Boy Scout Troop 325
By George Denise,
Scoutmaster
Excerpted from an article by
Ann Finkbeiner,The Forum, USA Today
The Twelfth Scout Law is "A Scout Is Reverent". Scouting requires a belief in God. It doesn’t tell you how to believe in God; that is left to you, your parents, and your religion to decide. Sometimes, people your age or just a little older begin to question their beliefs, however. They ask what I call "the hard questions". Is there a God? What is the nature of God? Why are we here? What is the meaning of life?
There is nothing wrong with
that. These are questions many thinking
people ask. Often, as we begin to study
science and the scientific method, we find it at odds with some of our earlier
religious teachings Religious accounts
of creation are resonant and moving stories and you believe them because you
have faith.
Scientific accounts of
creation include how the universe was formed, how life began, how species evolve,
how humans grow from the union of two cells. Science backs its answers with evidence you don’t need faith to believe.
You may or may not believe
religion's account of creation. But
there are many questions science can’t answer either. Even how evolution takes place is hotly debated among
scientists. And science doesn’t even
try to answer the question "Why?" The
concern of science is attempting to determine "How?"
Perhaps that is why a
majority of scientists describe themselves as religious and state that they
believe in God. One scientist
wrote: "At our best, we think seriously
about the purpose and meaning of life... science provides no guidance (here) and
we each have to find our own path. Religious thought provides that."
Albert Einstein, one of the greatest scientific minds that ever existed, stated: "A legitimate conflict between science and religion cannot exist. Science without religion is lame; religion without science is blind.
Some questions, the simple,
concrete ones, science can often answer. Other questions, the ones about how best to live one’s life, and how to
find meaning in life, only religion can answer.
I believe there is a purpose and meaning in life. I believe there is a God. I try to live my life the best I can, according to the Cub Scout Motto, "Do Your Best," The Scout Oath, and The Scout Law, summarized best in the Golden Rule: "Treat others as your would like to be treated."
The twelfth Scout Law states, "A Scout is Reverent." Are you?
Thank you for listening. And may God be with you.