The Salvation Army's stance on baptism and the Lord's Supper (often referred to as the Last Supper or Holy Communion) is one of its most distinctive features and a key reason why it differs from many other Christian denominations. Understanding why the Salvation Army does not practice these sacraments requires exploring both the historical and theological underpinnings of the organization.
Historical Context and Theological Foundations
When the Salvation Army was founded by William and Catherine Booth in the mid-19th century, the Christian landscape was dominated by various denominations that placed significant emphasis on sacraments like baptism and the Lord's Supper. These sacraments are considered central to Christian worship in many traditions, symbolizing the believer's union with Christ and participation in the life of the Church.
However, the Booths were concerned that these sacraments had become overly formalized and ritualistic, potentially distracting from the essence of Christian faith. They observed that for many people, participation in these rites could become a mere formality, disconnected from a genuine, lived experience of faith. This concern led them to emphasize a form of Christianity that was more focused on personal holiness, practical service, and social action rather than ritual observance.
The Salvation Army's Position on Baptism
Baptism, in many Christian denominations, is viewed as a sacrament that signifies an individual's initiation into the Christian faith. It is often associated with the washing away of sin and the believer's new life in Christ. In traditions like Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and many Protestant denominations, baptism is a fundamental rite that is considered necessary for membership in the Christian community.
The Salvation Army, however, does not practice baptism, either by water or any other means. This decision is rooted in the belief that external rites are not necessary for salvation or for a true expression of faith. The Salvation Army teaches that what truly matters is an individual's personal relationship with God, marked by repentance, faith in Jesus Christ, and a commitment to a life of holiness and service.
William Booth and the early Salvationists were influenced by a movement within Christianity that sought to emphasize the inward, spiritual realities over outward, physical rituals. They believed that the grace of God and the work of the Holy Spirit were not dependent on participation in sacraments but were available to all who genuinely sought them. For the Salvation Army, the emphasis is on living out the gospel through acts of love, service, and justice, rather than participating in specific religious ceremonies.
The Salvation Army's Position on the Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper, or Holy Communion, is another central sacrament in many Christian traditions. It commemorates the Last Supper that Jesus shared with His disciples before His crucifixion, during which He instructed them to eat bread and drink wine in remembrance of Him. In many denominations, this sacrament is seen as a means of receiving God's grace, maintaining spiritual unity with Christ, and fostering fellowship within the Christian community.
The Salvation Army, however, does not observe the Lord's Supper. Similar to its stance on baptism, the organization believes that the spiritual realities signified by this sacrament are not dependent on the physical act of eating bread and drinking wine. The Army teaches that true communion with Christ is a spiritual experience that is not tied to specific rituals but is instead lived out daily through faith, prayer, and the pursuit of a holy life.
The decision to forgo the practice of Holy Communion was also influenced by a desire to avoid potential divisions or misunderstandings that might arise from differing interpretations of the sacrament. In the 19th century, debates over the nature of the Eucharist (such as whether it involved transubstantiation, consubstantiation, or was purely symbolic) were a source of significant controversy among Christian denominations. By choosing not to practice this ritual, the Salvation Army sought to emphasize unity in the essentials of the Christian faith—such as belief in Christ, the authority of Scripture, and the call to serve—while avoiding contentious theological disputes.
Focus on Spiritual Realities Over Rituals
The Salvation Army's decision to abstain from practicing baptism and the Lord's Supper is closely linked to its broader theological focus on spiritual realities over physical rituals. The organization believes that what truly matters in the Christian life is a transformed heart and a life dedicated to following Jesus' teachings. For the Salvationists, this means living out the gospel in practical ways—by helping the poor, fighting for justice, and sharing the message of God's love.
This emphasis on practical Christianity can be seen in the Army's motto: "Heart to God, Hand to Man." This phrase encapsulates the belief that true worship and communion with God are expressed through loving service to others. By focusing on actions rather than rituals, the Salvation Army seeks to avoid the danger of religious formalism and instead promotes a faith that is active, dynamic, and deeply engaged with the world's needs.
Conclusion
The Salvation Army's decision not to practice baptism and the Lord's Supper stems from its commitment to a form of Christianity that prioritizes inner spiritual transformation and outward acts of service over formal religious rituals. While many other Christian denominations see these sacraments as essential components of the faith, the Salvation Army views them as secondary to the believer's personal relationship with God and their dedication to living out the gospel in everyday life.
By emphasizing the spiritual realities behind these rituals rather than the rituals themselves, the Salvation Army has carved out a distinctive place within the Christian tradition—one that is deeply focused on social action, inclusivity, and practical expressions of faith. This approach has allowed the Salvation Army to remain true to its mission of serving the most vulnerable in society, while also maintaining a clear and simple message of salvation and holiness that transcends denominational boundaries.
