Last night,
Cdr.Jen shared that at a BSA board of review, a Scout going for the final rank before Eagle shared that when he turns 18 he will register as a CO with reguard to Military service. 9-11-01 ect. Here we are in a clear war for freedom over terror, and a young man shares that his ethics are such that he cannot in conscience serve the US Armed forces. They pressed him about this decision, and about his "duty" to Country and to God.. The young man according to Cdr.Jen laid out a compelling argurement that I have rarely heard in RR circles.. (outside of MPJ's excellent insight<g>) The Scout told of his love of this country, and of the heroisum of it's common people. He could never speak against America.. This young man of 17 belives that God would not have him act as an agent to harm another human. His "ethics" of Christian faith tell him to serve as a medic, a humanitarian relief worker, but not a soldier,sailor or marine. He spoke of duty to his family, and what the Eagle rank means to them and to him, and it's worth to others.. His ideals of patriotisum are found in building this country for the better, acting fair and just... All this seemed to be his Idea of what BSA had told him was his right as an American and that service in other forms could equal his duty to country if his country called on him for service. So.. when I hear that RR Training outdoors is somehow linked to preparedness for the future, I wonder if in "our" rush to claim the high moral ground, do we also claim the ethics shared by this 17 year old? Can we endorse war as good politics and reserve respect for those who hear a different word? In Scouting the last word of the "law" holds that a scout is reverent, and faithfull in his religious duties- (In God we trust)... What I am asking Royal Rangers is do we hold such values that allow us to respect others of different faiths? Can we do so, and then say that for reasons of conscience we *respect but do not agree? ===== *High MORALE is the Index of effective Leadership. --------------********+********-------------------- Morale raises belief of the Leader in the follower, of the follower in the Leader, of each in themself, and both in the .....cause! __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Check out Yahoo! Shopping and Yahoo! Auctions for all of your unique holiday gifts! Buy at http://shopping.yahoo.com or bid at http://auctions.yahoo.com _______ This mailing list is dedicated to the glory of God. Let the Golden Rule be your daily rule. Offering bucket: http://eBible.org/mpj/partner.htm To unsubscribe, send "unsubscribe rangernet" to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://rangernet.org/subscribe.htm http://rangernet.org Autoresponder: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
