rules of the Boy Scouts. If he can't live by the rules he should leave.

It is??? When did this happen?

When they were formed.

amish

 

klah

Diamond Member
Aug 13, 2002
7,070
1
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Purpose of the BSA

The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated to provide a program for community organizations that offers effective character, citizenship, and personal fitness training for youth.

Specifically, the BSA endeavors to develop American citizens who are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit; have a high degree of self-reliance as evidenced in such qualities as initiative, courage, and resourcefulness; have personal values based on religious concepts; have the desire and skills to help others; understand the principles of the American social, economic, and governmental systems; are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage and understand our nation's role in the world; have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people; and are prepared to participate in and give leadership to American society.
They have special badges for Muslims, Buddhists and Jews as well as Christians.


edit: from www.scouting.org
 

Yossarian

Lifer
Dec 26, 2000
18,010
1
81
I guess it's the "Mother Nature would be acceptable" comment that strikes me as absurd. I mean, what so-called higher powers are acceptable? What if the kid is a satan worshipper?

Does the BSA get government funding? I sincerely hope not, but I wouldn't be surprised if Ashcroft had a little kitty set aside for them somewhere.
 

Fausto

Elite Member
Nov 29, 2000
26,521
2
0
Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
Originally posted by: PipBoy
Hopefully not a repost--

Atheist Scout

At least they gave him a week to rebuild his belief structure to fit in with the rest of the group. Apparently all his community service and merit badge work is meaningless to the Boy Scouts since he does not share their beliefs. I hope he sticks to his guns and lets them kick him out.


Belief in a higher power is one of the core rules of the Boy Scouts. If he can't live by the rules he should leave.
True, but it seems to me that the BSA is effectively cutting off their nose to spite their face. I mean, the kid's got 37 merit badges, 1,000 hours of community service, etc. He's their damn poster child aside from the atheism thing. What's really ironic is that he's going to get booted from refusing to lie and say that he's "found god".....in his own words "I wouldn't be a good Scout then, would I?" That's just sad.
 

FettsBabe

Diamond Member
Oct 21, 1999
3,708
0
0
Gov. funding should cease???? Does that mean if Augusta was tore up by a tornado and the area was declared a federal disaster area that the golf course could not get federal funding?

The Boy Scouts is almost completely funded by Trailsend popcorn sales. Some organizations sell Christmas trees, etc. They hardly receive any money from United Way. In fact, United Way is funded by volunteers and people who give. I give my fair share. If people don't want there money given to the Boy Scouts they can state so on the form.
 

0roo0roo

No Lifer
Sep 21, 2002
64,795
84
91
frankly its dishonest for them to allow athiests,agnostics buddists or any religion other then their certified few to join if thats the case u know:p

boy scouts lost their credibility long ago. its sad, it was an organization with some potential, it just can't evolve to fit the times sadly because its too scared to offend certain religious groups. ..like the mormons. and don't think i'm knocking a religion.. the mormons are a huge block of the boyscouts. holding em back is how i see it.

another case of religion corrupting things when it strays from the church:p grumble.
 

dahunan

Lifer
Jan 10, 2002
18,191
3
0
Why would someone want to belong to a group when you do not think like they do?

Leave the friggin Boy Scouts alone - go pass out some condoms and give abortions to 14 year old girls without telling their parents.

Sheesh....

It is the same thing as a group telling you that you cannot drink alcohol and then you drink alcohol.

The giving of the week was retarded. He is a lying scout which would mean he broke another of their core values so they should have just kicked him out - sounds simple - he isn't following the rules.
 

They should rename it "Boy Scouts of God" then.
In America you have the freedom to believe in what ever you desire.
 

Ameesh

Lifer
Apr 3, 2001
23,686
0
0
Originally posted by: Electric Amish
Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
Originally posted by: PipBoy
Hopefully not a repost--

Atheist Scout

At least they gave him a week to rebuild his belief structure to fit in with the rest of the group. Apparently all his community service and merit badge work is meaningless to the Boy Scouts since he does not share their beliefs. I hope he sticks to his guns and lets them kick him out.


Belief in a higher power is one of the core rules of the Boy Scouts. If he can't live by the rules he should leave.

It is??? When did this happen?

amish

on my honor i'll do my duty to god and my country to obey the scout law to help other people at all times to keep physically strong, mentaly awake and morally straight. -scout oath

you also have to declare and prove your faith when you go thought the final stages of getting your eagle scout.
 

Ameesh

Lifer
Apr 3, 2001
23,686
0
0
Originally posted by: Roger
They should rename it "Boy Scouts of God" then.
In America you have the freedom to believe in what ever you desire.

in the USA we also have the first ammenedment.
 

ToBeMe

Diamond Member
Jun 21, 2000
5,711
0
0
Originally posted by: PipBoy
I guess it's the "Mother Nature would be acceptable" comment that strikes me as absurd. I mean, what so-called higher powers are acceptable? What if the kid is a satan worshipper?

Does the BSA get government funding? I sincerely hope not, but I wouldn't be surprised if Ashcroft had a little kitty set aside for them somewhere.
No, there is NO government funding anymore whatsoever. Both my sons participated until they chose not to. I was involved as a Weblos leader and as a member of the board of the directors for our local pack/troop. After the earlier lawsuit, we did have to change our local meeting place from the local community center all local scouts had used for years......................we actually got offers galore from everyone from the local VFW, Masonic Lodge, Jaycees, Lions, to every church in the area.

"God and Country" are two of the biggest emphasis points of both the Cub and Boy Scout organization.........................basicly it IS the foundation of many parts of it. You must have a belief in a higher power such as "God" to participate. Oh, and no, "Satan" would not be acceptable...................................
rolleye.gif
 

Fausto

Elite Member
Nov 29, 2000
26,521
2
0
Originally posted by: dahunan
Why would someone want to belong to a group when you do not think like they do?

Leave the friggin Boy Scouts alone - go pass out some condoms and give abortions to 14 year old girls without telling their parents.

Sheesh....

It is the same thing as a group telling you that you cannot drink alcohol and then you drink alcohol.

The giving of the week was retarded. He is a lying scout which would mean he broke another of their core values so they should have just kicked him out - sounds simple - he isn't following the rules.
Wow, did you call up both brain cells into action to create that pointless tirade? Come join us when you can think of something semi-relevant to say.
rolleye.gif


 

Red Dawn

Elite Member
Jun 4, 2001
57,529
3
0
Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
Originally posted by: PipBoy
Hopefully not a repost--

Atheist Scout

At least they gave him a week to rebuild his belief structure to fit in with the rest of the group. Apparently all his community service and merit badge work is meaningless to the Boy Scouts since he does not share their beliefs. I hope he sticks to his guns and lets them kick him out.


Belief in a higher power is one of the core rules of the Boy Scouts. If he can't live by the rules he should leave.
Do they receive any funding from the Government? If they do then they shouldn't be able to force him to believe in any of their myths. If they don't then they should be able to allow who they want as members just like the KKK and the Black Panthers do!
 

Electric Amish

Elite Member
Oct 11, 1999
23,578
1
0
Originally posted by: Ameesh
Originally posted by: Electric Amish
Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
Originally posted by: PipBoy
Hopefully not a repost--

Atheist Scout

At least they gave him a week to rebuild his belief structure to fit in with the rest of the group. Apparently all his community service and merit badge work is meaningless to the Boy Scouts since he does not share their beliefs. I hope he sticks to his guns and lets them kick him out.


Belief in a higher power is one of the core rules of the Boy Scouts. If he can't live by the rules he should leave.

It is??? When did this happen?

amish

on my honor i'll do my duty to god and my country to obey the scout law to help other people at all times to keep physically strong, mentaly awake and morally straight. -scout oath

you also have to declare and prove your faith when you go thought the final stages of getting your eagle scout.


Well, I guess it's a good thing I didn't waste my time with trying to get my eagle. ;)

amish
 

klah

Diamond Member
Aug 13, 2002
7,070
1
0
Originally posted by: Roger
They should rename it "Boy Scouts of God" then.
In America you have the freedom to believe in what ever you desire.
And when you start a Private Club you have the right to set whatever guidelines you wish.