Atheist Scout leader quandary.

[AtheistsDoTheirBest]

I've just started the process of becoming a Scout leader, and very stupidly I hadn't considered the religious side of things until the leader went through the promise with me this morning.

I told the leader that I don't believe in God, and she said that isn't a problem as long as I believe in something spiritual that makes me be a good person. I sort of nodded, but the truth is that I have no belief in anything spiritual. I'm a good person because I want to be, so by that logic my conscience is my god

I'm really keen to do this, but don't want to lie. They're desperate for leaders to keep the group going, and I know I'd do a good enough job of it, but I'm worried I'll feel like a hypocrite and that they'll kick me out if the truth outs.

Or am I being silly and should just say the promise, then forget all about the religious bit?

I hope the changes go ahead. All that is needed is something like the solemn affirmation that atheist MPs can swear. They also still have to swear allegiance to the queen though. I would rather they swore allegiance to the public they are meant to represent but guess that is another thread.

Woohoo!

New alternative promise!

I'm really happy, I know at least two Beavers who will be happy with this too, think we'll be renewing our promises as soon as we start back after new year :)

Quick update to this.

This morning I received a letter which has presumably been sent out to all Scout Leaders. It states that yesterday, The Scout Association announced they have introduced an alternative to the Scout Promise that can be taken by people who are humanist or have no affirmed faith and wish to join Scouting.

Great news for people like me, and great timing! I hope this will boost the number of adults signing up to volunteer, and children wanting to become Scouts.

Ah, just realised people shared the good news before me! Should have checked the end of the thread before posting!

That's great - pleased this has come in at a good timing for you.

Regarding the Queen.

It is at least possible to do your duty to the Queen, since she actually exists and is not a fictional character.

However, since Henry VIII thought he was gods representative on this planet, swearing to do your duty to someone who is delusional about their divine position is pretty stupid too. Although, this has all been watered down a lot with the modern monarchy, so is is slightly less bollox, albeit, still clearly... bollox.