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I can't believe that posters have been stating that the Boy Scouts are a Christian fundamentalist organization and no one has challenged that. That's nonsense and if you believe that, you know nothing about scouts. Yes, there are scout troops chartered by churches--all kinds of churches, not just Christian and certainly not all fundamentalist--and there are many troops that are not.
Good points. I was at a summer camp where we had a Jewish troop in attendance. They even led us in a traditional Hebrew prayer before dinner.
I can't believe that posters have been stating that the Boy Scouts are a Christian fundamentalist organization and no one has challenged that. That's nonsense and if you believe that, you know nothing about scouts. Yes, there are scout troops chartered by churches--all kinds of churches, not just Christian and certainly not all fundamentalist--and there are many troops that are not.
Yep, there are Muslim scout troops, Jewish scout troops, and members of both of those faiths that are in "regular" scout troops.
In fact there's an entire association (National Jewish Committee on Scouting) dedicated to connecting Jewish youth with Boy Scouts of America troops and programs (and one for girls as well).
An organization recently visited my five year old son's kindergarten class to recruit new members. The parent representing the organization understandably told the kids about all of the fun things the organization does such as camping trips, nature center visits, etc. My son of course came home excited and told us he wants to sign up.
The problem is that my family does not meet the membership requirements of this organization. My son could not truthfully recite the oath and I couldn't participate as a leader in the group without lying when reciting the oath.
I was actually a member of this organization as a child and I enjoyed it for several years. I would love for my son and family to participate but I don't want to sell out my ideals to do so, nor do I want to teach my son to be dishonest.
I really wish the group would be accepting of us as I think it has many good qualities. I've thought about letting my son join anyway but I would honestly feel very conflicted about it. I do fear he will be jealous when he hears some of his classmates talk about the fun they have being in this group.
What would all of you do? Would you compromise your ideals so your child could be part of a group? I really am torn here.
You were a member of the organization at some point, but don't want to sell out YOUR ideals by allowing your son to do something HE wants to do and become a member? Really?
I guess your son isn't allowed to experience life and form his own opinions then?
Unless it is some sort of radical stuff that might cause your son harm, then aren't you selling your son out because what he wants is different from what you want?
As a parent, your life SHOULD be all about him. His life shouldn't always conform to be all about you.
Im worried for you. He can always rebel and reject you and your ideals altogether. That happens when young children feel smothered for no good reason except to once again be able to say 'no' to someone you otherwise claim to love.
That is the problem right there, he can't. The more I think about it the more I am angry with the school for allowing them to recruit during class time. An email to the principal is in order, I don't want this scenario repeating its self in first grade next year, or when my younger child starts school.
Well, brace yourself because it will repeat every year.
There is no need to deny scout information to everyone else because you don't want to tell your son that he can't join.
You don't want your son to be forced to say he will do his duty to God, but you are forcing him to be an atheist.
Seems wrong somehow.
As an example, I was a Cub Scout and a Boy Scout. My mother was never a leader so she never had to say the oath, and believe me, she would not have done so if asked. She allowed me to because she believed that I should decide on my own.
I went to church twice as a child. I went with the family across the street. I cannot remember the "proper" name, but I've always called them Holy Rollers. My apologies if that is offensive to some. It was a blast! Singing, shouting, people rolling in the aisle speaking in a strange language. I really enjoyed it. I described it to my mother the second time I came home. Didn't go again. She told me i could go to church if I wanted to, but that was not the place to start.
I was asked in grade school what religion I was. I had to ask her. She told to just say Protestant.
So the gist of all this is that she let me decide what to do about a belief in God and religion.
I'm an Agnostic leaning towards Atheist.
Let your son find his own way. He will possibly feel resentment if you deny this to him and that may eventually lead to a dislike of Atheism. It's a narrow path. Tread carefully.
Last edited by Tek_Freek; 10-14-2018 at 12:04 PM..
You don't have a problem. tell your child "we" don't believe in god and any organization that acknowledges god is against "our" beliefs. but, I assume you are consistent with eschewing all contact with any groups or individuals who don't completely share your beliefs and values so your child doesn't get confused about what people and values he must strictly avoid at 5 years old.
No we do not avoid individuals who do not share our beliefs? Why would we? Unless they are pressuring us to participate in their rituals or adopt their belief system why would we?
No we do not avoid individuals who do not share our beliefs? Why would we? Unless they are pressuring us to participate in their rituals or adopt their belief system why would we?
We are the same in our relationships with others. Our best friends where we lived before were in a nutball crazy church, but we saw them all the time. As long as they didn't try to "convert" us. Start in wanting me to believe the insane crap you do? Buh bye.
Every Blood Moon I was treated to a half hour End of the World speech. Silence after nothing happened. I just listened. And waited. Then we had food and played games.
How can you be friends with someone who believes "insane crap"? Sounds like you think you're smarter than them. That's not a good basis for friendship, to feel superior.
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