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This article discusses how a scout can do his ''duty to God'' as the requirement to live the principles of the Scout Oath or Promise. | This article discusses how a scout can do his ''duty to God'' as the requirement to live the principles of the Scout Oath or Promise. | ||
== Article Objective == | == Article Objective == | ||
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|date = December 1936, June 2005 | |date = December 1936, June 2005 | ||
}}</ref> and follows similar policies. | }}</ref> and follows similar policies. | ||
=== 1916 BSA Declaration of Religious Principle === | |||
<blockquote> | |||
<p>The [[Boy Scouts of America]] maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God and, therefore, recognizes the religious element in the training of the member, but it is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. Its policy is that the home and organization or group with which the member is connected shall give definite attention to religious life.</P><p>Only persons willing to subscribe to these precepts from the Declaration of Religious Principle and to the Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America shall be entitled to certificates of leadership.<ref>[http://usscouts.org/usscouts/aboutbsa/rp.asp 1916 BSA Declaration of Religious Principle]</ref> (Accredited to [[James E. West]], 1st Chief Scout Executive of BSA)</p> | |||
</blockquote> | |||
=== 2018 BSA Duty to God Affirmation === | === 2018 BSA Duty to God Affirmation === | ||
Underscoring just how important it is, the [[BSA National Executive Board]] met at | Underscoring just how important it is, the [[Boy Scouts of America| BSA National Executive Board]] met at their 2018 National Annual Meeting in Dallas and adopted a resolution that reaffirms the organization’s Duty to God: | ||
<blockquote> | <blockquote> | ||
WHEREAS the foundational values of the [[Boy Scouts of America]] are reflected in the Scout Oath and Scout Law; <p>WHEREAS the first part of the Scout Oath declares “On my honor I will do my best to do my Duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;” <p>WHEREAS the Declaration of Religious Principle in Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America states that: <p>The recognition of God as the ruling and leading power in the universe and the grateful acknowledgement of His favors and blessings are necessary to the best type of citizenship and are wholesome precepts in the education of the growing members. No matter what the religious faith of the members may be, this fundamental of good citizenship should be kept before them. <p>WHEREAS the twelfth point of the [[A Scout is Reverent| Scout Law is Reverent]] and while the Boy Scouts of America is absolutely nonsectarian in its view of religious training, Reverent means that a Scout is faithful in his or her religious duties and respects the beliefs of others; and <p>WHEREAS these faith-based tenets have been a part of the Boy Scouts of America since it was founded and, notwithstanding any changes to Scouting programs, the commitment of the movement to Duty to God is unwavering; <p>Now therefore be it resolved that the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America hereby reaffirms its unequivocal commitment to the Declaration of Religious Principle as a fundamental component of the mission of the Boy Scouts of America. | WHEREAS the foundational values of the [[Boy Scouts of America]] are reflected in the Scout Oath and Scout Law; <p>WHEREAS the first part of the Scout Oath declares “On my honor I will do my best to do my Duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;”</P> <p>WHEREAS the Declaration of Religious Principle in Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America states that:</P> <p>The recognition of '''God as the ruling and leading power in the universe''' and the grateful acknowledgement of His favors and blessings are necessary to the best type of citizenship and are wholesome precepts in the education of the growing members. No matter what the religious faith of the members may be, this fundamental of good citizenship should be kept before them. </P><p>WHEREAS '''the twelfth point of the [[A Scout is Reverent| Scout Law is Reverent]]''' and while the Boy Scouts of America is '''absolutely nonsectarian in its view of religious training''', Reverent means that a Scout is faithful in his or her religious duties and respects the beliefs of others; and</P> <p>WHEREAS these faith-based tenets have been a part of the Boy Scouts of America since it was founded and, notwithstanding any changes to Scouting programs, '''the commitment of the movement to Duty to God is unwavering''';</P> <p>Now therefore be it resolved that the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America hereby reaffirms its unequivocal commitment to the Declaration of Religious Principle as a fundamental component of the mission of the Boy Scouts of America. | ||
<ref>[https://www.scouter.com/topic/30160-national-meeting-affirmation-of-drp/ BSA Reaffirms Duty to God in 2018 - ScoutingMagazine]</ref> | <ref>[https://www.scouter.com/topic/30160-national-meeting-affirmation-of-drp/ BSA Reaffirms Duty to God in 2018 - ScoutingMagazine]</ref></P> | ||
</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
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It is noted here that some religious movements may have additional important core beliefs all of which you should discover during your practice of '''Scripture Study''' which will help you to learn about those. | It is noted here that some religious movements may have additional important core beliefs all of which you should discover during your practice of '''Scripture Study''' which will help you to learn about those. | ||
=== Faith in a Supreme Being === | === 1. Faith in a Supreme Being === | ||
The definition of faith made very dramatically for each person. But you may find some of the following elements necessary: | |||
=== Scripture Study === | * '''Founded on Truth :''' Faith only works when it is placed upon true principals. One Biblical writer called it "the evidence of things not seen." Otherwise it is just hope. <ref>[https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/heb/11.1?lang=eng#p1 Hebrews 11:1 St Paul the Apostle]</ref> | ||
* '''Righteous Living :''' For Faith to work, you must put your life into harmony with deity. Usually done through prayer, righteous living and performing good works. | |||
* Faith provides the basis for Moral Living and making correct choices. | |||
Sample discourses on Faith : | |||
* [https://www.lds.org/scriptures/gs/faith Definition of Faith] - From [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]. | |||
* [https://www.lds.org/ensign/1992/04/believing-christ?lang=eng Believing Christ] - By Stephen Robinson - What is the difference between belief in God and believing what He says? | |||
=== 2. Scripture Study === | |||
[[Image:BibleLamp.jpg|thumb]] | [[Image:BibleLamp.jpg|thumb]] | ||
A key part of fulfilling your Duty to God is to first learn it. Many religious faiths of a collection of both history and wisdom that are referred to as scripture. Taking a few minutes each day to study the holy books for your faith is an essential duty. An added bonus is the discovery of life-enhancing wisdom. | A key part of fulfilling your Duty to God is to first learn it. Many religious faiths of a collection of both history and wisdom that are referred to as scripture. Taking a few minutes each day to study the holy books for your faith is an essential duty. An added bonus is the discovery of life-enhancing wisdom. | ||
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## Book 3 - | ## Book 3 - | ||
=== Prayer === | === 3. Prayer === | ||
<blockquote> | <blockquote> | ||
''Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.'' (The Lord's Prayer: [https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/6.5-13?lang=eng#p8 St Matthew 6:5-13]) | ''Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.'' (The Lord's Prayer: [https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/6.5-13?lang=eng#p8 St Matthew 6:5-13]) | ||
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# ''Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?''<ref>[https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/7.7-11?lang=eng St Matthew 7:7-11]</ref> <ref>[https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2003/04/seek-and-ye-shall-find?lang=eng Seek and Ye Shall Find - Craig C. Christensen]</ref> | # ''Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?''<ref>[https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/7.7-11?lang=eng St Matthew 7:7-11]</ref> <ref>[https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2003/04/seek-and-ye-shall-find?lang=eng Seek and Ye Shall Find - Craig C. Christensen]</ref> | ||
=== Worship Service === | === 4. Worship Service === | ||
Several of the major religious hold aside one day of the week for worship, introspection to repents of one's mistakes and to renew one's covenant to follow a path of good works. | |||
* Friday - Holy day of Islam | |||
* Saturday - Sabbath day of Judaism and Adventist Christians | |||
* Sunday - Common Sabbath day of mainstream Christianity | |||
Observing a weekly Sabbath is #4 of the Ten Commandments given to Moses in the ancient Old Testament: | |||
=== Invite Others to Faith === | <blockquote> | ||
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. [https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/ex/20.8-11 Exodus 20:8-11] | |||
</blockquote> | |||
Additionally, there are many religious commandments and faith-based traditions for celebrating special holiday observances during the month and year. Which ones are unique to your religion? | |||
See also | |||
* [https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2000/10/the-blessing-of-keeping-the-sabbath-day-holy?lang=eng Blessings of Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy] - H. Aldridge Gillespie (Oct 2000) | |||
=== 5. Charitable Service === | |||
[[Image:Oapatch1.jpg|thumb]] | |||
* '''[https://oa-bsa.org/training/syllabi/cheerful-service-community Cheerful Service in the Community]''' - motto of the BSA [[Order of the Arrow]]. | |||
** Order of the Arrow - Purpose #4: "Crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others." | |||
See also: | |||
* [http://www.wisdomcommons.org/virtue/117-service/proverbs Proverbs about Service] - WisdomCommons.org - Exploring, Elevating and Celebrating our Shared Moral Core. | |||
* [https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/lift-where-you-stand?lang=eng ''Lift Where You Stand''] - Everyone stands at a unique place and has an important task that only he can perform. (Dieter F Uchtdorf - Oct 2008) | |||
=== 6. Obey the Law of God === | |||
See the following Scoutwiki Articles: | |||
* '''[[Scout Law]]''' - The Scout Law attempts to closely mirror the Law of God. | |||
* '''[[A Scout is Reverent]]''' - Be reverent toward God. Be faithful in your religious duties. Respect the beliefs of others. | |||
* '''[[A Scout is Obedient]]''' - Follow the rules of your family, school, and pack. Obey the laws of your community and country. <ref>[https://www.scouting.org/discover/faq/question10/ What are the Scout Oath and Scout Law - Scouting.org]</ref> | |||
=== 7. Invite Others to Faith === | |||
The resurrected Savior in his final instruction to his disciples before his departure, repeated a simple commandment three times : "Feed My Sheep". ([https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/21.15-17?lang=eng St John 21:15-17]) | |||
Related Articles: | |||
* [https://www.lds.org/new-era/1974/02/he-spoke-to-us-about-honor?lang=eng ''He Spoke to Us About Honor'']] - Arthur Sadler, the longest serving Scout in the world, remembers the early days with Baden-Powell. (New Era - Feb 1974) | |||
* [https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/Quotes.pdf Pearls of Wisdom] - noteworthy quotes from Baden-Powell. | |||
* [https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1988/10/inviting-others-to-come-unto-christ?lang=eng Inviting Others to Come Unto Christ] - Gene R Cook. (Oct 1988). | |||
== Duty to God Examples == | == Duty to God Examples == | ||
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==Do you Have to Believe in God? == | ==Do you Have to Believe in God? == | ||
Fulfilling your Duty to God is actually private, personal spiritual quest for each individual. Scouting does NOT have a set Religious standards test. In fact, the opposite applies, where everyone has the free agency to define and pursue any | Fulfilling your Duty to God is actually a private, personal spiritual quest for each individual. Scouting is "absolutely non-sectarian" and therefore does NOT have a set Religious standards test. In fact, the opposite applies, where everyone has the free agency to define and pursue any religion they belief appropriate and are willing to allow all others the same liberty. | ||
Now it could certainly be possible, that a person is unable to find a belief that is agreeable to their conscience. Some people spend their lifetime wrestling with their beliefs. Many others may conclude that God does not exist. | Now it could certainly be possible, that a person is unable to find a belief that is agreeable to their conscience. Some people spend their lifetime wrestling with their beliefs. Many others may conclude that God does not exist. | ||
Look again at the wording of Requirement #2 (BSA) for Eagle rank: '''<font color=green>"Tell how you have done your duty to God..."</font>'''. The test is not if the scout became a devout member of a particular faith system or completed some mighty miracle. But rather is he able to explain the efforts he/she has made to ponder the nature of the universe | Look again at the wording of Requirement #2 (BSA) for Eagle rank: '''<font color=green>"Tell how you have done your duty to God..."</font>'''. The test is not if the scout became a devout member of a particular faith system or completed some mighty miracle. | ||
But rather is he able to explain the following: | |||
# What efforts he/she has made to ponder the nature of deity in the universe? | |||
# The difference between good and evil? | |||
# What it means to be Reverent? | |||
# What is the purpose of life? | |||
# What is his future role and responsibility to society? | |||
=== Non-Faith Definitions === | === Non-Faith Definitions === | ||
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# '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_conversion Convert]''' - one who sets aside the religious traditions of his ancestors to pursue another faith that he feels better defines his duty to God. | # '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_conversion Convert]''' - one who sets aside the religious traditions of his ancestors to pursue another faith that he feels better defines his duty to God. | ||
== Duty to God | |||
== Teaching Scouts about Duty to God == | |||
[[Image:DutyToGod2.jpg|thumb]] | [[Image:DutyToGod2.jpg|thumb]] | ||
Scouting teaches youth to do their Duty to God through 1) Program Delivery, 2) Special Observances, 3) Faith-based Partnerships and 4) BSA Religious Support. | |||
# '''[[Scout Promise]]''' - at the start of every scouting meeting, the youth recite the Scout Oath and Scout Law and through that repetition come to know that they have a duty to God. | |||
# '''[[Religious Emblems Program]]''' - earning the religious awards particular to your faith helps the scout and his family to better understand, appreciate and to follow their religious traditions. | |||
# '''Give Meaningful Service''' - a scout learns that a important way to fulfill his Duty to God is to serve his fellow man. | |||
# '''Earn a Heritage class Merit Badge''' - Some merit badges like [http://www.maintour.com/meritbadge/american_heritage.htm American Heritage], Scouting Heritage, [http://www.maintour.com/meritbadge/genealogy.htm Genealogy], etc. focus on the study of important people from your past. Here youth have an opportunity to see what important role Duty to God played in shaping their lives and the choices they made. For example: did your forefathers come to America to seek religious freedom? | |||
# '''[[Chaplain's Aide]]''' - Each scout troop, crew and ship should have a youth serving as Chaplain Aide to teach scouts about their duty to God and to promote scouting's Religious Emblems Program. | |||
# '''[[Scout Sunday]]''' - | |||
# '''[https://www.scouting.org/resources/info-center/relationships/religious-calendar/ Calendar of Religious Dates (BSA)]''' -There are certain holidays that individual Scouts and Scouters of different faiths celebrate each year. These holidays are not always on the same date on the calendar and may not be familiar to everyone. In order to respect the traditions of all Scouts and Scouters, care must be taken in scheduling Scouting activities. | |||
# '''[[Scouts' Own Inter-faith Worship Services]]''' - frequently held at weekend campouts. | |||
=== Faith Based Partnerships === | |||
Several scouting organizations have developed meaning full relationships with same major religious groups to help promote Duty to God and religious emblems work unique to that faith: | |||
# [http://www.ldsbsa.org/ LDS/BSA.org] - BSA and [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]], promoting [[Duty to God (Latter-day Saints)]] program. | |||
# [https://www.nccs-bsa.org/ National Catholic Committee on Scouting] - BSA with Catholic Church. "[[Catholic Scouting (Boy Scouts of America)| Scouting is a youth ministry.]]" | |||
=== Benefits of Practicing Duty to God === | |||
==== 2018 Harvard Study ==== | |||
* [https://academic.oup.com/aje/advance-article/doi/10.1093/aje/kwy142/5094534#121243228 2018 Harvard Study] has shown that youths who regularly attend religious services, pray or meditate may get a well-being boost that sticks around into young adulthood.<ref>[https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900033438/these-religious-practices-by-kids-are-linked-to-better-well-being-as-young-adults.html Religious Practices to Help Children be Happier (DeseretNews)]</ref> The study, by VanderWeele and Harvard research scientist Ying Chen, is published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. (See also [[Benefits of Scouting]].) | |||
Among the findings, youths who attended religious services at least weekly as children and adolescents were: | |||
== | * About 18 percent more apt to report higher happiness between ages 23-30 than those who didn't | ||
* 29 percent more likely to be volunteers | |||
* 33 percent less likely to use illegal drugs | |||
Those who prayed or meditated at least daily as kids were, as young adults: | |||
* 16 percent more likely to report higher happiness | |||
* 30 percent less likely to have sex at a young age | |||
* 40 percent less likely to have a sexually transmitted disease | |||
=== Duty to God Quotes=== | |||
<blockquote> | |||
1) "I have been asked to describe more fully what was in my mind as regards religion when I instituted Scouting and Guiding. I was asked: 'Where does religion come in?' Well, my reply is: 'It does not come in at all. It is already there. It is the fundamental factor underlying Scouting and Guiding.' " ([[Robert Baden-Powell| Lord Robert Baden-Powell]], founder of Scouting) | |||
</blockquote> | |||
=== Teaching Adventures === | |||
[[Image:Ten-Commandments-Hike-2015.jpg|thumb]] | |||
'''[[Duty to God Adventures]]''' - scouting activities that promote learning about '''[[Duty to God]]'''. | |||
Scouting is well known for its many great teaching activities. This especially holds true for teaching Duty to God: | |||
# '''[[Ten Commandments Hike]]''' - town center day hike to visit local churches. | |||
# '''[[Religious Emblems Program]]''' - Title used for a number of religious scouting awards. | |||
# '''[[Chaplain's Aide]]''' - Each scout troop, crew and ship should have a youth serving as Chaplain Aide to teach scouts about their duty to God and to promote scouting's Religious Emblems Program. | |||
# '''[[Scout Sunday]]''' - | |||
# '''[https://www.scouting.org/resources/info-center/relationships/religious-calendar/ Calendar of Religious Dates (BSA)]''' -There are certain holidays that individual Scouts and Scouters of different faiths celebrate each year. These holidays are not always on the same date on the calendar and may not be familiar to everyone. In order to respect the traditions of all Scouts and Scouters, care must be taken in scheduling Scouting activities. | |||
# '''[[Scouts' Own Inter-faith Worship Services]]''' - frequently held at weekend campouts. | |||
=== External Links === | |||
* [https://slideplayer.com/slide/12301787/ Emphasizing Duty to God in Scouting] - Slide show from the [[College of Commissioner Science]]. | |||
* blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2014/10/03/belief-in-god-scouting/ ''About that "Belief in God" requirement'' - Scouting Blog Oct 2014. | |||
== References == | == References == | ||
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[[Category: Religion]] | [[Category: Religion]] | ||
[[Category: Scout Duty]] | [[Category: Scout Duty]] | ||
[[Category: Scout Law]] | |||