On Boy Scouts and Belief in God: Who Should Make the Rules?

My letter is in regard to the issue of William and Michael Randall. In my opinion, the fact that the boys’ father, an attorney, is suing the Boy Scouts of America is utterly outrageous.

As an Eagle Scout myself, I am well aware of the demands placed upon the boys, as well as the advancement requirements they apparently refuse to adhere to. They do not wish to confess their belief in a higher power or a God. That is perfectly acceptable. The thing that causes me the unrest is the fact that at 9 years old, no one can be aware of a presence of a God.

Attending both a Catholic and a public high school in my life, I can say that the presence of a God cannot be realized at 9 years old. Even at 17 years old, I still am just learning to relate to my own god, or belief.

That is all the Boy Scouts of America wants. Not a profession of belief, simply an acknowledgement in a feeling toward something greater on the part of the Scout(s).

It was interesting to note in the article that first stated this predicament a few weeks back that the boys’ father was an Anaheim Hills attorney. Don’t get me wrong, but it ain’t cheap to live in Anaheim Hills. Maybe the father’s law practice needed a boost?

I feel that part of the problem of the Scout Oath is its age. When Baden Powell (the founder of the Boy Scouts of America) laid down these guidelines more than 80 years ago, neither the religious nor the ethnic background in the United States was as diverse as it is today. Even the Catholic Church recognized the need for change with Vatican II.

This problem could have been handled calmly and peacefully both by the Cub Pack and by the Randalls, although Mr. Randall sure did pick up the ball and run with it!

JEFFREY LOGAN SOLSBY, Corona del Mar