The Sacrament of the Good Samaritan

Paper title: Theological Options for an Understanding of Engagement with the Poor and the Marginalised as a Sacrament in The Salvation Army
Author/researcher: Jason Davies-Kildea
Country of origin: Australia
Publication/completion date: August, 2004
Length: 24 pages
Keywords:The Salvation Army, sacraments
Abstract:

This essay will consider whether it is possible to construct an understanding of engagement with the poor and the marginalised as a sacrament. In order to guide the theological options which will form the basis for that understanding, it will first be necessary to establish a working definition of sacrament. From this point, it becomes feasible to begin to unpack how a particular idea of sacrament might be understood in relation to the specific ecclesial position of The Salvation Army and its engagement in mission with the poor.

This essay is not intended to be a comprehensive ‘sacramental theology’. Instead, it will explore the concept of sacrament as a key to understanding the interaction between God and humanity in the midst of mission. It is hoped that the results of this exploration may give Salvationists a useful framework for understanding their own denomination’s engagement in mission from a theological point of view. In addition, recognition of the sacramental character of The Salvation Army’s mission may be valuable to ecumenical dialogue in which the Army have sometimes been seen as sacramentally ‘poor’ or ‘deficient’.

The first section of the essay will briefly survey some ideas of sacrament including the notions that Christ, the Church and the poor can be understood as sacraments. The historical background of The Salvation Army with regard to sacramental observance will be discussed, as will the basis for the Salvationist understanding of “a sacramental way of life”. Finally, some foundations for understanding engagement with the poor and the marginalised as sacramental will be discussed through the complementary concepts of finding Christ in the poor and acting on God’s behalf as we help those in need.

For the purposes of this essay, the definition of ‘the poor’ will extend beyond those who are financially impoverished to include those who are poor because their access to the benefits afforded to the majority of society is significantly reduced. Jürgen Moltmann gives a useful definition when he says that the poor are those “who have nothing to live for and to whom life has nothing to offer. The poor are all who are at the mercy of others, and who live with empty and open hands”.

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