how would you handle the following situation?

Question

My ex inlaws are die-hard christians... well, they like to think they are. I, myself, am a 20 year practicing witch. Well, it seems my ex inlaws want to force my son into Boy Scouts. His mother, my ex wife, is also Wiccan. She and I both agree he will go into what is called Spiral Scouts. Much the same as Boy Scouts, but without all the christian overtones. Even after being told we absolutely do NOT want him in Boy Scouts, they are insisting on taking him to a meeting, because they don't believe it's a christian organization.

Please. Do NOT preach to me about my salvation or about my son "burning in hell" for my mistakes. Before you judge someone based on their religion, take the time to study it. Learn about it.

Answer 1

They have no right to do anything you do not approve of with your kids, period.

Answer 2

"Christian overtones"? I was a Scout and a Scout leader for many, many years and the 'Christianity' of Scouting is such a thin veneer that it barely counts. Certainly, few of the boys 'catch' Christianity from it.

Sure, there is a lot of lip service to 'duty to god', but they steadfastly do not define what this is.

Oh, yeah. The National Office and the whole 'god and gays' bit. This is pretty bogus. Few people in the field support this belief and no where on any registration form does it ask about sexual or spiritual orientation.

My advice would be to go with the Boy Scouts and take advantage of the huge variety of opportunities they offer- camps across the country, international adventures, diversity, lots of cool stuff!

The Spiral Scouts are... well, they and groups like the Royal Rangers (a Christian version of the Scouts) simply cannot offer the same breadth of experiences the larger group can.

If the unit you join IS overly religious, just try a different unit!

Answer 3

First, let me say that it is awesome that you and his mother can communicate with each other for the well-being of your son. That shows that you and his mother are good parents and can make good decisions regarding his well-being. As for your question, I would suggest that you consider what he wants to do. If he is really young then I would trust that you and his mother are making a good decision on his behalf. If he is old enough to make a decision on his own I would probably suggest allowing him to go to a Boy Scout meeting and a Spiral Scout meeting. Let him try out both and see which one he likes best. I would also suggest either you or his mother go with him to guide him in making a decision that would be best for him. The grandparents may have good intentions, however, being Christian they do not have the foresight to see that you and his mother are simply being good parents and protecting your child. They do not understand that other Christians can be judgmental towards our Wiccan way of life, and they can especially be judgmental toward our young ones. They do not understand that Wiccan children are raised in peaceful, loving and caring ways so they do not have the knowledge or ability to protect themselves from such cruel acts. Therefore they must depend on us to protect them from it until they are old enough to learn how and why. Keep being good parents and I hope everything works out. Blessed Be.

Answer 4

Boy Scouts are not extremely christian but they are slightly christian. They also tend to be associated with a particular church.

It's unclear which of you has custody but it sounds like your ex-wife. Ultimately, it is the decision of whomever has custody.

On the one hand, I would not consider it a big deal to let your son join. On the other hand, it does sound like a power play and it may be important to they dynamic of your relationships that you resist.

I would ask that you also think of your son's feelings. I would suspect that he could find a boy scout troop with far more of his friends in it versus a spiral scout troop.

Answer 5

a million. telling a 6-3 hundred and sixty 5 days-previous there's no Santa Claus :D No i'm kidding, that is heartless. 3. Being flipped off by utilising somebody for no obvious reason. 4. Nosy family contributors contributors. 5. winning a gaggle of funds. ^^^ that's a stressful lot, yet i think of i will stay with that 8D ^^^ 6. Going devoid of bathing for 3 days or greater. 8. Being component of a marriage party ensemble. 9. working out of donuts or pancakes. 10. Being advised you're too youthful or too previous to do something.

Answer 6

I was in scouts, in fact my dad was the scout leader. My dad hates Christianity (not that he promoted that to the kids or anything). So there you have it, let the kid decide, really though you should put him in a sport instead, and not put him on a path to be ridiculed.

Answer 7

You are the boy's parents. You've made your decision. Your in-laws need to respect your wishes. It sounds like they don't respect your decisions and if this is true, I'd nip it in the bud before the boy gets older and the problem gets worse. Do what you feel is right and stand your ground as a united front.

Answer 8

No matter how well intentioned the grandparents are, he is YOUR son.

Find the most loving and caring way you can to remind them, that he is YOUR son, not theirs, and you will be doing what is best for him, not them.

I know our local Spiral Scouts troop has LOTS of fun, and I love that they don't segregate boys and girls/

Answer 9

Your kid your choice. I really haven't seen Christian overtones to the point of being worried about it but it is your choice. Tell them to back off.

Answer 10

Sounds like the more serious problem is not boy scouts or not. God is going to judge us for how we raise our children. But more importantly what about your own salvation?

Answer 11

well what does you son want? my mother never 'put' us kids into something. if we wanted to do it then we would choose to. try asking him. if he doesnt care either way then you shoudl decide what to pu him into, not his grandparents. thats crazy.