“What About the Salvation Army?”–Mark Howell

Friday is guest writer day. Today’s writer is Mark Howell, the preacher for the Midway Church of Christ in Jasper, AL.

It’s that time of year again. The bells are ring-a-linging. You hear them as you enter and when you exit many stores. You know by the big red kettle and the signs that funds are being raised by the Salvation Army. So, the question is, “Do I drop in a little change to help them out or do I pass them up?” More precisely, we would do well to phrase that question in the following way, “Should I, as a New Testament Christian contribute in any way to the work of the Salvation Army?”

Before we go any further, let us acknowledge the fact that as far as helping people with material things, the Salvation Army does many good deeds. In a sense, they are to be admired for their desire to provide for the physical wants and needs of many individuals. Perhaps there are some good lessons we can learn from them in matters like these.  However, we must be willing to acknowledge that one can be full of good deeds and still not be right. Cornelius was a very religious man, “who gave alms generously to the people” (Acts 10:1-2) but he was not in a right relationship with God and as a result lost.  Though he was a devout and charitable man, had he tried to convince anyone that the way to heaven was to do what he was doing he would have led them astray—causing them to be lost just like him.  He needed further instruction concerning God and His plan for saving man, and thankfully when he received it, he obeyed (Acts 10:6, 24-48).

Many fail to realize something about the Salvation Army. Really, the name itself should be the biggest tip-off, but still some do not catch on to the fact that the Salvation Army is a denominational body.  They claim to be in the salvation business. One need only go to the Salvation Army website (www.salvationarmy.org) and there, on the homepage, it is as plain as day. There is a little box with this statement: “The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church with its own distinctive governance and practice. Its doctrine follows the mainstream of Christian belief and its articles of faith emphasize God’s saving purposes. ”  The fact of its religious nature only becomes more apparent the further you go.  For example, on the site, go to the “About Us” section and click on “Mission.” There you find this statement, “Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.” And then there is this, under the “Our Faith” tab there is a “Worship” section with the selection, “Adherent Membership,” on which page you will find this, “This certificate confirms that ____ is an Adherent Member of The Salvation Army. An adherent member of The Salvation Army is a person who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ and seeks to follow and be like him; participates in the worship, fellowship, service and support of a local Salvation Army congregation; and identifies with the Army's Mission Statement.”  We could go on and on, but one last thing. On the “FAQ” page the question, “What is the Salvation Army” is answered. The following is the first sentence of that answer, “The Salvation Army is a Christian church which is committed to spreading the good news of Jesus Christ through both word and action.” How much more clear could it be? From their own mouths, the Salvation Army is a denomination! As such, even a cursory review of their actual doctrines reveal they do not teach truth relating to salvation and worship.

Now back to our original question: “Should I, as a New Testament Christian contribute in any way to the work of the Salvation Army?” Please remember that by inspiration John wrote: Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (2 John 9-11). New Testament Christians must not in any way participate with or promote any denomination or denominational practice. Sharing in any evil deed, no matter how good it appears on the outside, can, and will, if not repented of, cause us to lose our soul!

So the next time you hear the ring-a-linging, you will want to keep your change and give it where God can and will be glorified. Why not follow the example of Peter who, when he met one asking for donations, said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you...” (Acts 3:1-10). If you want to share something, share the truth of God’s Word concerning salvation with the bell-ringer.

~Mark Howell