Today, February 8, is the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scouts of America.
No, I never served in any of the armed forces. But I was a Boy Scout. Ok, not the same. (And I only made Second Class before the small-town troop folded. One of the prices of small-town life, I guess.) But the two do contain some common elements. After all, the Scouts was created as an introduction to patriotic service, and that sense remains intact. The Oath and Law reflect these values
Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.
Scout Law
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
Scouting has survived multiple controversies. Though a private organization, some homosexual activists challenged the legitimacy of their private behavior as though it were somehow illegal. The United Way has also suspended funding of the organization in some cities, though one can specify funds to go to the Scouts.
I urge those who love liberty to support the Boy Scouts (and to likewise oppose their opponents). There is positive social value and spiritual reinforcement here. And for those of a revivalist persuasion, consider Scouting to be a wonderful venue of pre-evangelism efforts.
You have a decision to make: double or nothing.
For this week only, a generous supporter has offered to fully match all new and increased donations to First Things up to $60,000.
In other words, your gift of $50 unlocks $100 for First Things, your gift of $100 unlocks $200, and so on, up to a total of $120,000. But if you don’t give, nothing.
So what will it be, dear reader: double, or nothing?
Make your year-end gift go twice as far for First Things by giving now.
