[Ten Megaton Solution]

or who mock God by denying His existence,

Clearly one cannot mock that which does not exist, therefore the atheist that denies the existence of "god" does so with the intention of making a truthful statement, and not with the hypocritical intention of mockery. The author seems confused about what words mean and how they should be applied. Possibly the intent is deliberate and the author is mocking those that dare disagree with him by refusing to partake of his mythology?

[Polycarp]

Thank you for filling the role of the stereotypical patronizing atheist. Your momma must be so proud.

[LiteKeeper]

What evidence do you have that this is "mythology?"

[onedoug]

Have you ever sworn an oath? To defend America? In marriage?

You're right when you say, "not with the hypocritical intention of mockery", since being hypocritical actually engenders some departure from a belief in, or adherence to some standard.

In fact, one who might conventially be called a hypocrite usually doesn't really believe in anything...except the adrenaline rush perhaps, that might issue from cavalierly branding someone else's heartfelt beliefs "mythology".

[Busywhiskers]

Back in the 13th century, St. Anshelm, (Proslogium), showed just how logically impossible it is to deny God's existence when he proved the statement of Psalms that "the fool says in his heart, there is no God".

Refusing to partake in a belief of God does not mean that God does not exist, it just shows the silliness of the unbeliver.

Now if someone wants to refuse to partake in the belief in God, they should also choose not to partake in the BSA where God is still reverently honored.

[jwalsh07]

Clearly one cannot mock that which does not exist, therefore the atheist that denies the existence of "god" does so with the intention of making a truthful statement, and not with the hypocritical intention of mockery

Even more clear is the fact that atheists can not know whether God or a Creator, whichevr you prefer, exists. Therefore, the atheist does not make a truthful statement when he denies the existence of God, he instead offers a hubris filled opinion. Which is fine, we're all entilted to an opinion.

But my question here is, do you have a problem with private organizations excluding atheists?

[ArGee]

Possibly the intent is deliberate and the author is mocking those that dare disagree with him by refusing to partake of his mythology?

Probably the author knows his own opinion and the opinion of most of his readers.

Those of us who know G-d understand that the fact of G-d's existence is obvious to all. We also recognize that some want to deny G-d's existence because they understand what it would mean to accept someone greater than they could ever be. Human pride stands in the way.

But you are correct that G-d is not mocked when you deny his existence.

You do, however, name yourself a fool.

Shalom.

[Kevin Curry]

Clearly one cannot mock that which does not exist . . .

Clearly one can mock that which exists that one does not believe exists.

One of the greatest unbelievers of them all, Bertrand Russell, admitted that rigorous logic would not permit him to deny God's existence as a proveable fact. Agnosticism was as far as careful thought would permit him to go.

At any rate, the Boy Scouts is founded on an implicit belief in God. To contend one should be allowed to participate while expressly rejecting the existence of God is PC illogic taken to extremes.