Hmmm... I won a raffle

[Sascha Fitzpatrick]

It could also be used to cover other addictions such as gambling and promiscuous sex???

Just a thought...

Sasch

 

[InTheFlame]

Anyone noticed a subtle change in the wording of the Articles of War? Wheras there used to be definate and clear instruction to abstain from alcohol and nicotine, it now has a commitment to abstain from 'enslaving substances'. It is possible that this could be open to a wide degree of interpretation. For example, at what point could alcohol be defined as 'enslaving'. If alcohol is drunk on a regular basis (say daily or or several times per week) then there is a clear and viable potential for this to become enslaving. However, a glass of red wine taken with a meal once or twice a week, could be viewed in a different light (potentially).

Is anyone aware of why the wording has been changed? It wouls seem only to serve to muddy once clearly defined waters.

Could you post the entire text of that article/paragraph? This is the only Aussie one that I could find - I'm pretty sure this is what I signed too -

I will

abstain from alcoholic drink. tobacco, the non-medical use of addictive drugs. gambling, pornography, the occult, and all else that could enslave the body or spirit.

 

[Abiel]

I think that was mine too ITF.

 

[Andy Broadley]

Could you post the entire text of that article/paragraph? This is the only Aussie one that I could find - I'm pretty sure this is what I signed too -

The bit that ITF quoted was what I signed as well. I can't reproduce the full version because I don't have it. It was at an enrollment on Sunday. The Major in charge read though what he said were the Articles of war and he clearly used the term 'enslaving substances' (and if we are going to be consistant then that could include coffee, and dare I say it, chocolate), when covering the section on abstinance.

I reckon it's been some time since we signed our AoW, so things could have changed recently. Surely Tracy could get hold of a new copy. I find this rather concerning, if it indeed the accepted wording.

 

[Andy Broadley]

Articles Of War For Salvation Army Soldiers



back to 'Articles Of War'


The text, which is quoted below, reflects the Army's determination to remain faithful to its standards and principles. Soldiers (including officers of all ranks) are urged from time to time to re-read the solemn undertakings to which they have set their hand and to reaffirm before God their dedication to Him and to His Army, so that their life and service may always be in keeping with the Articles of War

(*nb: the paragraphs starting 'We believe...' included in this document, are the eleven historic Doctrines of The Salvation Army)

Articles of War for Salvation Army Soldiers​

Having accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord, and desiring to fulfil my membership of His Church on earth as a soldier of The Salvation Army, I now by God's grace enter into a sacred covenant.

I believe and will live by the truths of the word of God expressed in The Salvation Army's eleven articles of faith:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 wrath of God.

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.

We believe that repentance towards God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and regeneration by the Holy Spirit are necessary to salvation.

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.

We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.

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.

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.

I will be responsive to the Holy Spirit's work and obedient to His leading in my life, growing in grace through worship, prayer, service and the reading of the Bible. I will make the values of the Kingdom of God and not the values of the world the standard for my life.

I will uphold Christian integrity in every area of my life, allowing nothing in thought, word or deed that is unworthy, unclean, untrue, profane, dishonest or immoral.

I will maintain Christian ideals in all my relationships with others; my family and neighbours, my colleagues and fellow salvationists, those to whom and for whom I am responsible, and the wider community.

I will uphold the sanctity of marriage and of family life. I will be a faithful steward of my time and gifts, my money and possessions, my body, my mind and my spirit, knowing that I am accountable to God.

I will abstain from alcoholic drink, tobacco, the non-medical use of addictive drugs, gambling, pornography, the occult and all else that could enslave the body or spirit.

I will be faithful to the purposes for which God raised up The Salvation Army, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, endeavouring to win others to Him, and in His name caring for the needy and the disadvantaged.

I will be actively involved, as I am able, in the life, work, worship and witness of the corps, giving as large a proportion of my income as possible to support its ministries and the worldwide work of the Army.

I will be true to the principles and practices of The Salvation Army, loyal to its leaders, and I will show the spirit of salvationism whether in times of popularity or persecution.

I now call upon all present to witness that I enter into this covenant and sign these articles of war of my own free will, convinced that the love of Christ, who died and now lives to save me, requires from me this devotion of my life to His service for the salvation of the whole world; and therefore do here declare my full determination, by God's help, to be a true soldier of The Salvation Army.



Just pulled this off the Army's website, so perhaps the good major was paraphrasing.

 

[Abiel]

That's what it says on my articles of war. However, I recall that at my actual enrollment, the officer made up his own ceremony based on the articles, rather than using them as written. Maybe that's what is going on.