A Scout is Reverent, the Scout Handbook says. A Scout respects the rights and beliefs of others. A Scout is faithful to his faith, that "Something" or "Someone" higher or more greater than himself and others. A Scout keeps a sense of morality in the things he does and tries to incorporate his ideals and beliefs into his personal life.

Soon after Karin, a devoit Jehovah's Witness left our home, Mildred was very upset. "How could this person say those things!", she yelled. "She didn't yell about your beliefs," I said.

A Scout finds his beliefs and ideals from the teachings of his family, his religious teachers and from his own personal study of his religious books and doctrine. A Scout does not "press" or "force" his religious or moral teachings on others, but can help others by way of personal action and behavior.

Likewise, Scouting does not teach religion, since this is one area which each Scout has to search for and and discover. There are a lot of people that will tell you otherwise, saying that Scouting is an extension of mainline religious thought. I have not met a single Scout whom has been told that "he must believe in God" or "Jesus" or even "the trees". I have met many Scouters whom have stated that in order to be a good Scout, you must believe in some power or spirit or force greater than yourself. It makes sense.

Many times in my life, I have steadfastly held onto my faith in my Savior as I would travel into unfamiliar areas, as I meet new people and as I start new jobs. I know that somehow, some way that I can not understand, that He is there with me and my family. I just know it, because I believe in something "greater than I can ever be".

My wife constantly marvels at the fact that given a roadmap and a simple layout of a city, that I can travel just about anywhere without getting lost. Once, I told her that "God steers me", and she replied "Oh yeah...right." But she was amazed when after we had travelled for miles without a roadmap, that I found my way back onto the main German autobahn without asking for directions.

My Godsister gave me a interesting book when I returned from Germany and visited with her and her family. It was a paperback devotional book. For each day, there was a Biblical passage to read, a prayer to pray, and some discussion. I enjoyed it.

Incorporating your beliefs into your daily actions and deeds and by applying the Scout laws into your life will help you to understand that each person is guided by a set of morals. These morals may be the Scout Oath and these Laws. It may be the Koran or the Book of Mormon, or the Bible. It may just be a series of things handed down from generation to generation. Or it could be a combination of these and other things.

"As you seek to understand, understand to seek". This statement simply states that as you find out more about your beliefs, learn about others and their beliefs. You may or may not like what they believe; they may or may not like what you believe. Learn about others -- learn about yourself more.

Respect others' beliefs and feelings. They will respect you.

Settummanque!
(MAJ) Mike L. Walton (Settummanque, the blackeagle)