In the past, I've gone back and forth on the issue of faith-based charities when it comes to them getting federal assistance. Now, I'm going back and forth about whether or not one of them, namely the Salvation Army, should get my assistance.
I am looking to get rid of a great deal of stuff and will give it some charity. In the past, I have always given to Salvation Army, even though their efforts to improve others' lives are based deeply in religion. For whatever reason, this never bothered me much even though I would wonder how many of people that they have helped have been forced into those programs either by family members, employers, or even court cases. For these cases, my donation has been used to indirectly force the religion as proclaimed by the Salvation Army onto these people.
As I said, this has never bothered me in the past, but today there was something that really struck me. I thought I would stop by one of their thrift stores to see what type of goods they had for sale for two reasons. One, I could get a better idea of the types of things that they could take from me. Two, I could see if there was anything there that I could consider buying. If I'm contributing on one end, why not contribute on the other, right? As it turns out, the thrift center that I went to wasn't even open. At first, I couldn't figure out why. Closed at two in the afternoon on a Sunday? They should be packed with people donating goods and people buying stuff. Then it hit me... They're closed on Sundays because the Bible tells them they can't work.
I don't know why my seeing an empty parking lot on a Sunday afternoon drove this home more than reading the website but it did. Here is the "About Us" from Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army was founded as an evangelical organization dedicated to bringing people into a meaningful relationship with God through Christ. Its doctrinal basis is that of the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition. It is composed of persons who are united by the love of God and man, and who share the common purpose of the organization - to motivate all people to embrace the salvation provided to them in Christ.
The word "army" indicates that the organization is a fighting force, constantly at war with the powers of evil. Battles are effectively waged through an integrated ministry that gives attention to both body and spirit. It is a total ministry for the total person. The Army cooperates with churches of all denominations to meet the needs of the community.
Those who have drifted away from God and those estranged from their own religious affiliations are often attracted to The Salvation Army. The[y] are first urged to seek Christ for pardon and deliverance from sin. Then they are encouraged to return to active memberships in their own churches or to enroll as soldiers in a corps community center. Young people often are attracted through local music groups, youth camps, and recreational centers.
Man... This is the whole thing, by the way. Not just excerpts that make my point. This is the whole thing. If this is what the people who need help want, I'm all for it. I'd gladly support this. But I don't know if I like the idea of people that are in trouble being indoctrinated to this with no alternative.
Some other excerpts digging deeper into the site:
The Mission Statement of the Salvation Army USA:
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
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 by International Headquarters
Reproductive Technologies
Just the SUMMARY. There is more on the site.
Artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization are acceptable when the sperm and ova of a husband and wife are used. The Salvation Army strongly advises against the use of donors because of theological, legal, moral, social, psychological, and ethical complications and implications.
There are no easy answers to the many and complex issues surrounding the use of human assisted reproductive technologies. The Salvation Army will welcome further progress and increased ethical wisdom in these fields. Always seeking the best for human beings, the Army will remain true to the biblical principles of the value of every person (including the child), the sanctity of marriage, and submission to God's will.
Other issues that they have weighed in on include:
- abuse
- alcohol
- birth control
- capital punishment
- economic justice
- environment
- euthanasia
- gambling
- homosexuality
- human equality
- marriage
- military service
- parenting
- permissiveness
- pornography
- sabbath
- social drinking
- tobacco
Their indoctrination:
These classes are attended by the beneficiary for the full 26-week program. The curriculum includes:
- An overview of the Bible and its significant guidance in daily life
- The origins of Scripture and its concordance with modern historical record and science
- Issues of faith in Christ as the foundation of spiritual life
- The nature of a personal relationship with God
- Developing a deeper relationship with God through prayer. Ways to make prayer a valuable tool in building a Christian life
- The value of Christian living--as it relates to recovery
Through these ministries the beneficiary is given the opportunity to reconsider his personal value system and make a commitment for real spiritual growth within a Christian environment. All staff members strongly support the emphasis on Christian growth and salvation as keys to complete recovery.
First, what does everybody think about the Salvation Army as a whole? I've always thought that they were a decent organization that helps people, though I've never really dealt with them more than to have them pick stuff up. What would you do? Those of you who aren't religious and don't want religion of any form shoved down anyone's throat? At least those who didn't want it shoved down their throat. Do I have any alternatives for this? My cash usually goes to the Red Cross but household goods usually go to the Salvation Army.