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’.

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Musical justice

Title: Who says I can’t sing? Musical justice for people with intellectual disabilities
Author/researcher: Katrina McFerran, National Music Therapy Research Centre, University of Melbourne
Publisher/funder: The Salvation Army’s Melbourne Central Division Research and Advocacy Portfolio
Country of origin: Australia
Publication/completion date: 2008
Length: 25 pages
Keywords: music, music therapy, Australia, disability
Abstract: This report explores the complementary roles of music therapy and community music for people with disabilities.  It compares two existing music programs through The Salvation Army Brunswick and Able Australia, in order to identify overlap and points of distinction.  The adult participants in these programs were engaged as co-researchers in the investigation, offering their perspectives through focus group interviews, regular written feedback mechanisms and quality of life questionnaires.  These adults included people with a range of disabilities and their carers, both of whom engage in the music programs with equal enthusiasm.

Click here to download a pdf of this paper (753 KB).

Tags: Australia, disability, music, music therapy

Faith in Action

Paper title: Faith in Action
Author/researcher: Jason Davies-Kildea
Country of origin: Australia
Publication/completion date: August, 2007
Length: 35 pages
Keywords: The Salvation Army, social service,
Abstract:
Faith-based organisations right across the world are providing an invaluable role as social service providers with a capacity to reach and engage people significantly beyond that of government and private sector providers. In Australia, the vast majority of non-Government social welfare services are delivered by faith-based organisations, however there has been little local research into how the religious motivations of these organisations shape the character of service delivery.

This report brings together the experiences of staff and service users in almost 50 services across three countries: the US, UK and Kenya. It demonstrates that a critically important factor to the contribution of faith-based organisations is how the spiritual and religious dimensions shape the fundamental values and character of services provided. The capacity of social services to address spiritual issues which may be initiated by service users is an essential component that adds significantly to the range of benefits these organisations provide.

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Emerging Images of Salvationist Mission

Paper title: Emerging Images of Salvationist Mission
Author/researcher: Craig Campbell
Country of origin: Australia
Publication/completion date: December, 2004
Length: 204 pages
Keywords: The Salvation Army, mission, hospitality
Abstract:
A compelling, comprehensive and contemporary image of mission is needed if The Salvation Army is to remain as a vigorous and vital presence in Australia. Such an image of mission functions to create an imaginative space into which people can enter with new energy.

The search for a contemporary image of salvationist mission employs a model that gathers tradition, culture and experience into creative conversation. This model is supported by a research methodology that brings together critical theory, constructivism and participatory inquiry, and is complemented by a theological method that begins ‘from below,’ in the human experience of God. The theological formation of The Salvation Army is traced through Arminianism, Evangelicalism and focussed in Wesleyanism. The Army commenced as an activist movement convinced that salvation for the world to come should also be experienced in all aspects of life here and now. True religion incorporates good society, and real transformation is to be expected in individuals and structures of society. Original salvationist mission incorporated dual emphasis on spiritual and temporal needs and possibilities, a practical theology seeking to connect the experience of the transcendent with daily life.

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Values in Policy Making

Paper title: Values Orientation in Decision and Policy Making
Author/researcher: Donald Gates
Country of origin: Australia
Publication/completion date: January, 2010
Length: 303 pages
Keywords: The Salvation Army, values, policy, decision, management, leadership
Abstract:

 This thesis deals with problems encountered by decision and policymakers in multifaceted environments. Although rational information is an essential input in decision and policymaking, the process is fraught with many limitations including deficient knowledge, differences in values and ideologies and ambiguities of justice outcomes. Despite this, there is a need for decision and policymakers to reflect on the ethical and social justice questions their policies raise.

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Neo-sacramental Theology

Paper title: Neo-sacramental Theology
Author/researcher: Adam Couchman
Country of origin: Australia
Publication/completion date: October, 2007
Length: 106 pages
Keywords: The Salvation Army, sacraments
Abstract:

Since January, 1883, The Salvation Army has not formally practised the dominical sacraments within its worship services, yet it still has an inherent sacramentality. At the time that this decision was made by the Army’s leader and founder, General William Booth, the issue was never fully resolved. Rather it was put off to another day when the Army would have more light on the subject. Booth left the decision open for future generations to discuss and, if necessary, rescind. In its 142 year history, this theological issue has been addressed and readdressed by many generations of Salvationists. There have been many publications on this topic and many thorough attempts to give explanation for The Salvation Army’s stance.

Given this longstanding history and ongoing discussion, it is not intended to walk the same ground that others have trodden with regard to this issue. Rather, it will be argued that, even though the Army does not use the dominical sacraments in its worship, still there is an inherent sacramentality present. This can be seen through the ceremonies and symbols that the Army does employ. Whether or not these ceremonies can be viewed as “sacraments” contextualised for Army purposes will also be considered. Finally, terms used to describe the Army’s sacramental self-understanding will also be summarised; traditionally anti-sacramental, non-sacramental or nonobservance.

A new term, “neo-sacramental,” is proposed in the hope that this provides a positive self-understanding of Army sacramentality, and a deliberate link to sacramental theology and the Church universal.

Click here to download a pdf of this paper (327 KB).

ORDINATION #5 - Clericalising the SA

Gordon Cotterill, an officer stationed at William Booth College in London, recently posted the following on his blog:

On the language of ordination…

It seems interesting to me that within TSA we are keen to maintain a certain line that causes frequent periodic debate when it comes to our non-sacramental stand …
I’m not sure if I have come across the same rigour of debate with similar issues. … it is interesting that the whole emphasis of ordination of officers doesn’t receive the same intensity of attention.
Recently as I watched the Commissioning of the latest session I was struck by how far our language has moved. It seems to me that the euphemistic use of ordination to explain commissioning has made quite some journey where now a given Territorial Commander declares to each cadet “I commission and ordain you…” (or words to that effect). It seems interesting to me that a choice of language to protect the kudos of officership with our ecclesiastical cousins has become so mainstream as to now even infer a supposed ‘higher calling’ of officership.But no debate, no walk outs, no resignations, no battle lines, no edicts from International Headquarters, no articles, no letters looking at such an impact on SA views on the ‘priesthood of all believers’ . Nothing to question the language of ordination as it, like a cuckoo, surreptitiously kicks out the centrality of dedication…. So why the lack of debate in one area and intensity in another?

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Religion, Faith, Fundamentalism

An exploration of supposed antitheses and unexpected partners by Jason Davies-Kildea

Religious belief is not a threat to reason, nor is faith to truth, the essential problem derives from fundamentalism and the violence associated with the closing of the mind.

Introduction

This essay will focus on an exploration of three relationships: religion and reason; faith and truth; fundamentalism and violence.  Essentially what needs to be considered is whether these first two pairs are antithetical and if the last couplet is inextricably linked.  Are religious belief and rational thinking sworn enemies in the modern era?  Is faith believing what you know isn’t true?  In what ways can fundamentalism be said to close the mind?  Does this necessarily result in violence?  These are the kinds of queries that will be explored throughout this essay.

After establishing the scope of concern and necessary definitions, each of the three relationships will be explored in turn.  Prior to concluding, it will also be asked whether there are any valid alternatives to fundamentalism that might be able to redeem religion in the twenty first century.  What might these look like and how can they survive a time of rapid change, scientific and technological advance?  The results of this exploration will demonstrate that fundamentalism, not religion or faith per se, is particularly problematic because it facilitates both prejudice and violence.

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Uses of scripture in TSA

Paper title: The Uses of Scripture in The Salvation Army
Author/researcher: Craig Campbell
Country of origin: Australia
Publication/completion date: October, 1995
Length: 107 pages
Keywords: scripture, The Salvation Army, hermeneutics, authority
Abstract: Within my experience the scriptures are a key point of entry into Christian life and faith. In various ways the scriptures are honoured and used to mediate a saving and transforming experience of God, within the community of faith and by individuals.

The question of how the scriptures work in this way was raised in me from a young age. Early years of ministry presented the challenge of responsible use of scripture in a more forceful way. To this end I enrolled in BD studies and enjoyed the wider world that opened up for me. I recognise myself as moving from a somewhat dogmatic, authoritarian style to understanding scripture as gracious invitation.

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Tags: authority, hermeneutics, scripture

Study of domestic violence help

Paper title: Transforming Domestic Violence Service Delivery: A Study of Mary Anderson Lodge
Author/researcher: Elli McGavin
Country of origin: Australia
Publication/completion date: May, 2007
Length: 104 pages
Keywords: domestic violence, The Salvation Army, internal values, culture
Abstract: This study examines the underpinning culture, service philosophy and a number of significant factors that have influenced the service delivery at The Salvation Army’s domestic violence service, Mary Anderson Lodge. The significance of research into the changing nature of The Salvation Army’s response to domestic violence is in understanding the ways in which internal values and culture interact with those of the wider community, the women’s sector, government standards and funding requirements.

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Tags: domestic violence, internal values