The second question is When to disaffiliate? Most Christians are so horrified and feel so betrayed by BSA that they want to act immediately. However, I think there are some good reasons to wait at least a few months, during which the new policy will have yet to take effect:
The recent decision by the Boy Scouts of America to change its moral stance towards homosexuality is a tragic failure that calls for a response from Christians who are involved in Scouting. This would include me, since both my boys are Boy Scouts and my church sponsors a Boy Scout troop. Having prayerfully considered this matter, I would offer advice to fellow Christians with respect to two questions. First, can we continue involvement in and support of Boy Scouts in light of this new policy? The answer is No. Second, when should we pull out of Boy Scouts? The answer is By the end of the year, but not yet.
First, let me explain why I believe that Christians should not remain in Boy Scouts after this new policy goes into effect in six months.
The Principle: In the Scout Oath, boys vow to be “morally straight.” For years, Boy Scouts have asserted that this oath precludes homosexual perversion. Now, scouts must accept homosexuality as being in line with moral straightness. A Christian, however, can no more submit to this principle than to define adultery or drunkenness as morally straight (see 1 Cor. 6:9-10). The Bible defines homosexual behavior as “dishonorable, impure, unnatural, and shameless” (Rom. 1:24-27). Boy Scouts are now demanding that Christians tolerate not merely people who are tempted by homosexuality but also the principle of homosexuality itself. Disciples of Christ cannot do this without compromising our faithfulness to Him (see Rev. 2:20).
Moral Cowardice: The Scout Law calls on boys to be brave. Yet after many years of clearly upholding their values, BSA has changed its policy in response to public pressure and, it seems, to financial interest. Is this the message that Boy Scouts exists to convey to America’s youth: be willing to change your values when they become unpopular or costly? There is little point to a leadership-training organization that conveys this kind of message.
Safety: The bottom line is that starting in 2014, BSA will send 11 year-old boys into the woods with 17 year-old boy leaders who are practicing homosexuals.
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