What follows is an article I run each year
in our bulletin. I'm afraid some of our brethren will feel like a scrooge if they
walk past a bell-ringer or a shriner without making a contribution. I try to give
them information that helps them explain our position against false religious groups.
The Salvation Army: An Unacceptable
Charity
There are many wonderful things about this time of the year. People walk a little lighter, (unless they've just spent all day at Wal-Mart or the Mall!), an aura of cheer and good will toward others literally transforms the demeanor of some, and generous attitudes toward giving and charity are at their highest level. Most charitable organizations are worthy of our support, whether by making donations or by buying various items through them. However, Christians must be careful about where they make charitable donations. One in particular that comes to mind is the Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army was founded in England in 1865 by William Booth. Its original name was the Christian Mission. Booth wanted to take religion to those who might not be welcome in other churches. Booth began a series of outdoor meetings designed to bring the less affluent into the church. He organized his group along military lines, assumed the role as "general", and renamed the society the Salvation Army in 1878. In 1880, the Salvation Army "invaded" the United States.
Today, the Salvation Army has over 18,000 religious centers in 90 countries and publishes its own paper, The War Cry. It conducts Sunday School along with morning and evening worship services complete with altar calls, and it holds additional prayer meetings at other times of the week. All its officers, both men and women, are members of their clergy system and are trained and ordained by the Salvation Army. It continues to have a General, a National Commander, as well as Territorial Commanders.
The Salvation Army engages in many commendable works. They provide shelter for the homeless, disaster relief for flood and hurricane victims, and programs to combat alcoholism. However, the same could be said about many other denominational groups, and we do not give our money to them. The Salvation Army, like all denominational groups, teaches a doctrine of salvation which will cause men's souls to be lost. At the end of The War Cry, you will find "The ABC's of Salvation." They are: Admit your need; Believe on Christ; and Commit yourself to Christ. No Christian can lend his/her support to that which is in conflict with the Bible (Col. 3:17; 2 Jn. 9-11).
The Salvation Army was established to do that which the Lord Jesus Christ commissioned to THE CHURCH - make disciples of all nations through the preaching of the gospel to every creature (Mt. 28:18; Mk. 16:15); this includes the poor (Lk. 4:18; 7:22). The church is to also help those in need (Mt. 25:34-36; Gal. 6:10; Jam. 1:27).
One final thought, the Masonic Lodge and Shriners are two groups that are particularly active in fund-raising this time of year. In spite of what many "Christians" will tell you, the Shriners and/or Free Masons are a religious organization which attempts to supplant the church. It is a shame that so many members of the Lord's church refuse to recognize this fact.
The head of the local Masonic Lodge has as his title, "Most Worshipful Master." It is impossible for a Christian to call another human being by that title and not be in violation of the scriptures. Jesus said that God alone is worthy of our worship (Mt. 4:10; Jn. 4:24). Brother Joe Slater has written an excellent booklet on the many errors of Free Masonry.
Brethren, we must be very cautious in the works that we support financially outside the Lord's church. Many local organizations ARE worthy of our consideration and support, but we must be diligent to make a proper discernment in this regard.
Ultimately, if we will all be more diligent in giving our time and money to the work of the Lord - praise, honor, and glory can be given to our God through the church.
Yours in Christ,
Todd Clippard
Burleson Church of Christ
10655 US HWY 278
Hamilton, AL 35570