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Our MissionTo support Scouts and Scouters in fulfilling their oath of "duty to God" in a religiously diverse culture.
The Goals of this WebsiteOur goal is to provide primarily Scouters, but also Scouts, with a kind of "primer on religious diversity" in understanding how different religious communities will hear and understand the Scouting value encapsulated in the Scout Oath as one's "duty to God" and in the Scout Law as "a Scout is reverent." It endeavors to provide some basic information about the beliefs and religious practices of different traditions that could be shared with Scouts in keeping with unit goals when the youth in the unit do not share a single faith tradition. As religious diversity within a scouting unit increases, there is a natural tendency to diminish the Scouting value of "duty to God" within the unit's programming rather than to risk offending religious sensitivities. Instead of viewing such diversity as a restraint on programming, it instead needs to be seen as an educational opportunity for all. At the same time, however, "education" cannot be allowed to become either a thin veneer for "proselytizing" (attempting to change a particular Scout's religious commitments) or disrespecting the particularity of religious traditions by encouraging Scouts to "try" other forms of religious expression or observance. Overview of the Content of this WebsiteThe pages on this website provide some insights into aspects and challenges of religious diversity within Scouting and the broader culture both historically and now in the early 21st century, a simple primer of some major Western and Eastern religions currently practiced in the United States in terms of shared beliefs and elements of diversity within each tradition, and a list of resources both general and specific in nature suitable to adults and/or youth. Some of these resources were developed specifically for this site while others are provided as links to other resources available to Scouters on the Internet. The Views Expressed on this Website ...It must be stressed that the views expressed on this website, except where specifically cited from official BSA publications, do not necessarily reflect official positions of the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America or any of its chartered councils and units or sponsoring organizations. It is hoped that Scouters will find this information helpful and will share it with fellow Scouters. Those interested in working to promote values of Scouting and Religious Diversity or to express comments about this website may contact the webmaster at the email address listed below. About the Author of this WebsiteThis website was developed as a Wood Badge project by Timothy B. Cargal, a Scoutmaster in the National Capital Area Council, BSA. He holds a Ph.D. in Religion from Vanderbilt University (specializing in the interpretation of Christian and Jewish scriptures), and served for seven years as a University Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy and Religion of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. Since 1997 he has served as pastor of the Northwood Presbyterian Church in Silver Spring, Maryland, and has frequently led religious tours of the Middle East. He has been an Eagle Scout since 1977, and has 10 years experience as an adult Scouter in the Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs.
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Copyright © 2005
Scouting and Religious Diversity
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