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[quote=Anonymous]OP here.  Thanks for the input all, unfortunately I'm not sure I'm any closer to the answer on this one.  We looked into the secular "scouting" organizations and it seems there are none in our immediate area and starting our own, secular group, feels off.  Remember, this is the troop all of his buddies are going to be in, where their older brothers are already members.  I already worry that I'm raising my child in a manner that makes him a minority, or sets him apart, and I really don't want to come off as militant about this to him, or to others.  I don't want him to have to say "Oh, I can't do that with you guys because my parents are nut-jobs that can't handle the word 'God' being uttered in their presence."  It feels like a hard line to draw in some ways.

Through a long process of debate and reflection, my husband and I have concluded it's important to us, for many reasons, to own up to and be open about our atheism.  That stated, I don't think my 6 year old should walk around claiming he denies the existence of a higher power.  We've convinced him it's best that he decide this matter on his own only when he's much older and has learned a lot more about the world, religion, humanity, science, etc. and I'm proud to say that he seems to get that: "I'm still deciding."  If the troop is soft-handed about religion, then I really want to say "no biggie then" right?

But then, PP points out that technically, his parents aren't allowed in the organization because of our BELIEFS.  They'd never deny a Muslim kid, or a Jewish Dad, but my husband (who IS an Eagle Scout mind you!) should technically not be allowed near the popcorn and should be turning in his badge.   At some point my guy will be asked to say the oath alone, and he'll have to find those 6 people to testify to his scout-worthiness, and perhaps he'll be old enough then, to make his own decision about the matter, but it feels like I'm setting him up to either have to be hypocritical, or make himself an example.  I don't want him to have to falter when asked those questions, I want him to be able to confidently say "I'm STILL deciding" without it costing him an entire community.

Aside from the religious part, I have no issue with the definition the scouts use of Morally straight that a pp posted:  "To be a person of strong character, your relationships with others should be honest and open. You should respect and defend the rights of all people. Be clean in your speech and actions, and remain faithful in your religious beliefs. The values you practice as a Scout will help you shape a life of virtue and self-reliance."  But isn't this in itself hypocritical?  What about my right to not believe in God, and to be HONEST about that?  That the Scouts won't abide...  I am OK being the example of a person who is honest and open, law abiding, trustworthy, and caring, WITHOUT faith, I'm just not so sure I'm comfortable setting my child up to have to be an example of that as well.

Perhaps I'm thinking this though way too much, it may have become symbolic for all of my anxieties about how we are parenting.  I'm OK walking away from this, but I really don't want him to miss out!  My husband said something to me yesterday that really struck a chord: he stated that even when his faith faltered, and eventually died, "Do a good turn daily" always made sense to him, and he lives his life in a way that shows that.  I want the same for my kid, ESPECIALLY for my kid, who doesn't belong to a church but still deserves a caring community with shared values and a sense of belonging.

So... we debate on.  Perhaps we give it a shot and see how it feels? and I will talk to the local troop leader.  Thanks again.[/quote]

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