_ Preface: no child can have a religion – they do not have the life experience nor the mental capacity to think in such abstract terms. _
As an Objectivist who also sees the immense value the Scouting program offers young people in terms of individual growth, self-sufficiency, life-, social-, and outdoor-skills, earning and achieving, approaching and interacting with adults, working as a team towards a goal, and so much more.
I originally composed this essay for the benefit of myself, and my children, but am sharing here in hopes it might provide guidance to other Scouts who are exploring Objectivism.
It’s not be construed as tedium imposed by the BSA (i.e. this essay isn’t a requirement). Scouting offers a wealth of experience and learning to children and young adults, and it’s very important to note that religion is NOT the essence of the Scouting program. Even in the more advanced adult training courses offered by Scouting America, it’s no secret that many participants do not consider themselves religious, and there are highly valued leaders that are openly atheist.
However, it’s important to understand the nuance of Scoutings “Duty to God” requirement so an atheist Scout is able to honestly and confidently navigate these complex conversations with their Scout leadership and smoothly progress in their rank advancement. The below is intended to supplement that learning through conversation, and allow the scout to complete the various “Duty to God” Scouting requirements.
The best way to teach a young child a philosophy is ostensively - by demonstrating the philosophy being lived in concrete form, preferably in daily life.
It is through this demonstration that a child can understand (to an extent) the beliefs of their parents.
Scouting is for those open to a youth’s spiritual (i.e. their consciousness),cognitive, and emotional development as morally ambitious individuals. To clarify the concept of “spirit”, as Objectivists, we reject that one’s “spirit” is somehow divorced from the physical world, or that the mind is divorced from the body.
Finally, it’s critical to note that Scouting offers emblems and recognition of a plethora of radically divergent religions, faiths and philosophies. It is this last category, philosophy, in which Objectivism resides. While there’s no requirement a scout adhere to any of the following, examples of the diverse emblems explicitly listed by the BSA include the following (it is clear that Objectivism is NOT a religion; the following examples allow for atheism and demonstrate that Scouting is not exclusive to “traditional” American Judeo-Christian belief systems
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Baha’i , a religion[a] established by Baháʼu’lláh in the 19th century that teaches the essential worth of all religions and the unity of all people
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Hindu , a diversity of ideas on spirituality and traditions, but have no ecclesiastical order, no unquestionable religious authorities, no governing body, nor a single founding prophet; Hindus can choose to be polytheistic, pantheistic, monotheistic, monistic, agnostic, atheistic or humanist.
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Meher Baba , which teaches that the goal of all beings was to become conscious of their own divinity, and to realise the oneness of God.
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Unitarian Universalist , who draw upon diverse theological and philosophical thought, including from religious humanism, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Taoism, neopaganism, atheism, agnosticism, New Age, and teachings of the Baháʼí Faith.
This list should make clear the broad variety of perspectives that are considered perfectly acceptable to the scouting program, many of which allow for the atheistic or agnostic tenants that are core to the Objectivist philosophy.
That being said, here are some examples of the Scouting requirements, and my responses:
Requirements (Complete Requirement 1 plus at least two others.)
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Discuss with your parent, guardian, den leader, or other caring adult what it means to do your duty to God. Tell how you do your duty to God in your daily life:
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With a family member, attend a religious service or other activity that shows how your family expresses reverence for God:
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Earn the religious emblem of your faith that is appropriate for your age or grade. (Objectivist Perspective: NA - not required for advancement so we will disregard)
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Help with a local service project and talk with your den or family about how helping others is part of our duty to God (Objectivist Perspective: NA - not required as the below is an alternative)
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With the approval of your parent/guardian, den leader, or other caring adult, think of and then carry out an act of kindness or respect that you think shows duty to God.
In conclusion, the BSA Scouting program offers an incredible wealth of knowledge and life experiences that benefit young people for their entire lives…on this earth. When framed correctly, there is no contradiction between the values and goals of BSA Scouting and Objectivism.
Additionally, for a young person to intentionally skip out on the benefits of the BSA Scouting program because such a small, non-essential aspect of the program may be debated by those unfamiliar with Objectivism…_ would be a self-sacrificial act of cowardice _ - exactly the kind of cowardice both Objectivism and the BSA Scouting program would consider to be immoral and against the Scout law.
I contend that by living life on this earth according to the Objectivist virtues and values, as well as the Scout law, a Scout is being reverent to their highest value - Reason.
Sincerely,
An Order-of-the-Arrow & Eagle Scout Cubmaster and Den Leader with two sons in a Scout troop and a daughter still in Cub Scouts
