The Boy Scouts

The Boy Scouts
Here is a word on the Boy Scouts, in the words of the founder of the organization.

The Boy Scouts were originally founded on Christian values, and grew into the largest voluntary youth movement in the world, with membership over 25 million.

In a 1917 pamphlet on Scouting, the founder, Robert Baden-Powell wrote an introduction, Scouting & Christianity, stating:

"Scouting is nothing less than applied Christianity."

Robert Baden-Powell had written earlier in Scouting for Boys, 1908: "We aim for the practice of Christianity in their everyday life and dealings, and not merely the profession of its theology on Sundays ... There is a vast reserve of loyal patriotism and Christian spirit lying dormant in our nation to-day, mainly because it sees no direct opportunity for expressing itself.

"In this joyous brotherhood there is vast opportunity open to all ... It gives every man his chance of service for his fellow-men and for God. No man is much good unless he believes in God and obeys His laws ... First: Love and serve God. Second: Love and serve your neighbor."

Baden-Powell wrote in Aids to Scoutmastership, 1919: "Development of outlook naturally begins with a respect for God ... Reverence to God and reverence for one's neighbor and reverence for oneself as a servant of God."

The Scout Handbook, 5th edition (1948) explained "A Scout is Reverent": It went on to say, "The Scout shows true reverence in two principal ways. First, you pray to God, you love God and you serve Him.

"Secondly, in your everyday actions you help other people, because they are made by God to God's own likeness. You and all men are made by God to God's own likeness. You and all men are important in the sight of God because God made you.

The 'unalienable rights' in our historic Declaration of Independence, come from God. That is why you respect others whose oragins and customs may differ from yours."

The Scout Handbook, 5th edition (1948), in the section "Duty to God," a scout was admonished to be "faithful to God's Commandments":

"You worship God regularly with your family in your church or synagogue. You try to follow the religious teachings that you have been taught, and you are faithful in your church school duties, and help in church activities. Above all you are faithful to Almighty God's Commandments.

"Most great men in history have been men of deep religious faith. Washington knelt in the snow to pray at Valley Forge. Lincoln always sought Divine guidance before each important decision. Be proud of your religious faith.

"Remember in doing your duty to God, to be grateful to Him. Whenever you succeed in doing something well, thank Him for it. Sometimes when you look up into the starlit sky on a quiet night, and feel close to Him-thank Him as the Giver of all good things.

"One way to express your duty and your thankfulness to God is to help others, and this too, is a part of your Scout Promise."