I have a few things to
say in response to the resent decision about homosexuals in the Boy Scouts of
America). I will include a link to the news articles about this change below.
First, I need to tell everyone little more about my experiences with Scouting.
I joined the BSA as a cub scout in the 3rd grade. It was fun we ran
around tied knots and got pins for doing little tasks. I eventually graduated to
the Boy Scouts and got my Arrow of Light when I was 11. I have been involved in
scouts ever since. I got my eagle on February 18th 2010. Three days
after my 18th birthday. I am a Vigil arrowman in the Order of the
Arrow. I have served as senior patrol leaders for my troop at home and the NYLT
troop. I have been Lodge Chief of the Order of the Arrow and have made a great
many while being a part of scouting. It shaped my youth and made me into who I am
today in a very big way. It continues to be a program in which my father is a
leader and is in a lot of ways the way that he and I stay connected while I am
off at school. I loved scouting while growing up but then I was ignorant and didn’t
care about how hypocritical the organization is.
Here is what I mean. As
of Tuesday the BSA for the first time ever is allowing homosexual boys to join
the program. This is a monumental step forward to the organization being all
inclusive and living up to its own Scout Oath and Law:
Law
A Scout is:
Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful,
Friendly, Courteous, Kind,
Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty,
Brave, Clean, Reverent
Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful,
Friendly, Courteous, Kind,
Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty,
Brave, Clean, Reverent
First of all we will talk about the Law. Every day of my life
I try to live out this very same set of words. In regards to this I could say
something about every part of the law that proves my point but I will only
mention a few.
A Scout is Friendly. Is it truly in this part to say that I
quit scouting because there will be gays there. A scout that follows this part
would say I want to be friends with this group and make them feel welcome
because that is the Friendly thing to do.
A Scout is Kind. One
who is truly kind will help all in need. Does it make sense that if a
homosexual boy needs scouting to learn how to become man that he should not be
allowed this same opportunity? How kind is it to say that you cannot come here
because you are gay.
A Scout is Obedient. The national office made this a policy.
They are your Masters and you will say I am not doing Scouting anymore because I
don’t agree with them. If they allowed girls in how many of you would leave.
A Scout is Brave. He doesn’t
judge and run when he is scared. He says and sees it though because he is seeking
to help others grow and be men.
A Scout is Clean. He
does not slander his brothers because he doesn’t agree that he should be in. He
is clean in speech and thought. He does not judge others but welcomes them into
his life so that he may help them in whatever they need but he does not decide
what they need because that is not his place.
A Scout is Reverent. This does not say a Scout is Christian
or Hindu or Mormon. It says a Scout recognizes that there is something much greater
than themselves and becomes submissive to it. I will talk about this more soon.
Oath
On my honor I will do
my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.
On my Honor I will do
my best:
how much honor is
there is quitting and saying I don’t want to do this because I don’t agree. This
says that I have too much Pride to deal with this and therefore I have to quit.
I have personally gone through Scouts my entire life not agreeing with this
policy. I have accepted and finished my commitments.
To do my duty to God
and my country:
First let’s talk about God. I am a Christian so I am going to
approach this from that same angle. The bible in places does say that
Homosexuality is a sin. It also says that it is like looking at Pornography, lustfully
at women or any other sexual sin. It is not unforgiveable in the eyes of god.
It is no greater than any other form of Lust. It is no different from when I
used to look at Porn or when I catch myself lustfully looking at women at my
campus. Show me one of you that is Perfect and you can throw the first stone at
a Homosexual. We have become Pharisees and think we are perfect in the Law and
know Gods plan for scouting and the rest of the world. But we are not, Jesus will
come back and find us disgraceful and be sad because his death for to save all
people lead us to our bigotry. He would not condemn us though. He died so that all
could live. So why don’t we listen to him. When he is asked what is the greatest
of the commandments “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as
yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-38. This
verse form James describes my point flawlessly.
“9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and
Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s
likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My
brothers and sisters, this should not be.11Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the
same spring? 12My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear
olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”
James 3:9-12.
Why are we so filled with hate of people that bear the
image of God our Father and our neighbors? We forsake the most important commandments
for the trivial laws in Leviticus. I challenge you to think about what your
motivations are for your distain and hatred for these Brothers of yours.
Scouting has done many great things
for me in my life. But there is one thing that makes me regret ever joining
more than the things I learned make me happy I did. Scouting had made me
Homophobic and scared of all things different from myself. Though Christ I am becoming
a whole loving human being. Christ died
so that all could live. It is your responsibly to open that kingdom up to all
humans.
In Christ’s Love
Cyrus Schaaf
I have lots to say.
Please message me on Facebook or Comment. Christ will answer though whatever
you need to know. For that I know and have faith that this change is truly Gods
will.
Here is more
information on what happened.
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