While I am 100% against the Scouts doing this, I do not see this as kneeling at Satan’s altar. I think they made a scared, poor decision under pressure - one that will ultimately end their organization. I also do not see them descending into a homoerotic meat market...but I do see other good organizations filling the gap.
People think it’s not one or the other, but it is. It might not be kneeling at an altar, but what’s the difference? It’s in.
People think we set the rules but we don’t. We either work for and get God’s presence in an institution, or we’re on our own and we are just not strong enough without His help to keep it out, kneeling at a particular altar or not.
Watch what happens.
As seen at Sandy Hook, if one cares to look, that is, there is no in between. Eliminate God and His Word from an institution and invite the enemy - he’s not going to leave it alone, if that’s what people think - especially where the formation of children is concerned.
And this eliminates God’s Word. Sex is for two people married to each other for the right reasons. It is not for 17 year old boys. And boys need guidance in this. the BSA has always recognized boys’ struggle with temptation.
You shove God out of a youth institution and there is no protection.
For example, people don’t see that the US cannot look away from legalizing abortion and expect God’s protection for the country.
Look at what is going on and the trends in government. Just look at Issa and his incompetence in managing these hearings. That alone portrays the powerlessness of anyone hoping to get rid of massive corruption while we are busy telling God to stay out of everything.
The BSA has just shoved God out. People pretend that spiritual vacuum will not get filled as they pretend the enemy does not exist or that it does not thrive on institutions which tear apart the family, and formative institutions, but that thinking, see, hear speak no evil, is just not effective in keeping it out. It’s there.
Personally, I think the organization lost track of its underlying mission years ago. Once you get to the point where you are groveling for corporate donations, then you aren't really true to your mission anymore and have become nothing more than a business enterprise. It isn't just the BSA who falls into this trap, but ANY organization that is run in a similar manner.
Thank You C. for a bit of actual clarity. I’ve had some jerk on another thread accuse me of going over to the dark side and becoming one with “the enemy.” (his words) because I haven’t tendered my resignation as a Scoutmaster and immediately pulled my two sons, one of whom is one step away from Eagle from the program.