EdgeofThorns

I've still been checking the thread occasionally but only really replying to pms and stuff because I really didn't want to start an argument here. I just really needed some advice and thought I could get it on an anonymous forum. To be honest I haven't made a ton of progress on my eagle scout rank. I've completely tied up my leadership project, sending thank you letters to all the people that helped (which was a lot, since i did a supply drive for the local animal shelter and had a lot of companies donate). I still need my letters but I've got someone in mind for pretty much each category I need, so I'll ask them within the next week or so. But I've been busy lately helping my friend get his project done before his deadline. He got done 2 days before his 18th birthday and am happy he made it. To clear up the agnostic vs. atheist thing, I put Atheist in quotations because people that question faith on a regular basis are often just clumped into this group. A lot of messages really helped me learn a lot more about faith and one message really stood out to me (can't recall the name, but thank you) about how "god" can be viewed as the natural phenomenons and just cycles in the world. I found this to be a much more reasonable view for me at least and agree and it actually kind of made sense to me. I really don't know how to prove I'm a 17 year old but I've really gotten the advice I've needed out of the forums and would like to thank everyone of you even the doubters. edit- Forgot to mention i got all my merit badges and whatnot done so it really only comes down to the paperwork now and the board of reviews.(This message has been edited by Edgeofthorns)

What do you mean nice try? I'm assuming you think I'm a troll or that I don't deserve it?

Well I've been in scouts since I was 10 and have really enjoyed the program and have made many lifetime friends and memories that I will never forget. I'm 17 now (18 in may) and have completed my project (did a supply drive for my local animal shelter), have all required merit badges and really just need to finish the paper work. One problem I have is that you need a letter of recommendation from a religious representative and I am not involved in any church and to be honest I am agnostic. I am very nervous for my board of review when they will ask me questions about my religious beliefs and do not want to be undeserving of the award because of my personal beliefs and I do realize that the boy scouts have a history of not being too kind to gay or atheist members. Any advice for me or people in a similar situation? I don't think I'm going to try and deny my lack of faith in the board because I don't think I should be ashamed of what I believe. edit- Please don't get the wrong idea by this post. Even though I am an "atheist," I really do respect a lot of the morals and ideas that Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and even Buddhism teach many people. I just don't believe in God and I can't change that. If some here think I don't deserve the title of eagle scout I guess I can respect that since I technically haven't lived up to certain aspects of the scout law and oath.(This message has been edited by EdgeofThorns)