McFreedom

I was a Star Boy Scout (my rank, not an adjective describing my Scoutiness) as a boy, and really enjoyed it. However, I am currently not planning on encouraging my sons to become Boy Scouts, because the beliefs of the organization are so far out of line from my beliefs. The latest case is of an Eagle-Scout adult leader (19) who has been outed as an athiest. The Scouts want him to profess belief in a higher power or get out. According to the article, in fact, Scouts and adult leaders must say they "recognize some higher power" on their applications, something that would preclude me from leadership in the Scouts. They do not, apparently, require that the Higher Power be Christian; a spokesman for the Scouts commented that "Mother Nature would be acceptable" as a Higher Power. One wonders if benevolence is even required - would Satanists be more welcome than atheists?

Obviously, as a private organization, I believe they should be able to do what they want. I'm just saddened that my sons won't be able to be a part of what was a great experience in my life because of what we believe.