What is the Salvation Army?

The Salvation Army is a unique Christian Denomination well known for its social work and campaigning. This video discusses what they believe and how they operate.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:39 Original Purpose and History
02:08 Wesleyan/Methodist Influence
03:00 Essential Christian Doctrines
03:15 Ordinances/Sacraments
08:32 Scripture/Authorities
12:48 Creation/Evolution
13:56 Original Sin
14:24 Born Again/Salvation Experience
16:01 Mercy Seat/Penitent Form
17:07 Plan of Salvation
17:39 Social vs Spiritual Focus
20:36 Arminian/Eternal Security
21:34 Entire Sanctification
22:50 Charismatic/Spiritual Gifts/Tongues
24:29 Eschatology/End Times
25:26 LGBT Positions
32:33 Divorce and Remarriage
33:36 Abortion
34:38 Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
35:03 Sunday Sabbath Observance
35:26 Military Style
36:33 Conscientious Objectors
37:46 Brass Bands & Worship Style
38:05 Alcohol and Drugs
38:57 Gambling
39:13 Tithing
41:11 Death Penalty
41:47 Climate Change
42:23 Nuclear Weapons
42:50 Polity/Structure
44:45 Clergy/Officers
47:36 Women in Ministry
48:47 Ecumenical Associations
49:23 Statistics

[abubaca]

In the mid 80's, 84-85, I was in a long term facility for children in Honolulu. It was run by the salvation army. A treatment facility to teach children how to behave. They taught me so much and I credit my success as an adult because I was interred there for those years. The place is now an alcohol/drug rehab for adults.
I would love if a counselor from the facility that I was in was to see this message and know that the success of my life is transmitted to my children and that a cycle of abuse in my family stopped with me. All because of God and the Salvation Army.

[Ammo]

I spent 25 years in the National Guard and responded to many natural catastrophes....the Salvation Army was always there giving a helping hand. When I was a kid they ran the Boys Club I attended after school, big help to my family. William Booth is a saint as far as I'm concerned.

[timothykezar]

I'm honored that you took my suggestion. I appreciate your thorough approach.

[rogercarlson]

My dad was saved in the neighborhood Salvation Army Sunday School in the 1930s. I will always be grateful for that.

[namibiaciriaco]

Excellent, in fact I am a Salvationist and your explanation has helped me show my church in a very clear and simple way. In practically 1 hour you have shared what it takes us months to learn when we begin our process to be soldiers. Blessings

[tenacious]

My great grandmother, who was a devout Catholic, saw no contradiction at all between her Catholicism and her work with the Salvation Army. Good stuff :)

[raulcaraba]

I appreciate what they do along with homeless centers! I myself was once poor and starving and was glad such places were available to provide people with food. One of the reasons why I don't get people begging for money when they have these places available.

[bryanpearce]

I have a lot of time for The Salvos, as we call them in Australia. I grew up as a Seventh-day Adventist and was in their scouts equivalent, called Pathfinders. There were times when the local SDA Conference would book Salvo citadels for Pathfinder events, and we would also go door knocking for the Salvo Appeal every year.

[fredveysey]

As a Salvationist, I am pleased to have viewed this presentation and appreciated the accuracy of its content. Fred Veysey, The Salvation Army, Moncton Citadel, Moncton, NB

[captjon]

I appreciate this summary of the Army. I am a 27 year officer in the United States. The Army is a wonderful organization that is facing the same pressures all churches are facing to bow to our current culture. I pray we will stay true to Scripture in our stances but at the same time show the compassion Christ showed to sinners of all kinds. Each year we get attacked from one side for being too traditional and from the other of being too progressive... I say let's be like Jesus and all will be good. I will avoid the Sacraments debate but the disagreement just in this comment section kind of illustrates William Booth's point... Christians have killed each other over these matters. Blessings.

[brexitannia]

Am a Catholic but I have a lot of time for the salvation army they are all gems I always donate to them at Christmas.

[nnillc]

I didn't know they were a denomination! Very cool, thank you for sharing!

[michelleb]

I have been curious about the SA. When I was a girl, my mom would allow me to attend church with various friends, seemingly no matter the denomination (we were Lutheran). But when a friend asked if I wanted to go to the SA service with her family, my mom gave an uncharacteristically vehement “NO!” I couldn’t figure out what was so wrong with the SA and this doesn’t really give me a clear answer. I had been to JW services several times as well as Presbyterian, Four Square, Catholic (parents were married in Catholic Church), and more. I think she must have had some wrong information informing her decision.

[peachsangria]

Very early in my Christian walk when I was searching for a church home the SA was one of my top choices. Thanks for the video.

[mercster]

I am so impressed with what William Booth about the sacraments, and his suggestion to join another congregation for the sacraments as one believes is fit to satisfies God's desires for us. Brought a tear to my eye, hearing a humble servant 1800+ years after Christ, to essentially say "Look, we dont know about all this sacramental stuff, and if you feel led, we urge you to be a member of a church that does all that stuff for you. We are not a church or denomination, but an auxiliary force for God's love. Go in peace"

How many "Christian leaders" has the guts to say that these days?

[friendofjesus]

Hi, I'm a Salvation Army officer. Just wanted to say wow, what a great job you did on this video! You were very thorough! I really like how in depth you went about theology and practices. Thank you so much! Really fun video to watch!

[kimfleury]

If anyone is interested, there's an audio recording of Booth's voice available on YouTube. It was a very early audio recording when that technology was just being developed. It's very interesting to listen to it, as there's very little difference between his accent and the archaic US Northeast Cultivated accent of the early 20th century (heard in old movies).

[johnnyg.]

This is absolutely THE BEST concise and accurate presentation I have ever heard about the Salvation Army. In fact, it convinced me to become a monthly donor, having read THE WAR CRY magazine for years and donating yearly. This comment comes from my
background having taught a COMPARATIVE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES IN AMERICA course for 20 years. Thanks to RH for a great job!
Johnny G. M. Rel. Ed.

[whatarefriends]

They saved my life and many others with me

[GemGames]

My great-great grandparents (as well as my great grandmother) through my mothers side were part of the Salvation Army church, and I always remember my Pop speaking kind of negatively about his Salvation Army upbringing by his strict mother (though my great grandfather, her husband kind of tolerated it, from what I learnt about my great-grandfather he seemed a chill and opposite person, as he once told my great-grandmother that my Pop 'had enough punishment' after he was hit all the way back home by his mum after sneaking off to go to a carnival, and I don't know if marriage to outsiders was accepted outside the church) all I know today is their charity shops, so I am interested in this history :)