As an LDS Scoutmaster I have had dozens of conversations over the last few years with other LDS and non-LDS scout leaders about when the Church would pull the plug on it’s BSA relationship. I am hoping this is it. Trail Life is an outstanding replacement to the BSA for most Christian boys. They do not however accept LDS (Mormons) because of our belief in extra-Biblical scripture (the Book of Mormon) and our rejection of the Trinity. Rather than resent Trail Life for that I have great respect for them. They have set principles of what they want their membership to believe and they will not waiver. That is the fundamental problem with the BSA today. Homosexuality is but one cultural, religious, political issue that could be addressed in many ways. The fatal flaw of the BSA is that they spent the last decade constantly changing what are supposed to be moral principles based on polls, donations, and legal/media pressure. This demonstrates that they do not understand what a moral principle is. The joke amongst a lot of conservative (good) scout leaders I know is that the Scout Oath should now end in “To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally FLEXIBLE.” I have an Eagle Scout son, an almost Eagle Scout son and one more just starting. It is my hope that they can be a part of something that stands for timeless values and is unwavering.
Well said azcap...I hope your youth are able to participate in a strong and wholesome program outside of the BSA.
The LDS can make it happen, just quit releasing TC members and SM’s so quickly! ;^)
Thank you for this comment.
The fatal flaw of the BSA is that they spent the last decade constantly changing what are supposed to be moral principles based on polls, donations, and legal/media pressure. This demonstrates that they do not understand what a moral principle is. The joke amongst a lot of conservative (good) scout leaders I know is that the Scout Oath should now end in “To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally FLEXIBLE.” I have an Eagle Scout son, an almost Eagle Scout son and one more just starting. It is my hope that they can be a part of something that stands for timeless values and is unwavering.
Well, good for you re: timeless values, unwavering values, principled living, and not being morally flexible with the times.
My question is: What about the historical Mormon flex with...
...polygamy (against in the Book of Jacob in the BoM; then pro; then against 1890; then pro when leaders married several hundred more 1890-1910; then against via a crackdown; then pro when it came to "eternity" as widowers married more than one wife in the temple...)???
...skin color for admission to the priesthood?
..."Adam is God" is what Brigham preached from the tabernacle pulpit for 20+ years...but then he apparently wasn't...?
(Sounds pretty wavering & doctrinally "flexible" to me)
Was not aware and am sorry to hear. Mormons I know & have known tend to live a more virtuous and “morally straight” life than most of us. Am thankful for the LDS neighbors in my community. Regret BSA has fallen prey to secular relativism, and that such as Trail Life USA cannot be more accepting of those whose differing beliefs nonetheless would make them upstanding members of their organization.
My father was career Army and a Scout Leader, my mother a Den Mother, and all three brothers Scouts & Explorers. My middle brother earned Eagle Scout (awarded when he was a Plebe at West Point) & later became a successful entrepreneur. The three of us attended service academies, served our country, & have had successful civilian careers. Scouting was a big part of our journey to honorable manhood.
This is a sad time for the country that we so love.