MSTAR, thanks for sharing the Wiki article. I spent some time looking over the BSA site and couldn't find the statements that others mentioned were clear and all over the site. I just read through a good portion of the article and have some thoughts.

The focus of the article was a description of "don't ask;don't tell", as with the US military. I guess one would have to make there own judgements and draw their own conclusions about this and their comfort level for their son. It stated a man was denied being a badge counselor due to his sexual orientation. I find this disappointing, as the man may have really been able to teach the boys a great skill related to the badge subject. AND BSA has strict guidelines where a scout can't be alone with an adult. So he would be with a buddy or his parent when visiting a badge counselor. But these things don't happen until you hit Boy Scouts. Cubs do everything as a group or get individual achievements by working with their parent.

As far as the "God" component of the oath, BSA is quite liberal in it's interpretation. So anyone who believes in any sort of "supreme being" says "God" to mean that being. They are accepting of American Indian beliefs and Wikkens (sp?) too. But really, in Cubs that are sponsored by the school PTO, there is so little emphasis on the religion component, it's almost non-existant as far as the group is concerned. If you want to earn the religion patch you have to get with a clergy person on your own. I'm sure it's more of a focus in church-sponsored pack.

The other things brought up in the article were "reverent" and "morally straight". Yes, reverence is taught/expected in many church youth programs, but it's definition isn't just about God and faithfulness. From dictionary.com

"Reverent– adjective feeling, exhibiting, or characterized by reverence; deeply respectful: a reverent greeting. "

"Morally straight" is REALLY subjective. Some believe homosexuality is immoral. There just gonna thing that and you can't change it. There are also many homosexuals that have a profound belief in God, marriage, family, and being a good person and good citizen.

So, I guess don't buy all of the points in the article, and think that in some geographic areas, they may be more of a sticking point. But where we are, I just don't see it being even on the radar. They are not raising up a generation of anti-gay religious zealots. At least not in my town.

It is a personal choice, and I agree that one who believes that higher power is non-existant, likely woulndn't want to be part of an organization that has "serve God" in it's oath.

I just think it's worth taking a look at for Cubs in real life and not just a bunch of activists and political rhetoric and think about what the organization can do for your child.

Off the soapbox now.

I'll just share what my 9 year old did last night. He is a Bear (3rd grade). A bunch of grandpa types from the community rec center Whittling Club came to the den meeting and taught them how to whittle. My son has an almost complete Ivory soap turtle that really looks amazing. While whittling isn't a skill that will land him a corporate job, he had the opportunity to interact with some very nice people from a different generation. He got practice being polite and respectful. He learned about patience and perseverence. I'm sure the gentlemen were delighted to share their hobby with the boys. It was a fun evening for all of them. Oh, and nobody asked anyone about God or homosexuality. They just whittled.

MonsterMom6
10 year old ^b^ b twins @ 30w5d (1 survivor) and
8 year old gggg quads @ 32w0d