Can I hide my atheism in Boy Scouts?

Question

I am 14. Almost Eagle. I'll be Eagle within the next 6 months hopefully. But I am an atheist. I haven't really told anyone, and the rest of my family is Catholic, but not very religious, so they won't care much.

I don't really care about scouts that much but I would at least like to become eagle and not punk out. do you think I can put up with the prayers, the religious talk, the religious meetings, and pretend? Or should I not hide who I really am, and likely get kicked out?

Answer 1

It is not apparently part of official policy that you have to be a believer to remain in the Boy Scouts. However, it would still be unwise to reveal your atheism to them if you're going for Eagle. See the article below.

Answer 2

Probably, but they will kick you out if they find out you're g*y.

Answer 3

ahhh if you really wana do something claim your an atheist and fight for what you believe in  

Answer 4

You can lie and pretend if that's really what you want to do.  In my opinion, it's not very ethical to do.  I wouldn't want to be part of a discriminatory group anyway.

Answer 5

Religious talk and meetings in scouts? That's strange. Usually it's just about camping and going on day trips, well at least it was for me.

You shouldn't get kicked out for your religious views either, though if your living in the US nothing would suprise me in that regard. Maybe just put up with it for a bit to avoid aggro.  

Answer 6

Does this ring a bell?  It's part of the Scout Law:

"TRUSTWORTHY.  A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him ...

REVERENT.  A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others."

If you're planning to fake reverence, then it's not only dishonest but also disrespectful toward the beliefs of others.

So you tell me.  Can you?  Should you?

Answer 7

I would wait to finish it out, then tell your family. Just ignore it and think about dead kittys during the prayers and religious talk.

Answer 8

Well, if you want to pretend to be religious, go right on ahead. Is the religious sentiment of the Boy Scouts really that strong? I had assumed that it was vaugley theistic and that anyone believing in any sort of a higher power could get in- but if you are feeling surrounded by religious influence, you need to evaluate what you value more in life- staying true to yourself and following your principles or remaining in Boy Scouts. It's up to you.

Answer 9

Religious talk and prayers? I was a member of and a leader for a mostly Catholic troop, and I knew that most of the members could not care less about religion.

Don't sweat the religious stuff. Play along nicely and respectfully- which is, after all, most of the point of the religious element of the Scouts.

One thing you should know is that MOST kids in most religious households become atheists for at least a while, and 14-15 is the most common age for it.

It may tick off your parents, but most kids turn out OK. You are not alone in your thoughts- no one else may be saying much about it, but many of them are thinking it!

Answer 10

You have the rest of your life to fight the system and if you are truly an athiest you will have to.  You have come this far and on future applications in the job world that actually looks good.  Future employers won't ask about your beliefs so it won't matter by then.  Finish it and consider it an achievement.  Trust me you have the rest of your life to be different; right now you should hide in plain sight.

    Or quit, what do I care?

Answer 11

You know, at 14, most kids question their religious views, and many go through a period of atheism.  Stop being "cool" -- you DO care about Scouts, or else you wouldn't be worried about getting your Eagle, which is a huge accomplishment.

I think it's fair to acknowledge to yourself that you have questions about faith.  The Boy Scouts do not require you to be a Christian and believe in Christ -- as long as you have a faith basis that guides your life and your actions, then you're good to go.  If you don't want to put a label on your beliefs at this point, then so be it.  

As far as the prayers -- that's just being polite, and letting others express their beliefs.  Not sure about the religious talk and religious meetings, unless you are doing a lot of stuff at your church?  I never noticed that there was a lot of "religious talk" around my son's troop.  

Answer 12

Do you want to remember yourself as a man with integrity or as an Eagle Scout?

Answer 13

You should be true to yourself and stop trying to please the delusional.

Answer 14

Why would you lie?

For each lie, you need to tell 144 lies to cover the first lie; then you need to tell 144 lies to cover each of those lies.

Is that, my friend, how you want to live your life.

Where is your self-respect?

God love you.

Answer 15

Wow... That's an excellent question. I really feel for you. The Boy Scouts have in recent years shown to be notoriously anti-atheist. My personal opinion is to go join, go to the meetings, and talk about your atheism. The only catch is you'll likely get a lot of flack from people. (Been there done it, and even wrote a book about giving up my religion. However, I didn't mention the Boy Scouts in the book... Maybe I should have.)

Answer 16

I don't think they can kick you out for being atheist.

Answer 17

My son was at his last interview for becoming one and they almost didn't give it to him until he convinced them that he was Agnostic, which he was and still is. But he did not hide his true self or belief. You must be true to yourself. Right or wrong on the part of the Boy Scouts, they do teach you to be truthful and it's a very good trait...  One lie doesn't make a truth...

Whether they give it to you or not, be proud of your accomplishment. It took a lot of perserverance to get where you are. THAT, they can't take away...  congratulations...

Answer 18

i did lol

just dont tell anyone and go with the flow.

Answer 19

**** the scouts go to JROTC