Liberal?

[WelshJesusFreak]

i'm wondering if the Salvation Army is an entirely evangelical denomination or if there are liberal branches within it?

 

[Andy Broadley]

i'm wondering if the Salvation Army is an entirely evangelical denomination or if there are liberal branches within it?

Depends is you mean officially, or unofficially I suppose.

In terms of doctrine I would say we are pretty much accross the board, although there may be differences in the way this doctrine is practiced.

I'm sure Abiel will be be able to give you a much fuller answer to this though (she's an officer)

 

[Diane_Windsor]

Depends is you mean officially, or unofficially I suppose.

In terms of doctrine I would say we are pretty much accross the board, although there may be differences in the way this doctrine is practiced.

I'm sure Abiel will be be able to give you a much fuller answer to this though (she's an officer)

What's an "Officer"?

DIANE

 

[elm0]

What's an "Officer"?

DIANE

This may not be entirely accurate, because I'm still learning all this stuff myself.

An Officer in the SA is similar in some respects to an ordained minister in other denominations. After completing Officer training (like Bible college) Officers are then given their postings, such as leading a local corps (church) or running a SA outreach/welfare service.

 

[catlover]

What's an "Officer"?

DIANE

A pastor. I think The Salvation Army is fairly conservative. However, they get off their butts and do something for humanity, so that makes them not as conservative. So it's more middle of the road.

 

[Andy Broadley]

A pastor. I think The Salvation Army is fairly conservative. However, they get off their butts and do something for humanity, so that makes them not as conservative. So it's more middle of the road.

From the Army's website


What does the Salvation Army believe about God and the Christian life?

The Salvation Army’s beliefs are in line with those of mainstream Christian churches. You can read the 11 doctrines of the Army here.

Briefly, we believe the Bible is God’s word and forms the only basis for our faith and living. We believe there is only one God and he only should be worshipped, and that he expresses himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We believe that God’s creation of the universe was perfect but when man first deliberately disobeyed God, sin and suffering entered the world. As a result, man’s relationship with God has been spoiled.

We believe that Jesus is both truly divine and human. Through his suffering and death on the cross is given the only way by which sinful people - which means all mankind - can be forgiven. When we are forgiven, our relationship with God is put right and we receive new spiritual life. Although this is God’s free gift, we have a part to play in that process - we must be truly sorry for our wrongdoing and have faith in Jesus.

To maintain this new life we must continually have faith in Jesus and be obedient to him. Once we are ‘saved’, God gives us the help we need to live in the way he wants us to.

We believe that our real selves never die but go on living beyond physical death. After this present life we will be accountable to God for how we have lived. Those whose lives have been as God has wished will live with him in eternal happiness; those who have not done so will be unhappy forever because they had no time for God.

Changing social and economic conditions require the Army to take a critical look at, and sometimes review, parts of its structure, patterns of worship and methods of service.

However, these Christian beliefs which form our doctrine are relevant to all generations and point to the unchanging answer to people’s basic need of a right relationship with God.

 

[Abiel]

This may not be entirely accurate, because I'm still learning all this stuff myself.

An Officer in the SA is similar in some respects to an ordained minister in other denominations. After completing Officer training (like Bible college) Officers are then given their postings, such as leading a local corps (church) or running a SA outreach/welfare service.

I got my rank under the new 'we need someone there-ooo look she will do' system!

 

[Abiel]

The Salvation Army. Normal-ish church, with normal-ish, methodist like doctrine, but non sacremental, and tend to wear silly clothes, whilst doing lovely things for people who may or may not deserve it. Too busy doing said lovely things to get too worked up about stuff.

Salvationists. Right wing, left wing, liberal, facist, woolley, on fire, Christian, non-christian, saintly, evil. Just like any church.

 

[David Brider]

i'm wondering if the Salvation Army is an entirely evangelical denomination or if there are liberal branches within it?

In my university days, our chaplain - a Methodist - said that the Methodist church was a Liberal Evangelical church.

In my (admittedly limited) experience, I'd say the Salvation Army is pretty similar.

Which is a good thing. IMO.

David.

 

[nagwalk]

consevative in doctrine, liberal in love.

 

[Sascha Fitzpatrick]

Too busy doing said lovely things to get too worked up about stuff.

That's a great way to explain it to my colleagues who keep asking me the Salvo stance on 100s of various issues they see with the church at large...

Thanks Abiel!