A Boy Scout is reverent: BSA emphasizes spirituality; various faiths have awards

A Boy Scout is reverent.

That's the 12th point of the Scout Law, emphasizing how important spirituality and religion are in the Scouting program.

And with the annual Scout Sunday observance coming on Feb. 7, Scouting and faith are especially relevant topics.

As an emblem of spiritual endeavors, dozens of awards from different religions recognize a Scout's or Scout leader's devotion to a supreme being. Even amid so much diversity and extreme caution not to promote religion in general, the Boy Scouts have not tapered off in their reverent devotion. As the Boy Scouts of America celebrates its 100th anniversary, reverence remains a solid cornerstone of the movement.

The BSA, through the Programs of Religious Activities — P.R.A.Y. publishing — coordinates the religious emblem awards.

According to Boy's Life magazine, the official publication of Scouting, "A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others."

The Boy Scouts of America has approved these programs and even allows the religious emblems to be worn on the official uniform. The various religious groups administer the programs, and the Boy Scouts of America espouses no particular religion.

The first church to develop a religious scout award was the Roman Catholic Church in 1939 with its Ad Altare Dei (to the altar of God) emblem. The Catholic program is organized into chapters, based on the seven sacraments. The church views the seven sacraments as a primary means for spiritual growth.

"On My Honor" is the LDS Church's religious scout award and is linked to service in the Aaronic Priesthood.

Some churches, like Disciples of Christ, Christian Methodist Episcopal and Church of Christ Scientist, share a common religious emblem for their award in Scouting. Others stand alone.

According to Arthur G. Lipman, vice president for relationships of the Great Salt Lake Council of the Boy Scouts, one of the common myths locally is that Scouting is only for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He said that notion just won't go away.

"Scouting is for all youth," he said. "We have a broad range of faith-based scouting sponsors in the Great Salt Lake Council including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Jewish, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Christian, Muslim and others."