Eagle Scouts - Boy scouts of America
Eagle Scouts - Boy scouts of America
Should young men get their Eagle Award even though there is the Duty to God Award? - I hope I'm not touching a sensitive subject with anyone. I do enjoy helping young men get their Eagle Award but I don't know if it truly prepares them spiritually it should but most often it doen't.
Last edited by Tuly on Sat Feb 02, 2013 9:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"Condemn me not because of mine imperfection,... but rather give thanks unto God that he hath made manifest unto you our imperfections, that ye may learn to be more wise than we have been." Mormon 9:31
Yes, the Church has encouraged young men to join the scouting program and work toward getting their Eagle. I think that scouting is a little like some other church programs (such as EFY for example) that are not necessarily required for youth, but are good options that offer great learning experiences. Scouting gives young men tangible goals and requires work and discipline in order to reach those goals.
I think the question of whether or not an Eagle rank truly prepares a young man spiritually is entirely up to the candidate, like any program. I just know that scouting is a good thing.
QUOTES:
President Monson: "In this world where some misguided men and women strive to tear down and destroy great movements such as Scouting, I am pleased to stand firm for an organization that teaches duty to God and country, that embraces the Scout Law. Yes, an organization whose motto is 'Be prepared' and whose slogan is 'Do a good turn daily.' "
"Scouting helps our boys to walk uprightly the priesthood path to exaltation."
"...the priesthood program of the Church, with its accompanying activities, including Scouting, will help and not hinder you as you journey through life."
President Kimball: "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stands firm in its commitment to youth, to the families to which they belong, to the families they themselves will one day form, and to every program and effort that seek to build and strengthen and enrich and ennoble youth. The Boy Scouts of America has for many years found sponsorship in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Since in 1913, we became the first partner to sponsor Scouting in the United States. We have remained strong and firm in our support of this great movement for boys and of the Oath and the Law which are at its center. To commit a boy to do his best—to do his duty to God, to his country, to his fellowmen, to true principles, and to himself—is to open avenues of vision and direction for him which can be critically important in his life. A young man who understands and is fully committed to the great principles of the Scout Law has his feet firmly planted on a path that can lead to a happy and constructive life. He will qualify for his own self-respect, and he will very likely form wholesome relationships with others and will establish an honorable family. Being true to Scout principles will help him in forming a companionship with his Heavenly Father that will strengthen all the other relationships and aspects of life."
President Benson: "I would to God that every boy of Boy Scout age could have the benefits and the blessings of the great Boy Scout program. It is truly a noble program; it is a builder of character, not only in the boys, but also in the men who provide the leadership. And character, after all, is the priceless thing you build in this life and take with you into the next. I have often said that Scouting is essentially a spiritual program, a builder of men. It is established upon a deeply spiritual foundation."
There are many, many more such statements made by the leaders of the Church. It's clear that it is an inspired program.
I think the question of whether or not an Eagle rank truly prepares a young man spiritually is entirely up to the candidate, like any program. I just know that scouting is a good thing.
QUOTES:
President Monson: "In this world where some misguided men and women strive to tear down and destroy great movements such as Scouting, I am pleased to stand firm for an organization that teaches duty to God and country, that embraces the Scout Law. Yes, an organization whose motto is 'Be prepared' and whose slogan is 'Do a good turn daily.' "
"Scouting helps our boys to walk uprightly the priesthood path to exaltation."
"...the priesthood program of the Church, with its accompanying activities, including Scouting, will help and not hinder you as you journey through life."
President Kimball: "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stands firm in its commitment to youth, to the families to which they belong, to the families they themselves will one day form, and to every program and effort that seek to build and strengthen and enrich and ennoble youth. The Boy Scouts of America has for many years found sponsorship in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Since in 1913, we became the first partner to sponsor Scouting in the United States. We have remained strong and firm in our support of this great movement for boys and of the Oath and the Law which are at its center. To commit a boy to do his best—to do his duty to God, to his country, to his fellowmen, to true principles, and to himself—is to open avenues of vision and direction for him which can be critically important in his life. A young man who understands and is fully committed to the great principles of the Scout Law has his feet firmly planted on a path that can lead to a happy and constructive life. He will qualify for his own self-respect, and he will very likely form wholesome relationships with others and will establish an honorable family. Being true to Scout principles will help him in forming a companionship with his Heavenly Father that will strengthen all the other relationships and aspects of life."
President Benson: "I would to God that every boy of Boy Scout age could have the benefits and the blessings of the great Boy Scout program. It is truly a noble program; it is a builder of character, not only in the boys, but also in the men who provide the leadership. And character, after all, is the priceless thing you build in this life and take with you into the next. I have often said that Scouting is essentially a spiritual program, a builder of men. It is established upon a deeply spiritual foundation."
There are many, many more such statements made by the leaders of the Church. It's clear that it is an inspired program.
When God can do what he will with a man, the man may do what he will with the world. ~George MacDonald
Thanks Steve - I found your comments encouraging amidst a major upheavel in our scout council. I found myself discouraged after all the work that had been done to raise the bar in scouting. Thanks for the boost!
"Condemn me not because of mine imperfection,... but rather give thanks unto God that he hath made manifest unto you our imperfections, that ye may learn to be more wise than we have been." Mormon 9:31
Amen to the above. I would, however, draw a distinction between scouting and EFY. Howbeit EFY is obviously a positive influence in the lives of many who attend, it is not an officially prescribed program of the church, but rather an entirely optional supplement to religious training for young members who can afford it. Scouting, on the other hand, (for the time being, anyway) is the officially prescribed weekday activity program for the Young Men's organization of the Church. Its ongoing commitment to the integration of secular, religious, physical, and moral learning is recognized by the church as valuable experience for young bearers of the Aaronic Priesthood. All the prophets of the 20th and 21st centuries have strongly urged the young men of the church to be actively engaged in Scouting. I have never heard any of them urge attendance at EFY at a general church meeting.
This being said, I've also never heard any word of remonstrance toward any young man who did not achieve the rank of Eagle. I have heard from the authorities, a renewed and sober emphasis on the Duty to God award, which after all had its beginnings in Scouting.
This being said, I've also never heard any word of remonstrance toward any young man who did not achieve the rank of Eagle. I have heard from the authorities, a renewed and sober emphasis on the Duty to God award, which after all had its beginnings in Scouting.
"Music's golden tongue flatter'd to tears this aged man and poor."
Really? Would you consider scouting a "required" program? A mission would obviously be considered a "requirement" for young men, but I've never really heard of scouting in the same light. As you can see from even the few quotes I presented, though, it definitely is strongly encouraged.
When God can do what he will with a man, the man may do what he will with the world. ~George MacDonald
i think scouting should be considered "required." scouting has been officially adopted by the church as part of the activity program for young men. of course, i don't expect general authorities to make a habit of saying "we command all young men to participate in scouting." but they don't use that kind of language to persuade us to do anything. they use more "diplomatic" language... but that doesn't diminish the importance of any officially prescribed activity.
at the very least, scouting is "strongly encouraged," but i think its adoption into the activity program makes it just as much a requirement as any other church program.
at the very least, scouting is "strongly encouraged," but i think its adoption into the activity program makes it just as much a requirement as any other church program.
so let it be written... so let it be done.
Actually, they have used strong, direct language to persuade us to do many things. Rather than saying, "We command all young men..." they simply say "Young men, do this (or don't do this)..."i don't expect general authorities to make a habit of saying "we command all young men to participate in scouting." but they don't use that kind of language to persuade us to do anything.
For a good example of this, see President Benson's April 1986 address to the young men. There are many similar talks, but this one's great, particularly since the prophet does indeed command scouting (I answered my own question through a little research). This is good to hear, since I definitely want my children to work toward becoming Eagle scouts someday (and this is good leverage hehe). At any rate, check out a few direct quotes from that conference talk:
"Love your family. Be loyal to them."
"Young men, receive your patriarchal blessing under the influence of fasting and prayer, and then read it regularly that you may know God’s will for you."
"Attend your sacrament meeting every Sunday."
"Be worthy to prepare and bless and pass the sacrament."
"Attend your Sunday School classes every Sunday."
"Attend your priesthood quorum meetings every Sunday, and your quorum activities held on weeknights."
"Regularly attend seminary and be a seminary graduate."
"The Lord wants every young man to serve a full-time mission. Currently, only a fifth of the eligible young men in the Church are serving full-time missions. This is not pleasing to the Lord. We can do better. We must do better."
"Don’t see R-rated movies or vulgar videos or participate in any entertainment that is immoral, suggestive, or pornographic. Don’t listen to music that is degrading."
President Kimball (quoted in the above talk): "Do not take the chance of dating nonmembers, or members who are untrained and faithless."
And in reference to scouting, the Lord has commanded:
"Earn the Duty to God Award—one of our most significant priesthood awards. Become an Eagle Scout. Do not settle for mediocrity in the great Scouting program of the Church."
"Give me a young man who has magnified his priesthood and has earned the Duty to God Award and is an Eagle Scout."
Last edited by Steve on Sat Aug 26, 2006 3:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.
When God can do what he will with a man, the man may do what he will with the world. ~George MacDonald
that's true, the prophets often use very direct language. i think that that talk by president benson is somewhat "controversial" to this day. by controversial, i mean that i think a lot of people try to work around it or ignore it, i guess. also, i've heard a lot of people question whether it applies to just the youth of the church (i think president benson gave a very similar talk to the young women). but anyway i agree with what you said steve, those are good quotes.
so let it be written... so let it be done.
well, since the photo of my court of honor has been posted, I guess I'll add my two cents. (By the way, is it me or do I seem to have the same hair style as mom in that picture?)
I believe that young men in the chuch should pursue their eagle scout awards as recomended by the general authorities. The scouting program is founded upon religious and patriotic virtues. The scout oath even states "On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my county, and to obey the scout law. . . ."
the scout law says "A scout is trustwothy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courtiuos, kind, obedient, cheerfull, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent" All of these virtues are encouraged by the general authories which is why the scouting program has been adopted by the chuch.
The reason scouting is loosing its original focus is because America is becoming more and more secular. People want the program to be so inclusive that it excludes its founding virtues. So we end up with gay rights debates, feminism debates, scouts who behave poorly, and so on.
Another problem is that many LDS troops do not follow the guidline established by BSA. If scouting isn't working, why don't we try following the instructions? Sheesh!
Anyways, I feel there's a lot of good in the program. I also see the wisdom in forming the Duty to God award. Although the church supports BSA, it should be ready to be independant from it in case scouting condones certain secular notions.
I believe that young men in the chuch should pursue their eagle scout awards as recomended by the general authorities. The scouting program is founded upon religious and patriotic virtues. The scout oath even states "On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my county, and to obey the scout law. . . ."
the scout law says "A scout is trustwothy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courtiuos, kind, obedient, cheerfull, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent" All of these virtues are encouraged by the general authories which is why the scouting program has been adopted by the chuch.
The reason scouting is loosing its original focus is because America is becoming more and more secular. People want the program to be so inclusive that it excludes its founding virtues. So we end up with gay rights debates, feminism debates, scouts who behave poorly, and so on.
Another problem is that many LDS troops do not follow the guidline established by BSA. If scouting isn't working, why don't we try following the instructions? Sheesh!
Anyways, I feel there's a lot of good in the program. I also see the wisdom in forming the Duty to God award. Although the church supports BSA, it should be ready to be independant from it in case scouting condones certain secular notions.
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