What is the Boy Scouts of America policy on atheists?
– In 1911 the BSA added “A Scout is Reverent” to the Scout Law, and in the 1920s adopted the “Declaration of Religious Principal” which is included in the Bylaws and states: The BSA maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God. [In the first part of the Scout Oath or Promise the member declares, “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law.”] The recognition of God as the ruling and leading power in the universe and the grateful acknowledgment of His favors and blessings are necessary to the best type of citizenship and are wholesome precepts in the education of the growing members. No matter what the religious faith of the members may be, this fundamental need of good citizenship should be kept before them. The BSA, therefore, recognizes the religious element in the training of the member, but is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. The BSA’s p
