Be Prepared

In June, 2000, the Supreme Court ruled that the Boy Scouts of America had the right to decide who could join and who could lead its organization. Citing the constitutional rights of freedom of association and freedom of speech, they overturned a lower court's ruling that dismissing an openly homosexual troop leader was a violation of his rights. The Boy Scouts held that homosexuality was contrary to the values of the organization, and the Supreme Court ruled that they were within their rights to hold such a view. The Scout oath requires that they be "morally straight" and they believed that homosexual behavior fell outside that position.

In July, 2012, the Boy Scouts reviewed their position. Despite the many protests and campaigns to change the values of the organization, they ruled that "this policy is absolutely the best policy for the Boy Scouts." The committee was, in fact, unanimous in their decision. Indeed, according to chief executive Bob Mazzuca, "The vast majority of the parents of youth we serve value their right to address issues of same-sex orientation within their family." But so contentious was this question that the organization would not release the names of those who were on the committee. It wasn't safe.

So now we read that the Boy Scouts of America are poised to rescind this rule after having it confirmed by the courts a decade ago, unanimously agreed upon by the committee 6 months ago, and favored by "the vast majority of the parents of the youth." It is strange, but not. It is strange because it was declared both legal and the position of choice by the organization and the people. It is not strange because of the pressure brought to bear on the BSA. Corporate sponsors dedicated to gay rights and gay rights organizations have made it nearly impossible for them to continue with that position.

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation -- GLAAD -- calls it an important "first step". Know, then, that it is not the last. Noting the fall of the Girl Scouts and the U.S. military to the same pressures, they said "that's what we need from the Boy Scouts of America."

You see, as institutions fall, that which the Bible calls "sin" becomes normalized. The very fall of these institutions precipitates the fall of others. And as momentum from falling values increases, it can topple some pretty powerful institutions.

Look for it, Christians. Will the Boy Scouts give in? Sure. The forces are too great. Others have already fallen. Expect marriage to topple soon. No small institution, that. It has stood the test of time, but in America today the force of accepting sin as "normal" stands poised to bring that down, too. And the institution of Christendom won't be far behind. Of course, the Church that Christ built (Matt 16:18) is not touchable, but if you, American Christians, are expecting to retain your unfettered religious freedoms indefinitely, rest assured that today's culture standing boldly on today's immorality has no intention of allowing that to continue. Don't be surprised (1 Peter 4:12; 1 John 3:13). Be prepared.