Am I deceptive for this? Should I be punished?

Question

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y250/Masquerade808/atheistbitch.jpg

There you have it. Photographic proof that I'm a deceptive, lying bastard. And yet I'm supposedly more Scoutlike than 95% of Boy Scouts. I handled the responsibility of being a patrol leader, going backpacking, and finally my Eagle Project, which is many times more than most people my age have done. And yet some would say that I am going to hell, do not deserve the award, etc etc.

Does being atheist and bi-questioning mean anything with regards to this award? Keep in mind that my troop (though not the Boy Scouts as a whole) is not conservative in the least and has absolutely no stance towards homosexuality nor atheism.

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May Pelor shine upon your questions. May Balthazar grant you strength to resist hatred. May Athena bless your answers with wisdom.

~Your friendly neighborhood atheist

Darryl-- thankyew :)

In case you didn't know, the box in my hand displays Eagle Scout symbols of rank, and I'm wearing a Boy Scout uniform. The Boy Scouts are a Christian organization with the mission of raising young leaders with Christian morals. Here in Hawaii, they helped local forces in WWII in various ways. Eagle is the highest rank there is, so for all intents and purposes it means "I win".

My troop, though, is as liberal as Hawaii is, and that's saying something-- we call it Blue Hawaii for a reason.

JH-- I think you're wrong there.

Let's say we have the Atheist Boy Scouts (ABSA, nice ring to it). The Atheist Boy Scouts seeks to raise secular leaders for tomorrow. Any Christian with secular morals would be welcome. Believing in God would probably not bar you from following the ABSA's code.

Or, let's take a more extreme example-- an organization dedicated to the understanding and acceptance of atheists as moral and upstanding people. Even here, a Christian would be welcome as someone who also would be willing to advocate for the understanding of atheism.

CC: I'm quite aware of the BSA's stances. However, my troop is on my side. Just as not all Christians believe that gays can never be good Christians, my troop believes that a non-Christian can be a responsible and ethical Boy Scout.

Answer 1

Hello Asian was Atrus [AM of Hawaii]:

To answer your question, yes, you are deceptive.

If in fact, the award you are holding was earned dishonestly, it is worth no more than the few pieces of thread and pot metal from which it is made.

Your troop does not award the rank of Eagle; This is bestowed by the national council, via your local Council. The National Council must rely on the Local Council to administer the tests and verify the eligibility of the candidate. The Local Council relies on the troop to verify the eligibility of the candidate. It seems that your troop's lackadaisical attitude has let down the Council and the National organization. Shameful.

The twelfth point of the Scout law is "A Scout is Reverent." How does an atheist show reverence? The BSA has a documented policy that the members are required to have a belief in a higher power. The BSA is not a Christian-based organization. Troops are sponsored by many different groups, as well as the vast multitude of religous orders that freely practice within the United States. However, Atheism is not recognized by the BSA.

Regardless of your belief if the policy is valid, fair, or to your liking, it is the policy of the organization. As a member, it is incumbent upon you to uphold the policies of that organization. To continue in membership in opposition to those policies is deceitful. If you got the award by lying, wow, you deceived a group who base their existence on trust. Great accomplishment. You've effectively spit on all the boys who do believe in all of the tenants of the BSA and worked hard, followed all of the rules to earn the award. However, your actions do not diminish their efforts, they show you to be what you are; dishonest and disrespectful.

Should you be punished? No, but you should atone for your dishonesty. If you have any integrity, you should return the award & certification with an explanation letter, and resign your membership in the movement.

Answer 2

The thing is this: the Boy Scouts is a christian-based organization. I don't see atheist groups allowing christians in their doors. Yet everyone expects christian organizations to let non-christians in their doors. It's a double standard. As a christian, what do you think would happen if I applied for a leadership position with a mainstream atheist organization. After they stopped laughing, they would probably have me escorted off the premises by armed guards. And, you know what? No one would expect them to do anything less. But if a christian organization tried to only have christian leaders, they are called bigots, and accused of being discriminatory. It's a huge double standard.

Answer 3

I think the BSA (Boy Scouts of America) does have a position against atheism. It also has a position against homosexuals. See the references below.

Answer 4

Possibly a little, but deception is sometimes warranted. This would be one of the times. Congrats on Eagle, though.

Answer 5

Congrats on your attaining Eagle Scout level.
.

Answer 6

What is the award for exactly that could help people answer the question?

Answer 7

Don't ask, dont tell. I see no deception, you earned that award. Who you have sex with or pray has nothing to do with your ability to be n honorable member of society.

Congrats darling. ^_^

Answer 8

Nooo..I don't see a problem. Grats!

Answer 9

well that is a very good question.