Royal Rangers is a ministry that reaches across the United States and in over 65 nations around the world. It motivates boys spiritually through Bible study and memorization, devotionals, and Christian role models. Boys are strengthened mentally by an advanced awards-based weekly program. Further, the boys increase their physical prowess by participation in age-specific activities and recreation. Finally, they are introduced to church, community, and nature-related activities to develop their social skills and awareness. Now, contrast that with the "vision statement" from the Boy Scouts of America:
The Boy Scouts of America is the nation's foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. But the REALLY interesting aspect - to me - lay in the difference between the respective oaths of the BSA and the Royal Rangers : Boy Scout Oath:
"On my honor I will do my best Royal Rangers Pledge: "With God's help, I will do my best to: serve God, my church, and my fellow man, to live by the Ranger code, and to make the Golden Rule my daily rule." [ emphasis mine ] Lest you think that is somehow unrepresentative, let me also provide the Royal Rangers Code: The Royal Rangers Code "A Royal Ranger is:
* Alert - He is mentally, physically, and spiritually alert. Now - having alleged possibly nefarious intent - let me say that it's wonderful that kids in the Royal Rangers - or the Boy Scouts of America - are getting outside. But I'd feel even better about the "Royal Rangers" if their members swore oaths to their countries of origin rather than to the Assemblies of God. Nationalism is overated : probably so. But, replacing nationalist oaths to the state with oaths of fidelity to church allegiance seems a step backwards to me. I 'd be less harsh - I suppose - if the AoG scouts swore oaths to some benign international principles - peace, love, and so on. Well, they do not. Call me old fashioned.
These scouts pledge to church, family, God : NOT America | 6 comments (6 topical, 0 hidden)
These scouts pledge to church, family, God : NOT America | 6 comments (6 topical, 0 hidden)
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