Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
[quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by selector Maureen, would you 'respect' my conviction that 12 year-old boys are morally and legally capable of lying with me if they chose..and if it is their conviction? [/quote] Respect it as a belief system yes. Allow it to happen, no. In some cultures that is appropriate. Among others, it was legally and morally correct in Athens when democracy was invented. However, regardless of anyones personal beliefs, it is illegal in our country today and I certainly would report any such behaviour to civil authorities. Activity between consenting adults is much different than between an adult and child of any genders. Our legal system defines this as harm to the child, and an underage child does not have legal standing to make such a choice, personal conviction does not change that law. [quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by selector For example, would you have me embrace the convictions of a satanist? If so, than I would indeed have to respect them. But, I do not. You see, Satan is the father of all lies, [/quote] Embrace and respect are different. I do not embrace Satanism, and never had a Satanist in the Explorer Post when I was chaplain. But if one did show up, I imagine I'd have to sit down and have a good talk with them and let them explain how their beliefs might or might not fit within Scouting ideals. It would be a particularly interesting dialogue if there were any Zoroastrians (whom I have met) in the Post at the same time, since the concepts particularly associated with Satan seem to have been brought into Christianity from that religion. But over time various religious groups have demonised other religions for what they "knew" about them, which has led to much bloodshed and persecution of Jews, Indigenous peoples, and even against other Christians. The Romans 'knew' that Christians killed babies, so they killed Christians. Later on the Christians 'knew' that Jews and Pagans killed babies, so they killed them. We still have Catholics and Protestants killing each other in Ireland; and Hindus and Moslems in India; and on it goes. Instead, I would prefer to try understand people's vision of their own religions than claim I know they are bad. [quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by mark_in_utah Being in a pluralistic society does not mean that everyone is right. Realitive morality simply does not cut it. [/quote] Within any individual religious organisation, that's a fine approach. When it comes to groups that are open to people of all religions though, it is incumbent on anyone who wishes to join to learn to get along and that "one true belief" cannot be imposed on such a group as it can within one religion, or group of like-minded religions. At least that is the way that Scouting used to be. What is the alternative? Is there to be a grand inquisitor to check the purity of each religious group and sub-group before they are allowed to stay in scouting? Whose religions get to staff such an inquisition and write the universal religious law? I suppose it would be safe to kick out the Unitarian Universalists first, then most of the Jews (the Orthodox are probably OK, but the Reform Jews, the largest Jewish reform group in this country accepts homosexuality). It would probably be best to get rid of the Buddhists too, I don't think they have any national position papers on this, but all of the Buddhist monks and nuns that I know tend to be pretty accepting of all people. The Congregationalists and Episcopalians are sliding away fast. The Presbyterians are OK, but I'm not sure about that congregation over there, you know who they voted for.... Condoning such intolerance is not what I see as duty to my God or my Country, so you probably shouldn't let me back in either. Maureen
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!

Subscriber & Member Login

Edit post

Post Body

Tags (Optional)

Subscriber & Member Login

Users Online

Search the Community