Salvation Army

[Joe_Kelley]

I recall an old story of a priest and minister who were close friends. At one point the minister set out to build a new church to replace his current one. The priest told him he was sorry , but the bishop would never understand if he contributed to building a Protestant church. However, he was sure the bishop could have no objection to his making a contribution to a fund to tear down the old one.

 

[KingTheoden]

This must be one of those Catholic rules for lay people only. The bishops collect millions in the Campaign for Human Development and give it to non-Catholic groups all the time, whose policies are not even close to being as worthy as the SA. In fact many of them are working in direct opposition to anything that could be called Christian. God bless our bishops.

I agree that CCHD is horrible. It is scandalous and a rotten fruit from the tree of the modernists.

But just because others are failing, even bishops, that does not mean we can do something ‘not as bad.’ This kind of thinking is frequently used to justify behavior we know is wrong (‘Everyone else is stealing $10 000 a month, so if I pocket $500, what’s the difference?’)

Remember what Jesus told Peter at the end of John’s Gospel. We are not to worry about others, their blessings of health and in material, or their apparent lack of punishment for their sins. We are to follow Him.

 

[grandfather]

I agree that CCHD is horrible. It is scandalous and a rotten fruit from the tree of the modernists.

But just because others are failing, even bishops, that does not mean we can do something ‘not as bad.’ This kind of thinking is frequently used to justify behavior we know is wrong (‘Everyone else is stealing $10 000 a month, so if I pocket $500, what’s the difference?’)

Remember what Jesus told Peter at the end of John’s Gospel. We are not to worry about others, their blessings of health and in material, or their apparent lack of punishment for their sins. We are to follow Him.

Very good! However, I believe I have built many bridges with Protestants by spending time with them in charity.

 

[grandfather]

Very good! However, I believe I have built many bridges with Protestants by spending time with them in charity.

For example, in my town there are many Christians of all denominations who assist and support the Crisis Pregnancy Center. My wife is one of the founders thirty years ago and is still involved. There are many infants saved due to the combined efforts and contributions from Christians of every denomination. There is no more worthy cause to support in this town and none even comes close.

A man was robbed and beaten. Everyone passed him by, but a Samaritan. Get it?

 

[Jars_of_Clay_1]

Without belittling the good the Salvation Army does, I wonder how much service Catholics should provide to or on their behalf. I just read that a large Catholic high school will be soliciting for the local Salvation Army.
As I understand the SA, it is classified as a church of evangelical nature that was founded by a Methodist minister.

I think as Catholics can provide as much help as they can. Our Lord commands us to love our neighbor. Happily and thankfully, He didn’t restrict our love (or His) to a certain denomination.

For example: If someone stops me on the street to ask for help or directions, I don’t first as them their religion. I help if I can.

Does that make sense?

Blessings, friend.

 

[Jars_of_Clay_1]

Huh? Are you sure you’re not confusing the SA with the Red Cross?

The Catholic Church has always lauded the SA for its works of mercy. They are a classic example of James’ admonition to show one’s faith by one’s works.

That there are some theological differences between the RCC and the SA is not in dispute by either body.

Beeliner:

You may be correct about this person confusing the SA with the Red Cross. I remember a family from my childhood that needed help and the Red Cross helped them out, but they wanted to be paid back for the provisions they “gave” to the family. I do not want to bash the Red Cross here I don’t know how they operate and I’m sure they do good in areas I don’t know about.

But I think you make a good point.

 

[ecce_ego]

they are hypocrites (at least in my city they are) in that in running a shealter for the homeless they charge them money (12.00-19:00$ a night). I refuse to support them since the time when I was homeless a few years ago and refused to help me becuse I had no money.

I volunteered for the Salvation Army as a cook for awhile in a city in Texas. They charged $5 a night if you could afford it (to teach responsible use of your wages) but they certainly never turned away anyone who couldn’t afford it, except on the rare occasion that they were full. Of course, those who couldn’t pay had to spend about two minutes sweeping up in the sleeping area before dinner. Believe it or not, some left when they found out they had to ‘work’ for their meal, shower, bed, and clean clothes.

Also, though they are a church, I have never seen one force anybody to hear one of their services or attend their church to get help. Many protestant churches I’ve worked for do, but not them.