Every week thousands of Boy Scouts across America vow to keep themselves “morally straight” as they recite the final line of the Boy Scout Oath: “[I promise] to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.” Unfortunately, many of the Boy Scouts of America’s critics claim Scouting has lost its moral standard. When the Boy Scout National Council decided to remove its ban on homosexual boys and adults, Christians began to ponder the ethics of supporting Scouting. While some Christians painfully decided to leave Scouting, others enthusiastically maintained their memberships. After carefully examining the facts, my family and I decided to stay in Scouting. As a devoted Christian and an experienced Eagle Scout, I believe that
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The Boy Scouts of America strictly prohibits any kind of sexual behavior or innuendo regardless of sexual orientation. Even though gay boys now may join Scouting, they still must adhere to the same strict regulations concerning youth behavior that existed before the policy change. Any display of sexual behavior can and will result in expulsion from the Boy Scouts of America. As a member of a Christian family, I believe God hates homosexuality as well as any extra-marital sexual gratification. Jesus clearly condemns even immoral thoughts as a form of adultery: “I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28, NIV). In accordance with Biblical doctrine, the Boy Scouts sternly prohibits pornography, innuendo, and crude joking. Christians, therefore, can participate in Scouting knowing that anything relating to sexuality will be condemned and …show more content…
From backpacking along the Appalachian Trail to white water rafting the former Olympic course, Scouting offers a myriad of opportunities. Without Scouting I probably would have never learned to tie knots blindfolded with one hand behind my back or cook cinnamon rolls in an open fire. Scouting taught me how to perform CPR, the Heimlich maneuver, and the teapot dance. Every year, hundreds of Scouts flock to summer camp to learn how to rescue drowning swimmers or how to build rope bridges. By engaging in Scouting’s wholesome activities, youth follow the Apostle Paul’s advice: “whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8). Clearly, Christian Scouts can glorify God as they learn new skills and experience His
The Boy Scouts of America strictly prohibits any kind of sexual behavior or innuendo regardless of sexual orientation. Even though gay boys now may join Scouting, they still must adhere to the same strict regulations concerning youth behavior that existed before the policy change. Any display of sexual behavior can and will result in expulsion from the Boy Scouts of America. As a member of a Christian family, I believe God hates homosexuality as well as any extra-marital sexual gratification. Jesus clearly condemns even immoral thoughts as a form of adultery: “I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28, NIV). In accordance with Biblical doctrine, the Boy Scouts sternly prohibits pornography, innuendo, and crude joking. Christians, therefore, can participate in Scouting knowing that anything relating to sexuality will be condemned and …show more content…
From backpacking along the Appalachian Trail to white water rafting the former Olympic course, Scouting offers a myriad of opportunities. Without Scouting I probably would have never learned to tie knots blindfolded with one hand behind my back or cook cinnamon rolls in an open fire. Scouting taught me how to perform CPR, the Heimlich maneuver, and the teapot dance. Every year, hundreds of Scouts flock to summer camp to learn how to rescue drowning swimmers or how to build rope bridges. By engaging in Scouting’s wholesome activities, youth follow the Apostle Paul’s advice: “whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8). Clearly, Christian Scouts can glorify God as they learn new skills and experience His