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| A Scout is Reverent by Norman Rockwell |
The Scout Oath begins with “duty to God” and
the Scout Law ends with a Scout's obligation to be “Reverent.”
This has been and still is the foundation for
Scouts to be “Reverent.”
Although the Boy Scouts of America is a nonsectarian organization
advocating a devout belief in a deity through the Scout Oath and Law, Article IX,
Section 1, Clause 1 in the Charter and Bylaws states in part,
“The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no boy can grow into the best kind of
citizen without recognizing an obligation to God,” in essence being “Reverent.”
The BSA expects its members to accept the religious principles
as stated in the bylaws, the Scout Oath and Law, and the application for
membership.
With that said, what does it really means for a Scout to be Reverent?
FOR THE SCOUT: Being Reverent means the Scout should
faithfully follow the religious duties, and responsibilities instructed by his
parents or guardian and/or his religious institution. Because Scouts are
associated with people of different faiths, it is also imperative
that Scouts recognize the religious beliefs of other Scouts and respect those
beliefs. While the BSA does not define what
constitutes belief in God or the practice of religion, nor require
membership in a religious organization or association for enrollment in the
Scout movement it does prefer, and strongly encourages, membership and
participation in the religious programs and activities of a church, synagogue,
or other religious association. The BSA believes in religious freedom, and
expects Scouts to respect others whose practicing religion may differ from
theirs. Scouting embraces the right of all to worship God in their own way and
encourages each individual Scout to be obligated to their faith.
FOR THE SCOUT LEADER: Being Reverent means
the Scout leaders, without being sectarian, should be accommodating in
their religious influence, encouraging each Scout to be openly faithful
with their own particular religious obligations. Leaders should model a standard
where the Scout can, without distraction, live out their lives according to the
ideas of their faith and work towards earning the duty to God religious emblem
of their faith while in the Scout Program.
Scout
outings and other activities that span weekends should include an up front
announced opportunity for Scouts to meet their religious obligations. If
services for members of each faith will not be available, the BSA recommends an
interfaith service.
As you
consider such a service, keep in mind that some religions have
specific requirements that cannot be fulfilled through an interfaith service,
and other arrangements might be necessary for Scouts of those
faiths. Any scripture readings, prayers, hymns, and other parts of an interfaith
service must be considerate of the beliefs of all those present.
No
matter what the religious faith of the Scout may be, this fundamental need of
the Scout should be kept before them. The Boy Scouts of America, therefore,
recognizes the religious element in the training of the member, but is
absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude towards that religious training.
Although the Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the
best kind of citizenship without recognizing an obligation to God its
policy is that the home and the religious organization with which the Scout is
connected shall give definite attention to religious life.
Statements by Lord Baden-Powell, Founder of Scouting:
"There is no religious "side" of the movement. The whole of it is based on religion, that is, on the realization and service of God.""Let us, therefore, in training our Scouts, keep the higher aims in the forefront, not let ourselves get too absorbed in the steps. Don't let the technical outweigh the moral. Field efficiency, back woodsmanship, camping, hiking, Good Turns, jamboree comradeship are all means, not the end. The end is CHARACTER with a purpose."
Pastor Scott
Johnston
Camp Sinoquipe Chaplain
