The Meaning of the Boy Scout Oath

Focus on Freedom ^

[steplock]

After several weeks of following many of the topic threads here on FreeRepublic - especially from those who are wondering why we, the true conservatives, are so "mean spirited" (childish words used by ignorant people on both sides) - I have come to the conclusion that maybe we need to be refreshed by the IDEALS that the left-wing radical extremists HATE so much::

The Meaning of the Boy Scout Oath The Boy Scout Oath has traditionally been considered to have three promises. Those three promises are delineated by the semicolons in the Oath, which divide it into three clauses. The three promises of the Scout Oath are, therefore: Duty to God and country, Duty to other people, and Duty to self Before you pledge yourself to any oath or promise, you must know what it means. The paragraphs that follow will help you understand the meaning of the Scout Oath. -------------------------------------------------------------- On my honor . . . By giving your word, you are promising to be guided by the ideals of the Scout Oath. -------------------------------------------------------------- . . . I will do my best . . . Try hard to live up to the points of the Scout Oath. Measure your achievements against your own high standards and don't be influenced by peer pressure or what other people do. -------------------------------------------------------------- . . . To do my duty to God . . . Your family and religious leaders teach you about God and the ways you can serve. You do your 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. -------------------------------------------------------------- . . . and my country . . . Help keep the United States a strong and fair nation by learning about our system of government and your responsibilities as a citizen and future voter. America is made up of countless families and communities. When you work to improve your community and your home, you are serving your country. Natural resources are another important part of America's heritage worthy of your efforts to understand, protect, and use wisely. What you do can make a real difference. -------------------------------------------------------------- . . . and to obey the Scout Law; . . . The twelve points of the Scout Law are guidelines that can lead you toward wise choices. When you obey the Scout Law, other people will respect you for the way you live, and you will respect yourself. -------------------------------------------------------------- . . . To help other people at all times; . . . There are many people who need you. Your cheerful smile and helping hand will ease the burden of many who need assistance. By helping out whenever possible, you are doing your part to make this a better world. -------------------------------------------------------------- . . . To keep myself physically strong, . . . Take care of your body so that it will serve you well for an entire lifetime. That means eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly to build strength and endurance. it also means avoiding harmful drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and anything else that can harm your health. -------------------------------------------------------------- . . . mentally awake, . . . Develop your mind both in the classroom and outside of school. Be curious about everything around you, and work hard to make the most of your abilities. With an inquiring attitude and the willingness to ask questions, you can learn much about the exciting world around you and your role in it. -------------------------------------------------------------- . . . and morally straight. To be a person of strong character, your relationships with others should be honest and open. You should respect and defend the rights of all people. Be clean in your speech and actions, and remain faithful in your religious beliefs. The values you practice as a Scout win help you shape a life of virtue and self-reliance. Excerpted from page 45-46, Boy Scout Handbook, 11th ed, (#33105), copyright 1998 by BSA, ISBN 0-8395-3105-2 and from page 420-421, Webelos Scout Book, 1998 edition, (#33108), copyright 1998 by BSA, ISBN 0-8395-3108-7

[vannrox]

Good Post...

But, even more fundamental is knowing what a "Pledge" is. Many Americans don't have the slighest idea.

pledge

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]

Pledge \Pledge\, n. [OF. plege, pleige, pledge, guaranty, LL.

plegium, plivium; akin to OF. plevir to bail, guaranty, perhaps fr. L. praebere to proffer, offer (sc. fidem a trust, a promise of security), but cf. also E. play. [root]28. Cf. {Prebend}, {Replevin}.]

1. (Law) The transfer of possession of personal property from a debtor to a creditor as security for a debt or engagement; also, the contract created between the debtor and creditor by a thing being so delivered or deposited, forming a species of bailment; also, that which is so delivered or deposited; something put in pawn. Note: Pledge is ordinarily confined to personal property; the title or ownership does not pass by it; possession is essential to it. In all these points it differs from a mortgage [see {Mortgage}]; and in the last, from the hypotheca of the Roman law. See {Hypotheca}. --Story. Kent.
2. (Old Eng. Law) A person who undertook, or became responsible, for another; a bail; a surety; a hostage. ``I am Grumio's pledge.'' --Shak.
3. A hypothecation without transfer of possession.
4. Anything given or considered as a security for the performance of an act; a guarantee; as, mutual interest is the best pledge for the performance of treaties. ``That voice, their liveliest pledge of hope.'' --Milton.
5. A promise or agreement by which one binds one's self to do, or to refrain from doing, something; especially, a solemn promise in writing to refrain from using intoxicating liquors or the like; as, to sign the pledge; the mayor had made no pledges.

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From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913] Pledge \Pledge\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Pledged}; p. pr. & vb. n.

{Pledging}.] [Cf. OF. pleiger to give security. See {Pledge}, n.]

1. To deposit, as a chattel, in pledge or pawn; to leave in possession of another as security; as, to pledge one's watch.
2. To give or pass as a security; to guarantee; to engage; to plight; as, to pledge one's word and honor. We mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor. --The Declaration of Independence.
3. To secure performance of, as by a pledge. [Obs.] To pledge my vow, I give my hand. --Shak.
4. To bind or engage by promise or declaration; to engage solemnly; as, to pledge one's self.
5. To invite another to drink, by drinking of the cup first, and then handing it to him, as a pledge of good will; hence, to drink the health of; to toast. Pledge me, my friend, and drink till thou be'st wise. --Cowley.

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From WordNet (r) 1.7 [wn]

pledge

1. n a deposit of personal property as security for a debt; "his saxophone was in pledge"
2. someone accepted for membership but not yet fully admitted to the group
3. a drink in honor of or to the health of a person or event [syn: {toast}]
4. a binding commitment to do or give or refrain from something: "an assurance of help when needed"; "signed a pledge never to reveal the secret" [syn: {assurance}]

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1. promise solemnly and formally [syn: {plight}]
2. propose a toast to; "Let us toast the birthday girl!" "Let's drink to the New Year" [syn: {toast}, {drink}, {salute}, {wassail}]
3. give as a guarantee; "I pledge my honor"
4. bind or secure by a pledge

From Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary [easton]

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[LibKill]

A timely reminder.

Before I was a Marine, I was a Boy Scout.

In the 60's the Scouts taught me high ideals. As an added benefit they taught me woodcraft, survival, marksmanship, etc.

[onedoug]

Thanks for posting this.

Still the best definition of American patriotism I know: Reverence for The Constitution and The Boy Scout Oath!

[RonF]

The order of the 3 obligations that are pledged to in the Boy Scout Oath is no accident.

[RonF]

Every American on the Columbia was a Scout. The female American was a Girl Scout. The 4 males were Second Class, First Class, Life, and Eagle.