The Salvation Army

David Weaks

I wonder how many people know that the Salvation Army is a church. The only time you see them is at Christmas time when the red kettles and bell ringers show up at entrances to shopping malls. How many times have people tossed money into the kettle, accepted the cheery “God bless you!” from the bell ringer, and felt like they have helped a worthy charity? People need to realize that the Salvation Army is not a charity, it is a religion.

The Salvation Army was founded by an English Methodist preacher named William Booth in 1878. Originally, Booth founded the East London Christian Mission in 1865 and later changed the name of the group to the Salvation Army. According to their literature, the mission of the Salvation Army is two-fold, charity and evangelism: “…designed to operate as a religious and charitable corporation’ whose paramount purpose is to lead men and women into a proper relationship with God” (What Is the Salvation Army?, pgs. 8-9).

The Salvation Army is organized, as its name implies, as if it were a military organization. The headquarters is in London, England, and its head is called the “General,” and he has a Chief of Staff who administers his orders to the “Army.” Throughout the world, the Salvation Army is divided into territories, with each territory being overseen by Lieutenant-Commissioners. In the United States, there is a National Commander based in New York (What Is The Salvation Army?, p. 10).

The Bible teaches: That churches of Christ are organized with “saints, bishops, and deacons” (Philippians 1:1; I Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9).

The Salvation Army has a creed book called: The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine, which outlines eleven articles of faith that all “officers” of all ranks must embrace and teach. In doctrine, the Salvation Army is Calvinistic, teaching that a direct operation of the Holy Spirit is necessary to bring the elect to faith (Handbook of Doctrine, p. 185). Further, the Salvation Army teaches that one is saved by grace alone (ibid, p. 185, 189-191), and baptism is not necessary (ibid, p. 186). The church also emphasizes Calvin’s doctrine of Total Hereditary Depravity. Ironically, it is clear from their doctrinal writing and their actions that the Salvation Army believes good works are necessary. Otherwise, they wouldn’t place such a premium on social charity.

The Bible teaches: Salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), but salvation also depends upon obedience to the gospel of Christ (Hebrews 5:8-9). A man is justified by works of obedience and not by faith only (James 2:24). Faith without works is dead (James 2:26).

Another element of the Salvation Army is its music. We are all familiar with images of the Salvation Army brass band in movies and television which depict Christmas scenes. The Salvation Army emphasizes the importance of instrumental music in their various services: “music plays an important part in Salvation Army religious work . . . . It is symbolic of the cheerful quality of Salvation Army religion” (What Is the Salvation Army?, p. 25). Along with Instrumental music in worship, women preachers have been commonplace since the beginning of the Salvation Army. William Booth’s wife, Catherine, was the first and most vigorous advocate of women’s ministry.

The Bible teaches: That worship is important and must be in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Only vocal music alone is acceptable in worship to God (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). The Bible also teaches that public preaching and teaching is not permitted as a work for women (I Corinthians 14:34; I Timothy 2:11-12).

Can a Christian contribute to the Salvation Army? This is a legitimate question that deserves and needs an answer. Doubtless, many people think of the Salvation Army as nothing more than a charitable outlet, much like Goodwill Industries. However, we need to keep in mind that the Salvation Army is a religious movement that happens to have a public charitable arm. It is funded by donations from strangers, as well as government donations, rather than just by the first day of the week contributions of members (I Corinthians 16:1-2). Its doctrines and worship practices are false (Galatians 1:6-9). Therefore, you need to realize that any money that you into the Salvation Army kettle is funding a man-made religion with doctrines and practices that are different than those things taught in the New Testament. Christians are not permitted to bid Godspeed to false teachers (II John 9-10). We are not allowed to have any fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but should rather expose them (Ephesians 5:11).

Resist the urge to put money in the pot of a bell ringer. Better yet, ask the ringer to study the Bible with you. Chances are he knows little about the Bible or his church.