Being a life scout who too did not believe in a God until this past year, I know where you are coming from. This is a case where a scout make a right vs. right choice. And yes, they are the hardest decisions to make.
You are walking home. You see a lady drop her groceries. Your dad said that you need to be home by 2, and you can make it home if you don't help her. Or, you can help her and be late. A scout is obedient, yet a scout is also helpful. What point is more important?
This is a matter of trustworthy, brave, and reverent. You cannot leave because a scout is brave and lives up to challenges. Yet, you cannot lie and brea the trustworthy part. Yet again, you cannot be reverent because of your own personal beliefs. So, what is the most important part?
Why don't we take a look to the scout oath for reference.
"On my honor, I will do my BEST to do my duty to god and my contry, to obey the scout law..." That's where you go to. You do not have to obey every scout law. Sometimes, they conflict with each other. So, you can in fact defile one of the laws to get the others straight. AKA, you'd only defile 1 to get the other 2 back.
Then, the last line "And to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight." That line played a big role at the 12 cubed show at the Jamboree. It's duty to self. You are also a big part in this decision, as you need to remember what is best for you. Scouts are for you, you don't have to be for scouts.

So then, which do you do? Go ahead and lie about your religeon. Leaving scouts immediately takes away an advantage you have already. The scout law and oath are still guiding you daily, they do not guide some people. You know important skills required. And you also have a shot at Eagle, which could allow you to get into the college of your choice automatically. You'd give up those advantages by leaving. Heck, do you know the bowline? Can you tie a square knot? Where'd that be without scouting? You'd still be stuck tying shoelace knots.
Then, there's making yourself believe in God. NO! That is also against the scout oath. A scout is trustworthy. A scout also does a duty to himself.
So, that leaves lying about your religeon. Go ahead. You may be like me, and find yourself soon. You may never. Yet, you are still a scout.
-Steven

PS: I should be Eagle, I've been working on it for over 2.5 years now, nonstop, and I have all requirements done. I should be able to get my board of review now. But, my troop says that I need to implement leadership projects with the troop. Bleh. You tell me.

Awesome advice! You're a new favorite columnist now, heheh! As for the leadership thing, you should probably go up to your SPL (unless you are he) or your Scoutmaster and ask for a Board of Review right there, and if they say they're busy and it can wait, say you've been waiting for 2 and a half years. Heh... awesome advice!!!

THE PENGUIN RULES ALL! AHAHAHAHAHAHA! *Cough*
Hello! My name is Steven, and I am a mentor. Yes, that does mean that I help other people. I have helped over 1000 people to date, and have helped some individuals for over 1/2 a year. The miracle of my life occurred 17 years ago. I say miracle only because 1/4 babies survive to be born.
I am the first born of 2 children, and I am also the black sheep. I listen to Classical Music, so you can call me a weirdo. :P. I have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, so take no offense if my answers never seem to end.
In school, I get As and Bs. More Bs really. I play trombone, and was the section leader of the trombones at my school. This year, I am the captain of the entire brass section. I am an Eagle Scout, so I guess that says I'm persistant? You make the call. I am a 3 time varsity letter winner, looking for a 4th next winter. I also participate in the musical, where I am a Bass 2. :)
I am straight, and have never had a relationship beyond a friend. However, I have survived the bumps in the road, and can advise you if you wish it. Though, it's not my strength.
I'm here for you, and only you. That means that my advise will not always confort you. Heck, it may even scare you. Yet, I want you to do what is best for your mind. Not what is typically seen as best for you, but what YOU see best for YOU. Heck, if you wanted what was seen as best for you, you would've asked your parents what you should do. They give you what's typically best.
Alright, before I start getting tendinitis from writing that over and over again, I'll just say what I mean. I mean that if you ask me about something, let's say walking 10 miles a day, and I think it's rediculous, yet you are asking for something to do, I am NOT going to say "10 miles is the type of a thing a anorexia athletica would do. Try 5." I'll give you something to do.
Oh, and I'm a L1 moderator, which means I rate questions.

Don't hesitate to IM me, I'm usually on. If I'm not, just drop one in the Inbox!

Oh, by the way, I am liberal in everything. That means that abortion is a woman's RIGHT, and gay marriage should be LEGAL.

Ask away!
-Steven

E-mail:
Gender:
Location:
Occupation:
Age:
AIM:
Member Since:
Answers:
Last Update:
Visitors:
Main Categories:




Favorite Columnists