Newsgroups: bit.listserv.christia
Date:         Mon, 17 Aug 1992 10:20:00 EDT
From:         "Carl A. Lahetta" <U952020@RUTADMIN.BITNET>
Subject:      Re: Trusting Scoutmasters

> Date:         Sun, 16 Aug 1992 17:28:39 GMT
> From:         Dr Nancy's Sweetie <kilroy@GBORO.GLASSBORO.EDU>
> Subject:      Trusting Scoutmasters
> To:           "carl a. lahetta" <U952020>
>
> In reply to an earlier article, several people have made comments to the
> effect that they would not send their kids out with a homosexual Scoutmaster;
> one typical (and well-phrased) example from Joe Moore:
>
> > Adultery and homosexuality are both wrong (not according to me---according
> > to scripture).  If someone openly practices either they should not be role
> > models for our kids.
>
> This has two problems:
>
>  a) Most Christians believe that, according to the Bible, it is wrong to
>     teach religions like Islam and Buddhism -- but people who teach these
>     things are permitted to be Scoutmasters.
>
>  b) That standard is not what is actually being used.
>
> (a) is self-explanatory, but (b) may require some elaboration.
>
> In at least one case that I know of, a scoutmaster was ejected because he is a
> homosexual.  Nothing was said about his being a *practicing* homosexual, or
> his being a bad role model -- in fact, everybody agreed that he was an
> exemplary Scout.  Simply because he is attracted to men, he was kicked out.

  How is a child suppose to deal with the fact that their scoutmaster is
  attracted to males?  What about when the kids take showers, go swimming,
  or go to sleep at night.  It would be the same as having men be Brownie
  Troop leaders and sleeping with girls in tents.  I think some parents
  would be nervous about that.  Same thing for the boys, ever hear of
  temptation?

>
> By this standard, a celibate Christian homosexual would not be permitted to be
> a Scoutmaster -- even though the Boy Scouts do accept sexually active single
> heterosexuals.  (I've known one such person who was an assistant Scoutmaster,
> and against whom no objections were ever raised.)

   This person may not be a good example morally, but at least he is not a
   threat, nor would he intimidate the boys.

>
>
> The people who have been posting have said vaguely sensible things, depending
> on how one interprets various Biblical passages.  But what they've said has
> little to do with the standards the Boy Scouts of America actually use.
>
> My question is this: do you object in principle to celibate Christian
> homosexuals?  Is your answer any different for celibate Christian
> heterosexuals?  If so, why?

   No, as long as the Christian Homosexual is trying to change his/her
   sexual preferences and frame of mind.  If they choose to remain Gay
   and celibate, then yes there is a problem.  And no, I do not object to
   celibate Christian heterosexuals.

> If you object to homosexuals on the grounds that they might be tempted by the
> boys they care for, consider the parallel situation of a day care center.

    Yes, it is a danger.

> Would anyone here object to a celibate Christian heterosexual man caring for
> young girls at a day care center?  If not, would you object to a celibate
> Christian homosexual caring for young boys?  If the answers are different,
> why?

    It depends on the set up of the day care center and how many other people
    are around.  This example doesn't work.  Being out in the woods and staying
    over in tents is different than day care even though there have been some
    tragedies at day care centers.

    What are you Darren?  The appointed protector of groups that seek
    to be called Christians but cannot be validated.  I bet you applauded the
    move by some churches to approve of homosexual ministers.  Christianity
    cannot be watered down to cater to those who practice lawlessness.

> Darren F Provine / kilroy@gboro.glassboro.edu
> "A great many people think they are thinking when they are merely
>  rearranging their prejudices." -- William James


Carl---------+
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