A Scout Is Reverent. Frequently Asked Questions on Scout Worship from Woodbadge Training

A Scout Is Reverent Frequently Asked Questions on Scout Worship from Woodbadge Training Prepared by Mark S. Cohen For Wood Badge SR-547 February, 2004

Question 1 The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God. True or False

True This sentence is quoted directly from the Charter and Bylaws of The Boy Scouts of America. The BSA believes that the recognition of God as the ruling and leading power in the universe is fundamental to the best type of citizenship and an important precept in the education of young people. No matter what the religious faith of the members may be, this fundamental need of good citizenship should be kept before them.

Question 2 The 12 th point of the Scout Law includes the following responsibilities: a. personal religious obligations b. duty to country c. respect for the beliefs of others d. all of the above Circle the correct answer or answers

A & C The 12 th point of the Scout Law reads, Reverent. A scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others. In addition to being a quote from the Boy Scout Handbook, this statement is also a part of the Charter an Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America. The Boy Scout Handbook goes on to state, The Constitution of the United States guarantees each of us the freedom to believe and worship as we wish without government interference. It is your duty to respect and defend others rights to their religious beliefs when they differ from your own. Duty to God is an important component of the Scout Oath, of course, but it is not part of the BSA s religious principle. Just because something is patriotic doesn t make it religious.

Question 3 The word nonsectarian means: a. nondenominational b. ecumenical c. not affiliated with any specific religion d. all of the above Circle the correct answer or answers

C - not affiliated with any specific religion This is a tricky one because not everyone uses these words correctly. A nondenominational service is, by definition, usually just for Protestants, although it can be developed so it is appropriate for all Christians - in which case it would also be ecumenical. An ecumenical service is one suitable for the completely Christian church. A nonsectarian service is one that is not affiliated with any specific religion. The Charter and Bylaws of the BSA recognize the religious elements in the training of BSA members, but the BSA is absolutely non-sectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. Religious instruction is the responsibility of the home and the religious institution. Being together to worship God in a Scout setting is an excellent way to live the 12 th point of the Scout Law. A Scout is reverent. In planning and carrying out religious activities it is important to know, support, and respect all faiths represented in the group. A truth in advertising philosophy is important. Accurately name and promote the service. Nothing is more offensive than anticipating a service for everyone and then attending one that espouses the beliefs of one particular faith or religion.

Question 4 Which of the following could be a violation of a religious belief? a. recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance b. removing one s hat when indoors and/ or during a meal c. expecting everyone to taste a particular food d. attending a program event or activity on Saturday e. drinking coffee, tea, or cola

A, B, C, D, & E Although the religions vary, all of these practices could be a violation of a religious belief. The best way to become knowledgeable about a person s beliefs is to ask about them. Ignorance is not an acceptable excuse if you have the opportunity to become informed.

Question 5 In accordance with their agreement with the BSA, some churches sponsoring Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity, or Venturing units can require members of their units to participate in religious ceremonies and services distinctive to that church. True or False

False This is clearly stated in the Charter and Bylaws of the BSA: In no case where a unit is connected with a church or other distinctively religious organization shall members of other denominations or faiths be required, because of their membership in the unit, to take part in or observe a religious ceremony distinctively unique to that organization or church.

Question 6 A multifaith or interfaith Scout s Own service is a service that all Scouts and Scouters may attend. It requires careful planning to ensure that it does not violate the beliefs of any religion. True or False

True In planning a Scout s Own, much attention must be paid to recognize the universality of beliefs in God and reverence. A Scout s Own should be a nonsectarian service. Any scripture reading, prayers, hymns, and other parts of a Scout s Own must be considerate of the beliefs of all those present.

Question 7 Some religions have specific requirements that cannot be fulfilled through interfaith service. Other arrangements might be necessary for Scouts of those faiths to fulfill such commitments. True or False

True Again, the best way to become knowledgeable about a person s religious beliefs is to inquire about them. The opportunity to share the various beliefs of members can be a great program feature and helps everyone understand and appreciate religious diversity.

Question 8 Of the eight major religions in the world, all are represented in the BSA s religious emblems program. True or False

False There are thousands of religions in the world, but only eight major religions. Although BSA has an extensive religious emblems program, only five of the eight major religions currently have religious emblems for Scouts to earn. (Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity have programs. Confucianism, Taoism, and Shintoism do not perhaps because the number of adherents to those faiths in the US is relatively small.)

Question 9 Duty to God and religious duties are important components of a. The Cub Scout Promise b. The Scout Oath c. The Scout Law d. The Venturing Oath e. all of the above Circle the correct answer or answers

E - all of the above All of them include religious components.

Question 10 Appropriate graces for meals at Scouting events do not refer specifically to a central figure - Jesus Christ or Allah, for example. True or False

False A Scout does his duty to God by following the wisdom of those teachings every day and by respecting and defending the rights of others to practice their own beliefs. - Boy Scout Handbook. When in nonsectarian group, Scouters should ensure that Scouts from a variety of religions have the opportunity to offer prayer in the manner of their custom. Some Scouters choose to sidestep the issue by offering a nonsectarian grace like the Philmont grace, which may be recited in unison for every meal.