The Boy Scouts of America is exercising its right to ban or toss out certain members of its group again. Darrell Lambert is a 19-year-old from Seattle who has devoted 10 years to serving in the BSA. His accomplishments include becoming an Eagle Scout-the highest rank in scouting-and attaining 37 merit badges. He has been given an ultimatum: “Change your religious beliefs, or get out.” The BSA is a private organization so it is entitled to cut members for various reasons-namely homosexuality and atheism. Lambert is guilty of the latter.
Brad Farmer, the executive of the Chief Seattle Council of the Boy Scouts, said, “You need to have a recognition of a supreme being. We as the Boy Scouts do not define what that is, but you need to have a recognition.”
The Boy Scouts require potential members to fill out an application denoting religious preference, be it a structured religion or simply belief in a greater presence.
It seems ridiculous to condone virtually all religions, which could lead a person’s moral behavior in countless different directions, but forbid atheism, which relies on the use of a personal moral compass.
I reason that the BSA’s requirement for belief in a higher power is meant to teach humility and servitude, but Lambert’s service record speaks for itself. It boasts over 1,000 community service hours his senior year of high school alone and several leadership positions with the BSA. Lambert illustrates that an atheist is capable of serving a cause and making moral decisions.
Lambert has stated adamantly that he would not change his beliefs, which he has held since his freshman year of high school.
If Lambert decided to remain a member of the Boy Scouts, he would be one of two things: a liar or someone who is very easily persuaded to compromise their beliefs.
The idea of compromising beliefs stands in stark contrast to BSA ideals, which list mental awareness and self-reliance as two of their most emphasized principles. By affording Lambert the opportunity to change, the BSA is in reality compromising its moral beliefs.
The religious requirements of the BSA teach closed-mindedness and conformity to young members. By imposing its will on Lambert, the BSA extends the message that conformity to a common idea will be rewarded with acceptance. As long as Boy Scouts’ personal beliefs are condemned and threatened with the possibility of expulsion, they will not be able to achieve open-mindedness.
The BSA shouldn’t be forced to maintain Lambert as a member. Legally, they have the right to admit or exclude certain people. The BSA should, however, respect Lambert’s achievements as a Boy Scout, commitment to serving others and advocacy of what he believes. Maybe the BSA will realize what an asset Lambert’s intellect and selfless attitude are to its organization and allow him to stay, despite his lack of spirituality.
Josh Foreman is a junior communication major.