Scouts inherently believe in a moral law (almost certainly emanating from the Divine). The outline and summary for these principles can again be found in the Scout Law as well as the Slogan. Previously, this moral law was undergirded by both social norms and common American religious institutions, especially churches and synagogues….The BSA so assiduously embodied these moral norms that some use “boy scout” as a nickname for upright, responsible, and helpful people who do not compromise for the sake of convenience.

Earlier, I discussed the relative unavailability of data regarding child predation and loosened sexual standards in Scouting. Today, I want to look at the policy change proposal from the perspective of principles rather than consequences. When an institution like the Boy Scouts of America is in decline, we tend to focus our attentions on membership and finances (not without good reason). Nevertheless, if Scouting is to be consistent with itself, rightness should take priority over efficiency, even though the two are not necessarily in conflict.

Let us look at the ethical foundations for the BSA, shall we? Granted, as a religiously pluralistic organization, the Boy Scouts’ authoritative moral resources are sparser than those of a church or synagogue. Nevertheless, there is a morality, and it is more than a simple mutual assent and popular vote. First off, the BSA requires belief in God—it is not specified whether this be deistic or theistic, but it is generally understood to be monotheistic. An atheist cannot repeat the Scout Oath, even if he could respectfully acknowledge the sacred and thus be “reverent” as per the Scout Law.

Second, Scouts inherently believe in a moral law (almost certainly emanating from the Divine). The outline and summary for these principles can again be found in the Scout Law as well as the Slogan. Previously, this moral law was undergirded by both social norms and common American religious institutions, especially churches and synagogues. Indeed, the American culture helped clarify questions regarding decency and rightness. The BSA so assiduously embodied these moral norms that some use “boy scout” as a nickname for upright, responsible, and helpful people who do not compromise for the sake of convenience.

Popular society has increasingly abandoned traditional morality. However, religious groups that invest in Scouting favor the principles of the Oath and Law.

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