[DaveMSmith]

I understand the BSA has a special handbook just for mormon scouts too..

No suprise there. LDS has been the largest single supporter of BSA. Not sure about recent years. One could say BSA is the LDS youth program.

[Coleus]

One could say BSA is the LDS youth program. >>

come to think of it, I think the BSA is the official youth program for boys in the LDS church.

[ScubieNuc]

"One could say BSA is the LDS youth program."

Whoa! Bad phrasing! The LDS may be using the BSA to train their youth, but the BSA, overall, is not a religious organization.

I have been involved with the BSA for the last 8 years. The BSA does have the ability to earn religious merit badges, but you can go all the way to Eagle without earning one.

They have recieved high praise for the information put into their religious guide books. Some churches have even used them for their own youth groups.

If you go to a BSA website, you can find out that you can earn Catholic, Protostant, Islamic, Buddist, or other religious merit badges. When you look at all the badges required for Eagle, or other ranks, you will not find the BSA forceing anyone to earn a religious merit badge.

The emphasis of a religion merit badge will vary from Pack/Troop to Pack/Troop, due to who is their Charter organization. Many different churches charter Boy Scout Troops, as well as Clubs(Lions, Elks, etc.) and Organizations (VFW, AM. Legion, etc.). Overall, though, the BSA does not force religion onto its scouts. Sincerely