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The Salvation Army: Charity or Cult?

Every Christmas season, Americans and people in other countries have become accustomed to seeing the bells and pots of the charitable group, The Salvation Army.  But do we Christians ever stop to think about the background and beliefs of the Salvation Army?  I mean, many Christians hunger so much for the manifestation of moral principles that we have been willing to support Mormons for president of the USA (see Mitt Romney). Is the Salvation Army a, "Christian" organization?

The history of the Salvation Army starts in England during the late 1800s. William Booth, a Methodist preacher started the Salvation Army, originally under the name, The Christian Mission.  Perhaps the best way to understand the principles of the Salvation Army is by reading the book by Booth, called "In The Darkest England and the Way Out". (1890)

A significant quote:

"When in the streets of London a Cab Horse, weary or careless or stupid, trips and falls and lies stretched out in the midst of the traffic there is no question of debating how he came to stumble before we try to get him on his legs again. The Cab Horse is a very real illustration of poor broken-down humanity; he usually falls down because of overwork and underfeeding. If you put him on his feet without altering his conditions, it would only be to give him another dose of agony; but first of all you'll have to pick him up again. It may have been through overwork or underfeeding, or it may have been all his own fault that he has broken his knees and smashed the shafts, but that does not matter. If not for his own sake, then merely in order to prevent an obstruction of the traffic, all attention is concentrated upon the question of how we are to get him on his legs again. Tin load is taken off, the harness is unbuckled, or, if need be, cut, and everything is done to help him up. Then he is put in the shafts again and once more restored to his regular round of work. That is the first point. The second is that every Cab Horse in London has three things; a shelter for the night, food for its stomach, and work allotted to it by which it can earn its corn. These are the two points of the Cab Horse's Charter. When he is down he is helped up, and while he lives he has food, shelter and work. That, although a humble standard, is at present absolutely unattainable by millions—literally by millions—of our fellow-men and women in this country. Can the Cab Horse Charter be gained for human beings? I answer, yes."

The analogy to the motivation of the Salvation Army is that all attention is given to get the Cab Horse back on his feet, yet we rarely put that much attention toward the re-grounding of fallen humanity. But is Booth advocating an utopian dream, to reach the poor everywhere?  After all, even Jesus understood it is not possible nor necessarily the goal to erradicate all poverty (ref), especially since some poverty is indeed self inflicted and desired by the person.  So, while Booth's "Scheme" as he calls it in the book is a decidely "socialistic" scheme, I do not find his over all "doctrine" to be anti-Christian.

We can deduce the "doctrines" of the Salvation Army from its eleven stated doctrines (ref).

1. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and that they only constitute the Divine rule of Christian faith and practice.
2. We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.
3. We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead - the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.
4. We believe that in the person of Jesus Christ the divine and human natures are united, so that he is truly and properly God and truly and properly man.
5. We believe that our first parents were created in a state of innocency, but by their disobedience they lost their purity and happiness, and that in consequence of their fall all men have become sinners, totally depraved and as such are justly exposed to the wrathi of God.
6. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has by his suffering and death made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever will may be saved.
7. We believe that repentance towards God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit, are necessary to salvation.
8. We believe that we are justified by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and that he that believeth hath the witness in himself.
9. We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.
10. We believe that it is the privilege of all believers to be wholly sanctified, and that their whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
11. We believe in the immortality of the soul; in the resurrection of the body; in the general judgment at the end of the world; in the eternal happiness of the righteous; and in the endless punishment of the wicked.

Number 6 has clearly, Arminian/Semi-Pelagian/Synergistic overtones, as would be expected from Booth's Methodist background, but even that remains within acceptable Christianity.  Number 9 implies that salvation can be lost.  Number 11 clearly shows that the Salvation Army does advocate the realm of hell -- so many "Christian" movements or organizations that lean liberal, often jettison the doctrine of Hell and eternal punishment.

CONCLUSION

While the Salvation Army may have socialistic tendencies and almost a utopian outlook it is still within the frame of historic Christianity.  As far as I know, Booth never even implied to be the recipient of special revelation nor did he claim to figure out some long, lost doctrine.

So, even though the Salvation Army does not administer "sacraments/ordinances" such as baptism or the Lord's Supper/communioni, it remains within the pale of Christian orthodoxy since the Salvation Army is not really a "denomination" as much as it is a Christian charity -- it is not the Salvation Army's place to baptize and offer the Lord's Supper anyway.

 

 

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I think some of these

I think some of these comments are disgraceful. I am a soldier at TSA and i currently attend a Bible and Theology College. The amount of judgements that TSA get are outrageous! Members of TSA are the most welcoming people and do not judge anyone from any other dinomination because the message which Jesus gave was about love. The people who judge are not being very christian like as God always taught us to see the faults in ourself before finding faults in others. I can honestly say... ive never heard TSA putting down other dinominations. As for the Charity issue... There are too many churches out there that think only about people inside the building, every church should be more like TSA as we are the ones Changing peoples lives and making Disiples by welcoming anyone! As for the people who are typing out why TSA is wrong, i think before you say some nasty and hurtful things you should get your facts straight as what you are saying is a load of rubbish! I dont see why people should judge and tell us we are wrong when people like me who mix with a variety of dinominations respects others opinions and beliefs! The main focus of our church is the Lord Jesus Christ, we are serving the same God... The only difference is we are saving people all over the world while some churches are only interested in saving themselves!

Just came over

Just came over to let you know you have a brand new fan! Reading one post on your website got me absorbed instantly. Really, you are fantastic!

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army of today ,compare to the Church in the book of Acts Of The Apostles.Acts 2,3,000 were commanded by Peter under the insperation of the Holy Ghost to be baptized waith water.The Salvation Army pervert the gospel of Christ.

John the baptist said I

John the baptist said I baptise with water but one will come who will baptise you with the Holy Spirit, so with that in mind if we are indeed save by christ and have been cleansed by the holy spirit then whats the point in using water which i would argue is something old. once jesus arrived water wasnt needed. this is why the Army dont have baptism, instead how we live is an outward sign of inward grace. we believe in living a life that is holy clean in word thought and deed. in addition to this i believe that the fortunate are here to help those less fotunate. though the story of jesus saying that poverty cant be stopped does not mean that if i see someone in need im going to stop, i feel compelled by the love of christ to serve suffering humanity. theres 2 influential sayings from the army 1: Saved to serve (thats what the S's stand for on the lapells of the uniform) and heart to God hand to man.

The Salvation Army

The writer of the commentry really has missed completely the purpose of the salvation Army. the S.A IS a denomination, it IS a church. That IS its primary purpose and no other. It is simply a part of The church Of Jesus Christ which includes Catholics, Baptists< methodists, Anglicans all part of teh same church. Any social or charitable work The Salvation Army does merely stems from its belief that that is what Christ would have us do. Its a church in action, pure and simple. registration as a charity is merely a necessity to comply with societies regulations.

well said doug :)

well said doug :)

hmmm

How could you have seen Doug's comment before I released it from moderation?? A little curious.

In Response

I thank you for your aticle and read with interest the reasons for us fitting into some type of orthodoxy...Firstly, TSA is a church, charity statuc comes into place after our status as a church. One needs to ask what consitutes church, I find scripture points consistently to the people or community being the church. Acts 2 shows an image os the people of God living out community within community.

The non-sacramental theology is based on the celebration of a God is who is real, still at work, and no need to outward expressions such as 'sacraments' to prove our faith. We do celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ through remembrance at every meal. For those within our fellowship who feel the need to be baptised there are allowed...

First and foremost we are the people of God, who have been saved and sanctified through the Blood of Jesus...secondly we are a charity...

Blessings
ohn

the so-called "utopian view" of TSA

General William Booth, like MANY 19th Century ministers, did indeed believe that Christians (including the Salvation Army) would grow to be such a force in the world that the world would gradually become The Kingdom of God. (That's A-Millenialist for you Eschatologists). Through the years, though, The Salvation Army has come to believe in a Rapture ... officially a Pre-Tribulation Rapture ... but with the understanding that Scriptures are unclear enough on this issue to allow differences of opinion about when the Rapture occurs.
Things change ... scholarship clarifies things through time ...
Do you believe Romans 10:9? "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Do you believe I Pet. 2:5? "You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
I think those two verses say it all.

// While the Salvation Army

// While the Salvation Army may have socialistic tendencies and almost a utopian outlook it is still within the frame of historic Christianity //

Well given that Jesus was clearly a socialist who espoused a Utopian vision and grants us access to Heaven through His Grace... what exactly is the problem with the SA (allegedly) being a socialist orgnisation?

Egh

I happen to know, quite well, a lot of people in he SA. Here is what bugs me about them. (aside from the obvious doctrinal flaws)

  • Officers get free housing and get paid on top of the free housing. (paid very little, but still paid)
  • When the officers get into their new house they have a remodel fund.
  • So, they not only live in these houses free, they can have their ADULT children and grandchildren live there too. (The houses I have been too have been large enough to accommodate this comfortably)
  • They get free cars with their free houses
  • They get their pick of the donations. (first pick of course)
  • No Baptism
  • No "once saved, always saved"
  • No Communioni
  • Soldiers can only marry soldiers. Absolutely no marrying outside the Army. 
  • I'm sure there is more......

Actually, very many of the

Actually, very many of the officer's "quarters" are left or donated to the SA and if that's the wishes of the deceased, it leaves absolutely no room for criticism.

wrong ideas

I am a "Salvationist" (also known as a soldier in The Salvation Army). You are SOOOOOO wrong about so much.

First, Soldiers are not 'REQUIRED' to marry soldiers. Members of The Salvation Army may marry anyone they please ... however, like all Christians it is expected that they will marry another Christian.
TSA officers are expected to OWN next to nothing. They go where they are told, when they are told. They are expected to start their new assignment within two weeks of being told where they are going. They move nothing but their clothing and other personal items. They are NOT ALLOWED to own a home or a car or their own furniture or even their own dishes ... all that is furnished (from Thrift Store Donations) in every house they live in. The idea that they have some sort of "remodel fund" is way false and they are required to get permission not only from their local Board of Advisors but also from their Divisional Headquarters (like a District in most churches.) They do not teach "no baptism" ... the teaching is "baptism is a symbol and a sign of salvation, not salvation itself. If you wish to be baptized you are welcome to do so and we will even do it for you when you agree to the idea that baptism doesn't save you." If you think that Baptism is necessary for salvation then yes ... we disagree about that ... but then, we teach Jesus Christ and Him crucified ... and isn't that exactly what Paul determined to "know"?
As for communioni, Booth's main ministry was to alcoholics. He was hesitant to use wine (in England at the time, "grape juice" was basically unavailable because of the long distance it had to travel from the countries where grapes grew) so he researched Communion and found that it was something that was done "in remembrance" ... again, not required for salvation ... so he decided to "remember" Christ's sacrifice by creating a uniform to be worn by those who wished ... if you don't think that uniform brings Jesus' death and resurrection to your mind, try putting one on and walking down the sidewalk! It fairly shouts, "I AM A CHRISTIAN AND I WILL DIE FOR MY BELIEFS!"
And, for the originator's idea that we are a charitable organization and not a church ... that's just sad. WE have thousands of converts every year around the world because our uniform, our church and our standards are known and trusted everywhere Christ is welcomed ... and in those countries where Christ is not welcomed, we endure persecution and even death for the sake of the Gospel. If that isn't a Church ... I've never been in one.

Wrong Ideas

Thank you Joyce! I too am a soldier in TSA and what I have read here is simply nonsense! There are plenty of ways to find out the FACTS related to TSA, go to their website, give them a call, go to your local ARC and ask a resident there what they know about TSA! Besides owning next to nothing, their paycheck is sooo small (a couple hundred bucks) and they have to buy food for their families and pay for school for their children. If you look at the annual salary of most officers, they fall below the poverty level! They are not allowed to be "in debt", so that means NO CREDIT CARDS for them! Everything else you stated is true!

The Lord's Supper

John 6:53: "Then Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you."

I'd say that the Lord's Supperi is most certainly necessary for salvation.

The Lord's Supper

Then Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you."

Jesus was speaking to His apostles. If Jesus, God or Heaven could be found in a box of wafers or in a gallon of juice produced by Welches, don't you think EVERYONE would be buying it??? Taking communioni is a PUBLIC DISPLAY of obedience to Jesus and belief in Heaven. Just as wearing TSA uniform is a PUBLIC DISPLAY of obedience to Jesus and belief in Heaven.

Most importantly, Romans 3 says that it is not our"works" that will get us into Heaven, it is only our FAITH.

your views

I really do think you need to be a little more discerning and informed in your views that youare prepared to share across the web. This is NOT an accurate reflection of the Army and perhaps a little more research is needed. For example, anyone who has researched the Army recently will know that soldiers are not expected to marry other soldiers anymore - this has long since not been the case, although in fairness Scipture does quite clearly tell us we need to be yoked with other believers, that is guidance to All Christians not simply salvationists..
Are you aware of our much offciers get paid or is it merely specualtion as i suspect. Although i am very happy with my pay as an officer, it certainly is not the rosy picture you paint in economic terms. Please explain your comments on 'fee pick of donation' because I am flummuxed on this one - this is definitely not the case at all and quite a slanderous comment.
Perhaps you would kindly review your comments and think before you post hurtful, condemning comments in the future.

Wishing you God's blessing

A Allen
Many ministers get car these days - after all this is the 21st century.

Hi,This is really a

Hi,
This is really a wonderful article and also obviously one
great post. Thanks for the valuable information and insights you have
so provided to us. Keep up the good work.

Salvation Army Comments

Thanks to everyone that has commented on this article so far and especially for the inside information.

useful

Actually It is interesting to reach this page since I saw that this post is obviously one great place where I can find lot of useful info about code.Keep it up in the next article.
curt

The Salvation Army is a

The Salvation Army is a church, a church that I grew up in. I leanred the Bible, and have more understanding of it than other people my age who grew up in other denominations. The Salvation Army considers themselves to be "Non-Denominational." They (they becomes we do not live near a corps and attend elsewhere) are a Christian organization who are not ashamed of the Bible, they do not hide that from any of their clients who need assitance. The Army has Love suppers and believes in baptizm by the Holy Sprit, if you ask for a baptizm you won't be denied, you just have to get creative in the way it takes place. The officers are ordanied like other denominations, so they can observe a baptizm and Love(Lord's) supper. Those eleven doctrines you wrote are all based on Scripture. Number six is looked at by denominations who truely worship the trinityi, not just the Army, my baptist church believes that. Number nine is up for debate depending on which denomination you are. Utopian outlook, no, they believe in each person is created equal. I've sat next to the homeless and dirty in a church service and have joined hands with the same. Everyone who enters the sanctuary are equal at a Salvation Army Corps. That is not, sad to say, the case at most other denominations. Casting Crowns bring to light a glorious way of looking at it, if we are the body, the Army is the body and their hands are reaching as much as they can with the power of God and the dedicated workers they have. Other denominations do a wonderful job of reaching as well. The Army is a church that anyone can be proud to be a part of. You will find acceptance, forgiveness and no judgment when you walk through those doors, for there is a story within that is worse than yours a situations that have been worse than yours and all the while there is unconditional love for everyone.

I always thought that the

I always thought that the Salvation Army is like a church-organized charity especially for old and forsaken soldiers. I even wrote essays about the Salvation Army in our area and they concentrate their efforts for soldiers.

I admire what they do not like some religions who ask so much of their congregation.

Thoughts and Comments

Several years ago I was invited to attend an insider Salvation Army men's breakfast. I am not in the Army but the speaker was a Canadian and I got to attend.

The speaker loved God and in my observation was a strong faithful Christian. He said that as an organisation the Salvation Army 'sold its soul for a mess of pottage' referring to Esau. He said that years ago the Army took government funding and aid all over the world under the condition that is limit its preaching. This caused the organisation to grow in numbers but become spiritually lean.

On another point the Red Shield had its origins from the Rothschilds (the name actually means Red Shield)

Red Sheild

I do not think the Salvation army is tied to the Rothschilds because of the red shield symbol, the red shield makes since to represent the shield of faith covered with the blood of Christ, its a great symbol to remind us about salvation, I am thinking of joining the Army but I am investigating it. I don't like calling non military members sir or sargeant because I had to work hard in the Marines to earn rank and they still are civilians it just feels weird.

Besides there isn't supposed to be a chain of command since Christ is the head.

Non Military members

I am a soldier in the Salvation Army, My husband has passed but he was a marine, He had no problems calling our Captains..Captain
He basically said he traded in a gun for a bible,
and the fight was now for souls.

The army is a wonderful place to be, no judgment, support when you need it, love which we all need. and a sense that we are all here together, great family system as well as an incredible charity.

So if you are looking for a home church that will give you something in return please go to a Sunday meeting and see for yourself, I did and I have never regretted it.

D.

Former military

I am a former military in fact disabled veteran who also volunteers every year at our local SA branch. I would rather fight with a bible than a gun any day and when feeding people who come in who are dirty and torn clothes some with mental disabilities and no one turns them away but loves them unconditionally while feeding and witnessing. I have been to different denominations and have seen the congregation look down their noses at these people who have less and dress less. This is my kind of church where by my works you will see my faith and it is a working faith not a dead one. James said faith without works is dead. Can you lose your faith! I could show you scripture after scripture where this is so but I will just give you 1st Timothy 4:1. It says some will depart from the faith...well you had to have had the faith in order to depart from it. Your faith is judged by your fruit and many people believe they can come to Jesus on their terms and not the Lord's. They are on the broad way leading to destruction. I am too old to be an officer but I am never too old to be a volunteer or serve in other ministries they offer. God bless the SA!

Salvation Army Officers and Soldiers

I recently worked with the Salvation Army Team Emergency Response Network in Joplin MO during the Tornado Disaster in May. I never had a Major or Captain or LT. ever ask me to address them by thier rankings or title.They were Simply Bill or Debbie or Renee or Mike. I never have had the pleasure of working with anyone who Loved the Father in Heaven more than these good people did. In their Church services I found thier teachings correct and unbiased in any way. They were the first on scene with help in the way of Food and Water and Prayers for those who wanted it. I can tell you that the response from the victims there was overwhelming and appreciated by them for the service the SA had done for them. They (SA) Officers and Soldiers I worked with never looked for credit for thier work or anything they had done. And never recieved much TV or News Media Coverage either. They were Humble and Caring in all aspects of thier duties to the victims of this disaster. I would strongly suggest anyone who doubts their creditability spend some time as a volunteer with them for a week or so as I and others have done. I am positive your position and thoughts will be changed in the first few days of contact with them. I am so impressed with the SA and plan to work with them in the future in Emergency Radio Communications that assists with imformtion transfer,Logistics and message delivery. I felt honored to work with such fine examples of Christian Faith and true concern for their fellow man.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is NOT a Christian Organization. The leadership ranks are full of liars, abusers, cons etc. I know because I was a soldier for many years and experienced the LOT!
Headquarters officers protect the abusers and abandon and ignore the abused.
I will NEVER go back to them again.

RUN while you still can.

Agree

Well Maybe I don't have such harsh words for the SA but I don't like what they have done to my family. I have a sister that claimed to be atheist for years until she was working with the SA for her social work project. Now she is a Christian and is working toward being a Soldier. Now she is teaching her children that the rest of her family ( Solid christians for all of our lives) are going to hell, she has become judgmental, hateful, and ignorant. She is fed lies and false truths, and is really missing out on the wonders and answers that come from truth. The SA is teaching my sister hate, I don' think this is how they are everywhere, but any religion that teaches hate and give anti propaganda on other churches is pretty messed up. Well I guess my words are pretty harsh but they only come from experience. I love everyone, and I mean that and I know god does, but I don't like the SA right now. Charity is great but I think you hide behind that, truth is found all over this amazing earth God created for us, why narrow yourself as much as you have. It is sad really.

Salvation Army

People need to be made aware that The Salvation Army do NOT use ALL of their collected money (street corners, red kettle etc) to assist the needy. Most of that money goes towards their building etc expenses. They use it for building bigger and more modern citadels, for musical instruments, and overhead demonstrations in meetings.
There is a lot of abuse towards any of their people who question their honesty and once they find out we know what they don't want us to know about them, they abuse and threaten with court action.
This is right from the bottom to the top of the Organization. I know, it happened to me and others I know.
The Salvation Army is NOT a Christian Organization !!!

What tripe, SA bands have

What tripe, SA bands have instrument funds, as do buildings. Very many of the Corps are housed in older buildings anyway and very few moves are made into newer premises.

And YES it very much is a Christian organisation, its not all about kettles. LOL

The Salvation Army

To mel.

Sadly, you don't know The Salvation Army like I and a lot of others do. I hope when the day comes that you are faced with the truth that you will have enough strength from the Lord to cope with it.
I have a huge file and also a separate horrible letter to prove it. T S A is NOT all that people think.
God help anyone who thinks they are perfect !!

A mixed bag

Charlee, I grew up in TSA and have begun writing my memoirs. TSA was the guiding influence of my childhood, & 3 of my 4 sisters were ordained as SA officers. Is there any way you could contact me via email or Facebook? I'd be very interested in hearing of your experiences. I, too, view TSA with some skepticism. Yes, many wonderful people are part of it, & the organization does an awesome job of helping the needy, & it was through TSA that I first heard of Jesus. BUT -- I have a lot of doctrinal differences with TSA, & have been a member of another Christian denomination since age 19. I hope you'll try to find me, or the administrator of this site will share my email address with you.

ADMIN note: Yes, I will share your email if requested or you can post a link to FB page if you'd like.

I would like to contact

I would like to contact anyone who is disappointed with or has been abused by The salvation Army. Because I reported abuse, lies, deception, misconduct etc etc to Headquarters I was sent a letter from their Legal Office accusing me of defamation and threatened with Court action.
In short, as soon as The salvation find out you know something they don't want you to know they try anything (I mean ANYTHING) to shut you up. I would be afraid for my life if I took it too far, TRULY.

Because of this I must be very careful how I handle these things. I could tell things about this Organization that would curl the hair on a brass monkey.

believe me !!