Sunday, May 18, 2008

Quality of Character of the Noble One:

Honorable, Trustworthy, A Rock upon which Society Can Stand and have confidence.

The Noble One must be honorable in all things; in word and deed. One's word is a bond. In relationships one must never bring ill-repute or disrespect on oneself. Never bring ill-repute or disrespect on others. An example of this is divorce. The Noble One can never divorce. This brings ill-repute and disrespect on the spouse AND dishonors the children.

The Noble One must be true in word. One's word is a contract with all those to whom it is given. If a Noble One says one thing one minute and another thing the next we say one “waffles.” This is dishonorable behavior. The word of a Noble One carries great weight and has the potential of life or death. It must be weighed and used mercifully. People must be able to trust one's word; to be able to “take it to the bank.”

The Noble One must be a rock upon which all around can depend. One must not vacillate or waver in presence or action. If the Noble One takes a position people must trust the stand taken to be true and honest; not a deceit used to gain a momentary advantage or pleasure.

The Noble One must be true in all dealings. With Man, woman, animals, nature; it is only in this way, can those who are even an enemy, trust and respect one as a True Person.

A True Story:
During World War II, a man assassinated an enemy military leader. The assassin was caught, tried and sentenced to be executed. During the period of time that he was in prison, his lifestyle and sense of honor so impressed the jailer-executioner that after the execution, the enemy soldier/jailer took the ashes of the prisoner back to his home. His family, for a span of three generations, prayed for his spirit.

Where can we see these ideals displayed in daily life?

Scout Oath (or Promise)
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.

The Scout Law: "The training of a future Noble One"

TRUSTWORTHY
A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.
LOYAL
A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.
HELPFUL
A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.
FRIENDLY
A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.
COURTEOUS
A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.
KIND
A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.
OBEDIENT
A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.
CHEERFUL
A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
THRIFTY
A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
BRAVE
A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.

CLEAN
A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.

REVERENT
A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.


Scout Motto
Be Prepared


Scout Slogan
Do a Good Turn Daily

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Where is Augustine's "City on the Hill" and who lives there?
And perhaps more importantly: How do they live - with each other?

不知彼,不知己,每戰必殆 (孫子)

(If you don't know yourself and if you don't know your enemy,
then you are in for a world of hurt!)


γνῶθι σεαυτόν (Δελφοί)

“I couldn’t imagine this ... world.
Hell is so big and dark and heaven is so small." HJM

"the U.S. has a little manifest destiny over here,
and a little more manifest destiny over there..."

___________________________________________

How About a Bill of Responsibilities Rather Than A Bill of Rights

What if we chose the wrong religion?
Each week we'd just make God madder and madder.