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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to let DS1 join the Beavers

42 replies

TheHouseofMirth · 24/01/2012 20:16

when DH & I are atheist republicans? Don't they have to swear an oath to god and the Queen? Or can they opt out of that bit? Or am I overthinking it all?!

OP posts:
silentcatastrophe · 25/01/2012 13:57

I'm a leader for Rainbows, and I think there are lots of inconsistencies. It really depends on who the leader is. This term I am taking the girls to church, not because I am religious, but because they can be very interesting places, and should you be stuck in one for any reason, it makes it more interesting to know a little bit about what's going on around you. I don't think I am alone in having found religious buildings quite scary. Again it depends on the views of the leader. Some are all fire and brimstone. Some make the impossible seem more possible.
My idea about my group is that it should first and foremost be fun for all involved.

Original poster
TheHouseofMirth · 25/01/2012 21:15

But Cogito don't you think it's immoral to encourage someone take a vow which they believe to be meaningless?

OP posts:
TwoIfBySea · 25/01/2012 21:24

I'm agnostic, I'm not a particular fan of old Queenie but my dts have gone through Beavers, are currently Sixers in the Cubs and after summer will be in the Scouts.

They want to go to the RAF Air Cadets at 13 and that will have similar ideas of For Queen and Country.

It's a lot of fun, they love gaining the badges and going to camp. Teaches them great team work amongst other things.

rascalchops1 · 12/05/2013 12:41

The house of mirth you are an atheist hypocrite. If you are an atheist, why send your son to a C of E school? probably because the education is better than a non religious school. But you disagree with the scouts because of the God element.

pigletmania · 12/05/2013 12:48

Yabvu and are over thinking it. I have just read the rest of your posts, it's a good idea to explain that mummy and daddy do not believe in god, bu some do. I think,that te Chidren don't take much notice of te God bit anyway and just want to get it over

pigletmania · 12/05/2013 12:49

Ywbvvvvvvvu to make your ds miss out because of this!

BackforGood · 12/05/2013 12:54

laptopdancer - your friend needs to sort her facts out. Scout Association is not a protestant organisation. There are groups that are affiliated to Catholic churches, as well as Muslim Groups and Sikh Groups. Many are not affiliated to any Church, and just ask that you to love or do your duty (depending on age) to your God.

TidyDancer · 12/05/2013 13:08

You are massively over thinking this, and you don't know that those words will prove to be meaningless to your DS.

Let him go.

EllenJanesthickerknickers · 12/05/2013 13:15

Zombie thread.

FrogInABog · 12/05/2013 17:12

One of DS's friends is Muslim and was invested at the same time. They said 'My god' not god as one of the PPs quoted, not sure if it was edited for him or just this troops version, but could you discuss an edited version with leaders?

DaveMccave · 12/05/2013 20:56

I don't think you're over thinking it, and I wouldn't have my dd join rainbows for the same reason. Luckily we have a local Woodcraft Folk group. Do you have one in your area? It may suit you more. Mixed sex, no uniform, strong focus on camps (family welcome-all ages) peace, environmental issues and equality.

CamperWidow · 12/05/2013 21:45

Speaking as a Beaver Leader, have a word. The Promise can be modified to include the religion of your choice, or you can phrase it how you feel. this gives a bit of insight into the options available, but as a Leader, I would not deny any child the right to become a Beaver due to their (or their parents) beliefs or lack thereof. At 6 they cannot make an entirely informed decision anyway.

Do it.

AllOverIt · 12/05/2013 21:50

Atheist here. DS has been going to Beavers since Jan and he LOVES it.

TheHerringScreams · 12/05/2013 22:13

Atheist here. All my children have gone to Scouts, Cubs and Beacers. They say the vow thing when invested, then no more religion. No prayers, nothing to mark the Eastery story or Christmas or any religious event (although it would be understandable if they did and I would support them doing that). In fact, apart from the investiture, religion doesn't appear to involved in our groups Hmm actually, there is a rememberence service which we go to, but they don't say any prayers, they stand, watch and parade respectfully but they themselves don't say prayers or even sing hymns there Confused although I'd be willing to let them.

Beavers and the whole Scouting family are amazing fun. There is a real mix in groups of religion, we live in a multicultural area, and about 1/3 of DD2's scout troop are Jewish and about 1/4 are Muslim and a few are Hindu, and there's quite a few children of agnostic parents and atheist parents, in fact I think Christian chikdren are in a minority Hmm but I have noticed a few having the words changed to include God OR to say to 'my God' in a way of saying, this is a promise to my God/s not specifically the Christian God. In maybe less multi-religious areas, people may be stricter, but in our troops and packs, there is no barring and there is inclusion and little Christian intrusion.

TheHerringScreams · 12/05/2013 22:14

Oops, didn't realise this was a zombie thread! I feel all stupid now Blush

AllOverIt · 13/05/2013 06:59

What is a 'zombie thread'?

exoticfruits · 13/05/2013 07:10

Even though a zombie thread (old one, AllOverIt)- I hope he joined. No one knows what he is going to be yet- he will make up his own mind.

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