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WHAT THE SALVATION ARMY BELIEVES
The Salvationist believes 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.
- 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.
- There are three persons in the Godhead - the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and coequal in power and glory.
- 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.
- 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.
- The Lord Jesus Christ has by His suffering and death made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever will may be saved.
- Repentance toward God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit, are necessary to salvation.
- We are justified by grace, through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and that he that believeth hath the witness in himself.
- Continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.
- 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.
- In the immortality of the soul; in the resurrection of the body; in the general judgement at the end of the world; in the eternal happiness of the righteous; and in the endless punishment of the wicked.
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| Marriage
The Salvation Army affirms the New Testament standard of marriage, which is the loving union for life of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others. Marriage is the first institution ordained by God (Genesis 2:24), and His Word establishes its significance (Matthew 19:4-6).
Marriage is the only proper context for sexual intimacy. Scripture demands abstinence before, and faithfulness within, marriage. Marriage is more than a private commitment of a couple to live together; it requires formal vows exchanged before God and others/other people. Marriage reflects the relationship of Christ and His Church. It is a loving, mutually respectful union intended for life (Ephesians 5:21-33). Marriage provides the optimal environment for the welfare of children and contributes to the stability of society.
The Salvation Army promotes a culture that properly values marriage. People thinking of getting married should seek the wise counsel of others, prayerfully discerning God's will. Husbands and wives must not take their relationship for granted but should work to nurture and safeguard their union. Troubled marriages can often be healed with the assistance of skilled professional counselors and pastoral care. The Salvation Army offers a variety of resources to strengthen and support marriages.
The Salvation Army is committed to promoting, strengthening and protecting God's institution of marriage.
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Approved for use within the USA by International Headquarters
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Divorce and Re-marriage
God established marriage as a covenantal relationship between a man and a woman, and Himself. The Bible states that the Lord hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). Jesus said, 'What God has joined together, let no one separate.' Therefore, we believe that divorce is never God's intention for our marriages (Matthew 19:6, Mark 10:2-12).
The Salvation Army affirms the New Testament standard of marriage, which is the loving union for life of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others. However, we recognize, and scripture affirms, that in tragic or extreme circumstances, divorce may become necessary and even life-saving.
The Salvation Army rejects taking the dissolution of marriage lightly. Therefore, individuals contemplating divorce should work diligently and wholeheartedly at reconciliation (I Corinthians 7:11). They should prayerfully consider all options and consequences, guided by God's word, the Bible, the Holy Spirit, and others who seek to assist them in discerning God's will. A couple and their family in this circumstance need acceptance, love and compassion.
Divorced persons who are considering another marriage should do so prayerfully, seeking God's will. When divorced persons wish to remarry, the Army permits its officers to perform the ceremony.
When a divorce or remarriage has taken place, The Salvation Army will continue to show love and compassion and to offer its services and fellowship to those involved. The subsequent marriage of divorced persons may result in a new union which faithfully witnesses to God's purpose for marriage.
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Homosexuality
The Salvation Army holds a positive view of human sexuality. Where a man and a woman love each other, sexual intimacy is understood as a gift of God to be enjoyed within the context of heterosexual marriage. However, in the Christian view, sexual intimacy is not essential to a healthy, full, and rich life. Apart from marriage, the scriptural standard is celibacy.
Sexual attraction to the same sex is a matter of profound complexity. Whatever the causes may be, attempts to deny its reality or to marginalize those of a same-sex orientation have not been helpful. The Salvation Army does not consider same-sex orientation blameworthy in itself. Homosexual conduct, like heterosexual conduct, requires individual responsibility and must be guided by the light of scriptural teaching.
Scripture forbids sexual intimacy between members of the same sex. The Salvation Army believes, therefore, that Christians whose sexual orientation is primarily or exclusively same-sex are called upon to embrace celibacy as a way of life. There is no scriptural support for same-sex unions as equal to, or as an alternative to, heterosexual marriage.
Likewise, there is no scriptural support for demeaning or mistreating anyone for reason of his or her sexual orientation. The Salvation Army opposes any such abuse.
In keeping with these convictions, the services of The Salvation Army are available to all who qualify, without regard to sexual orientation. The fellowship of Salvation Army worship is open to all sincere seekers of faith in Christ, and membership in The Salvation Army church body is open to all who confess Christ as Savior and who accept and abide by The Salvation Army's doctrine and discipline.
Scriptures: Genesis 2:23-24; Leviticus 18:22; Mark 2:16-17; Romans 1:26-27; Romans 5:8; I Corinthians 6:9-11; I Corinthians 13; Galatians 6:1-2; I Thessalonians 4:1-8; I Thessalonians 5:14-15; I Timothy 1:15-16; Jude 7
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Abortion
The Salvation Army believes in the sanctity of all human life and considers each person to be of infinite value and each life a gift from God to be cherished, nurtured and redeemed. Human life is sacred because it is made in the image of God and has an eternal destiny. (Genesis 1:27) Sacredness is not conferred, nor can it be taken away by human agreement.
The Salvation Army deplores society's ready acceptance of abortion, which reflects insufficient concern for vulnerable persons, including the unborn. (Psalms 82:3-4)
The Salvation Army holds to the Christian ideals of chastity before marriage and fidelity within the marriage relationship and, consistent with these ideals, supports measures to prevent crisis pregnancies. It is opposed to abortion as a means of birth control, family planning, sex selection or for any reason of mere convenience to avoid the responsibility for conception. Therefore, when an unwanted pregnancy occurs, The Salvation Army advises that the situation be accepted and that the pregnancy be carried to term, and offers supportive help and assistance with planning.
The Salvation Army recognizes tragic and perplexing circumstances that require difficult decisions regarding a pregnancy. Such decisions should be made only after prayerful and thoughtful consideration, with appropriate involvement of the woman's family and pastoral, medical and other counsel. A woman in these circumstances needs acceptance, love and compassion.
When an abortion has taken place, The Salvation Army will continue to show love and compassion and to offer its services and fellowship to those involved.
Recommended for approval by the Commissioners' Conference
Approved for use within the USA by International Headquarters
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| Human Equality
As an international branch of the Christian church, The Salvation Army has been concerned from its inception with the spiritual and social needs of all people, recognizing that all bear the divine image and are equal in intrinsic value. "God created human beings in his image. In the image of God he created them. He created them male and female." (Genesis 1:27 New Century Version [NCV]) "From one person God made all nations who live on earth." (Acts 17:26 Contemporary English Version [CEV])
The Salvation Army affirms its full support, on all levels, to the Biblical and Christian imperatives of human and civil rights. We oppose unlawful, unjust, or immoral discrimination and seek to promote sensitivity, understanding, and communication. Christ-like attitudes compel and empower the building of strong cross-cultural relationships. Shared values and common goals shape and positively influence the broad culture of Salvation Army ministries. Diversity strengthens those ministries. Christ brings unity within diversity.
All Salvation Army positions of full-time service, lay leadership, employment, and volunteer service are open to qualified persons, with exceptions dictated only by the religious purposes and moral positions of The Salvation Army.
All Salvation Army social welfare services are provided on a non-discriminatory basis; such services shall be equally available to all persons on the basis of need and capacity to benefit from the service.
All Salvation Army worship services are open to everyone. We affirm that racial and multicultural integration of believers is desirable and feasible within a local body of Christ because the gospel transcends human culture. "Faith in Christ Jesus is what makes each of you equal with each other, whether you are a Jew or a Greek, a slave or a free person, a man or a woman." (Galatians 3:28 CEV) The Salvation Army is intentional in its efforts to incorporate different styles of worship to meet the specific needs of its increasingly diverse ministries. "You Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens with everyone else who belongs to the family of God." (Ephesians 2:19 CEV)
Recommended for approval by the Commissioners' Conference
Approved for use within the USA by International Headquarters
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Personal Financial Responsibility
We are accountable to God for the material resources and possessions entrusted to each of us as stewards. The Bible teaches the principle of tithing (returning to God one-tenth of all that each of us receives) (Malachi 3:10), cheerful giving and faithful stewardship. These should guide the use of our resources.
It is important for people to have enough to meet their needs, but The Salvation Army rejects our culture's greed, selfishness and deification of money as contrary to God's law. Jesus taught: 'Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions' (Luke 12:15).
People can learn skills in handling money that enable them to use what they have responsibly, and thereby benefit themselves, their families and communities. Unfortunately, modern society 'with its emphasis on materialism, and its virtually free and unlimited access to debt' has produced increasing numbers of individuals who find themselves in desperate financial conditions. The Salvation Army deplores those lenders who prey on the poor, enticing individuals with limited financial stability to incur debts at high cost and then refusing to deal fairly with the inevitable financial disasters that follow.
Having little or no debt allows people the ability to serve the Lord more fully. Debt should be incurred only after thoughtful and prayerful consideration of one's financial position with an honest commitment to repay. Situations where debt is incurred should be consistent with good stewardship of the resources given by God. Individuals should not voluntarily incur debt where there is no reasonable expectation of repayment.
Even with responsible money management, circumstances may arise that leave individuals with unmanageable debt. In such instances the filing of bankruptcy becomes a legal means of relief. Bankruptcy should be entered into only as a last resort and with a good faith intention to repay debt to the fullest extent possible.
Our ministry often brings us into contact with individuals whose lives are broken and burdened in many ways. Financial ruin can lead to loss of employment, homelessness and destruction of family and personal relationships. The Salvation Army believes that people with these problems deserve compassion, assistance and sound Christian counseling.
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Position Statement on Religious Persecution
Religious persecution, whether of Christians or persons of other faiths, is an injustice against humanity. The Salvation Army is adamantly opposed to the religious persecution of any individual, community, organization or institution.
The persecution of Christians around the world is a grave concern. Salvationists have a particular scriptural responsibility to those who make up the worldwide Body of Christ. The Salvation Army is committed to praying for and upholding our brothers and sisters in Christ who suffer religious persecution.
Religious persecution of Christians may take the form of denial of the right to worship together in congregate bodies, to speak openly about Christ, to own or carry a Bible, to witness to others, or to raise children in the Christian faith. In other instances, people are denied the freedom to convert to Christianity. In some countries our brothers and sisters are subjected to political suppression and social discrimination, incarceration, torture or murder for their belief.
Salvationists are encouraged to pray for all those who suffer persecution on the basis of their faith.
1 Corinthians 12:26-27
Scripture references: 1 Thessalonians 3:7, Acts 11:19, Acts 8:1, Revelation 2:10, 2 Timothy 3:12, Hebrews 13:3, 1 Peter 2:16
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Alcohol and Drugs
The Salvation Army accepts that many drugs beneficial to health can produce addiction. Only the physician can weigh the advantages and the risks attendant on their prescription for each patient.
The deliberate misuse of any drugs to induce either oblivion or hallucinatory states is condemned. The physical, mental and emotional disturbances due to such misuse are well known to Salvation Army personnel, who will continue to offer treatment to the victims of addiction, realizing that such practices stem from deep emotional and spiritual problems and are peculiarly common in young persons.
By far the most common drug addiction is to alcohol, and this addiction is on the increase in most parts of the world. The Salvation Army, recognizing both spiritual and temporal dangers inherent in the use of alcoholic beverages, has historically required total abstinence of its soldiers and officers. While not condemning those outside its ranks who choose to indulge, it nevertheless believes total abstinence to be the only certain guarantee against overindulgence and the evils attendant on addiction.
We believe that there exists a direct connection between the incidence of addiction and the easy availability of alcoholic beverages and the increasing social acceptance of their consumption. We are, therefore, active in supporting legislation likely to reduce the consumption of alcohol.
While attitudes toward both the cause and treatment of alcoholism have changed radically in the past 100 years, The Salvation Army, which maintains large treatment programs in many parts of the world, still believes that total abstinence is the only successful course open to an addict. Its programs use the best of medical and psychological treatment, but realizing that, in most instances, profound social and moral issues are involved, they draw on a long experience in social rehabilitation in which the power of God unto salvation has proved the most effective agent of character change and therefore the most effective force in rehabilitation.
Recommended for approval by the Commissioners' Conference
Approved for use within the USA by International Headquarters
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Gambling
The Salvation Army believes that gambling engages its participants and promoters in an exercise of greed contrary to biblical moral teaching. Gambling at best wastes personal resources, and at worst afflicts millions through a lifestyle of compulsive behaviors and destructive influences. We believe gambling is wrong, regardless of any perceived benefit of entertainment, charity, or personal gain, even when its destructive influences may not be seen on an individual basis.
The Salvation Army prohibits gambling in its programs, properties, and fund-raising activities. Its officers and soldiers personally vow not to gamble. The Army urges all individuals and institutions to recognize the moral and social costs of gambling in the United States.
Official sanction and public acceptance of gambling is, in the opinion of The Salvation Army, contrary to the Christian principles to which we subscribe.
Note: The Columbia encyclopedia defines gambling as the "betting of money or valuables on, and often participation in, games of chance..." Some examples of gambling include casino games, state lotteries, and betting on sports.
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Pornography
The Salvation Army opposes pornography in all of its forms. We believe that human sexuality is a gift of a loving Creator. The Bible presents sexual intimacy as a privilege that is ordained and blessed by God within the context of marriage. Pornography attacks and distorts God's design. It depersonalizes sexuality, emphasizing the carnal to the neglect of loving relationships and commitment.
Pornography is an increasingly harmful scourge on society, endangering and degrading the physical, moral, and spiritual welfare of all those involved. It is clearly linked with prostitution, sexual abuse and assault, and other forms of sexual exploitation. Pornography promotes deviant sex and violence. It harms and demeans those who are portrayed as sexual objects, as well as its users and purveyors.
Pornography is not an issue of private morality alone. It has become a major economic force with vast societal and ethical implications. The Salvation Army believes that all people have the right to protection from enterprises that erode society and exploit persons. Those who neglect the public interest in this regard should be held legally and morally accountable.
The Salvation Army firmly supports education on the dangers of pornography and on matters of wholesome sexuality based on the teachings of the New Testament.
Christians, no less than others, are vulnerable to the pervasive presence of sexually explicit messages and materials. The grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit can enable individuals to rise above unwholesome and addictive sexual influences.
Recommended for approval by the Commissioners' Conference
Approved for use within the USA by International Headquarters
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Human Trafficking
The Salvation Army is deeply committed to fighting human trafficking however it may be manifested. We seek to exercise care in restoring the freedom and dignity of those affected.
Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery. Reliable reports show that millions of people around the world are subjected to it. The techniques used by traffickers and the forms in which trafficking is manifested are various, but what is common to them all is the exploitation of some people by other people. Those who are victimized include babies, children, teenagers, women and men.
The following statement created by the United Nations and adopted by many others, is both a definition of human trafficking and a clear call to action:
"The recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation shall include, at a minimum, the exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labor or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs."
Human trafficking is contrary to the principles of freedom and dignity. The exploitation of human beings dehumanizes the individuals who are trafficked, rewards the inhumanity of the traffickers, and weakens the moral and social fabric of society at large.
Restoring dignity to persons who have been exploited is not easy, and the danger of paternalizing trafficked victims in the name of aiding them must be kept in view.
Traffickers need to be stopped and held accountable, but they also need those who will help them to a transformation of heart and mind.
The Salvation Army is opposed to the corrupt abuse of power against other human beings that is inherent in trafficking for personal economic gain. We therefore have the responsibility, both individually and collectively, to work for the liberation of those who have been enslaved in this manner, and to establish the legal and social mechanisms by which human trafficking can be stopped.
Biblical and Theological Background
Humankind is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26 ). All people are valuable to God, holding a special place in God's creation (Psalm 8:5). The Bible teaches that nobody should be exploited or damaged. Psalm 10 describes the wickedness of those who entrap others and the Psalmist calls on God to intervene. This Psalm is as relevant now as it was when it was written many years before the birth of Jesus.
Isaiah 42:22 says, 'But this is a people plundered and looted all of them trapped in pits or hidden away in prisons. They have become plunder, with no one to rescue them; they have been made loot, with no one to say, "Send them back."'
Joel 3:3 says, 'They cast lots for my people and traded boys for prostitutes; they sold girls for wine that they might drink.'
Jesus taught that no one should live in physical or spiritual bondage. He said, 'The Lord has sent me to announce freedom for prisoners, to give sight to the blind, to free everyone who suffers, and to say, 'This is the year the Lord has chosen.'' (Luke 4: 18 - 19). He was quoting Isaiah 61: 1 - 2. Later in Isaiah 61 are these words, 'I, the Lord, love justice! But I hate robbery and injustice.' (v. 8).
Consequently, Christians are called upon to work for the elimination of all forms of human trafficking.
Recommended for approval by the Commissioners' Conference
Approved for use within the USA by International Headquarters
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| Human Cloning
The Salvation Army recognizes the tragic and perplexing human condition of disease. We believe there exists within the context of the Holy Scriptures a moral imperative to combat disease. To this end, The Salvation Army recognizes the advancement in biomedical research as it pertains to Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (S.C.N.T.). It appreciates the therapeutic accomplishments with respect to tissue regeneration and wellness for suffering individuals. This stands in contrast to related work in which human embryos are created and sacrificed for research and therapeutic applications. We abhor the cloning of human beings.
We find the utilization of human embryos in such a process to be immoral and contrary to God's Word and design for humankind.
We remain people of light and life, recognizing One God who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver and Governor of all things.
Refs: Psalm 139; Deut 30:15; Matt 4:24; Luke 9:1
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| Suicide
The Salvation Army believes in the sanctity of human life. It considers each person to be of infinite value and each life a gift from God to be cherished, nurtured and redeemed. Human life is sacred because it is made in the image of God and has an eternal destiny (Genesis 1:27). Sacredness is not conferred, nor can it be taken away by human agreement.
Taking one's own life is a denial of life's value, a denial of hope and of the power of God to sustain and bring people through difficult and trying times (2 Corinthians 12:8-10). Suicide is never an acceptable option; we deplore those messages in secular culture that glamorize and promote self-destruction.
The Salvation Army recognizes the immense and diverse struggles individuals face and that sometimes people conclude suicide is their best option. Salvationists and Salvation Army programs must seek to be sensitive and responsive to individuals wrestling with issues that could precipitate suicide so that compassion, assistance and sound Christian counseling can be provided.
The Salvation Army believes it is important to communicate the salvation, new life, hope and healing found in the love of Jesus Christ. We recognize the devastating effects that suicide may have on family and friends. At those times, The Salvation Army stands ready to offer support, counsel, and comfort.
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Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
The Salvation Army believes in the sanctity of human life. It considers each person to be of infinite value and each life a gift from God to be cherished, nurtured and redeemed. Human life is sacred because it is made in the image of God and has an eternal destiny (Genesis 1:27). Sacredness is not conferred, nor can it be taken away by human agreement.
All persons, including those who are physically or mentally impaired, possess God-given humanhood.
Euthanasia is a deliberate act causing the intentional death of a person in order to relieve that person's suffering. Withholding or withdrawing medical treatment that only prolongs the dying process is not euthanasia. Using drugs to adequately control the pain of a dying person, even if the secondary effect may result in shortened life is not euthanasia. To respect a competent adult's refusal of treatment or request to discontinue treatment is not euthanasia.
Assisted suicide is defined as directly helping or encouraging someone to end his/her own life. Therefore, The Salvation Army believes that euthanasia and assisted suicide undermine human dignity and are morally wrong regardless of age or disability.
The Christian faith puts death into proper perspective as the transition from earthly life to eternal life (2 Timothy 4:6-8). It is appropriate to make suitable preparation for death, especially spiritual preparation, and to inform loved ones and caregivers about one's wishes. Advance health care directives, which take effect when one is no longer able to make decisions about one's own medical care, can provide valuable assistance. However, the possibility does exist that subtle pressure will be placed on the sick, the elderly, the disabled and the dying to act contrary to their own wishes in order not to become a burden.
The Salvation Army believes it is important to communicate by word and deed to the sick, the elderly and the dying that they are worthy of respect, they are loved, and that they will not be abandoned.
Recommended for approval by the Commissioners' Conference
Approved for use within the USA by International Headquarters
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