Order of the Arrow -- blood oath?

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My son and husband have both recently become “ordeal” members of the Boy Scout Order of the Arrow. Only after they joined did I see some material from John Salza regarding the Masonic roots/connections of OA. Thanks to the wonders of the Internet, I was able to find a copy of the Ordeal ceremony, and I don’t see anything problematic in that at all. The next level of membership, however, the “Brotherhood” level, includes a ritual where they symbolically draw “blood” (sounds like an eyedropper with food coloring) and mingle it with the “blood” of others to symbolize brotherhood. The text of the ceremony describes it as “sealing the bond in the world-old way”.

I carefully read the paragraphs in the Catechism regarding the 2nd commandment (2150-2155). Would something like this be a false oath? The actual “obligation” that they promise is innocuous enough, but that part made me nervous.

My husband is an uber-Scouter, and my son has really enjoyed his OA membership so far. In addition, my son-in-law and his dad are also OA members and will be going with my son to the national conference next summer. Read: if I make a stink about this, it’s going to cause a major kerfuffle. So, is this something potentially problematic? The values expressed in each of the ceremonies actually sound very noble and Christian. Does anyone have more knowledge of this?
 
I can’t see how this would be a violation of the 2nd commandment. Could you explain why you think it might be?
 
I’m a Brotherhood member, but I don’t remember any such “blood” mingling. Believe me, there’s nothing Masonic about the OA.
 
My concern is that this would be making a false oath – so-called “blood oaths” are forbidden to us as Catholics, from my understanding. As it turns out, the most recent ritual has completely eliminated the problematic part. Reading through the rest of it, there’s nothing else that worries me. It was also concerning that it was it was somewhat difficult to find the text of a ritual whose participants are minors. The line between “mystery” and “unhealthy secrecy” is not a clear one, and We Live In Evil Times.
 
There is nothing secret in the Boy Scouts. It is against national policy (see the Guide to Safe Scouting)
scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/GSS/gss01.aspx

Any parent can witness an OA Brotherhood ceremony if they wish.

If you have any questions or concerns contact the adult advisors to your local OA chapter or lodge.

You can also contact the National Catholic Committee on Scouting at NCCS@scouting.org

The National Chaplain, Father Michael Hanifin, holds a Vigil Honor in the Order of the Arrow by the way. His contact information is here:
nccs-bsa.org/contacts/NCCScontacts.php

I am glad you found the most recent ceremony.

I hope this helps
 
As a vigil honor member of the OA, I promise your concerns are completely unfounded. Your initial impression is right on = very noble and Christian. The rituals are secret because each level of the order is a special accomplishment for your son/husband.

JMR
 
Hi,

Your fears are unfounded, my son was a member of he OA, it is an accomplishment in scouting not available to everyone. You have to earn the right to be asked to become a member. I would enjoy the time that your husband and son spend together.

When I was involved in Scouting, 70 percent of troops belonged to faith based groups.
 
I was an Ordeal “rank” and that was…over thirty years ago. I don’t recall anything objectionable about it.
 
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