The truth behind the Red Kettles

Giving to the Salvation Army is a way that makes us feel good this time of year. When we see their red kettles and bell ringer standing in the cold for their cause, our hearts are warmed with compassion. We believe that we are doing the right thing by giving to a cause that they are willing to freeze for, but are we really? Many people blindly give without even knowing what they are giving to all because of nostalgia. We grew up as little kids begging mom or dad for a coin to place into the kettle and today as adults it helps us reconnect with our childhood. Before you drop another coin into the kettle there are somethings you should know. Perhaps you may be surprised to learn that their views are opposite yours and you could be appalled at what your money has gone to through the years.

The biggest battle to date in almost every state is the issue of civil rights. Civil rights has been a dominating forefront even in our Presidential election this last year. Everyone wants to be treated equally, after all our constitution clearly states that "all man is created equal". Then why is that the Salvation Army is clarifying that homosexuality is wrong? On their website it is written that homosexual should live a life of celibacy. The website goes on to state that they do "not consider same-sex orientation blameworthy in itself". The Salvation Army believes that "Homosexual conduct, like heterosexual conduct, requires individual responsibility and must be guided by the light of scriptural teaching."

Where is the loving compassion for all that the Salvation Army is preaching? When you continue reading they make it clear that anyone is welcome to attend their church. That's right, their church. The Salvation Army is an actual church with buildings located throughout the world.

I took a moment to visit the Chapel at Worthington Woods in Worthington, Ohio. I spoke with their facilities manager about their sanctuary. He informed me that they don't allow for any weddings to take place there so they can "better control" who rents their facilities. They don't want people who stand against their beliefs renting their sanctuary. He went on to tell me about another chapel who had an issue up north with a homosexual couple wanting to have a ceremony there. That is what helped them to determine their new facility rules.

The Salvation Army's website goes on to state that they are "committed to promoting, strengthening and protecting God's institution of marriage". If you need to think what is "God's institute of marriage" don't worry, the Salvation Army has already defined that for you on their site as well.

"The Salvation Army affirms the New Testament standard of marriage, which is the loving union for life of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others. Marriage is the first institution ordained by God (Genesis 2:24), and His Word establishes its significance (Matthew 19:4-6). Marriage is the only proper context for sexual intimacy."

They have gone as far to determine some of the things that the Catholic church has tried to enforce for generations. Perhaps we are blinded by the Salvation Army because instead of Priest and Bishops they call themselves Captains and Majors. The real question is what are they trying to cover with these military titles?

It is clear that we don't know everything about the Salvation Army. When we drop a coin into the red kettle we don't see how their religious beliefs may actual conflict with our own. Instead we still eagerly give to their red kettles every year and sacrificing our own convictions, without ever knowing.

There is much more you should know about them before you give again. Take the time to really visit their site and see. If you are like me, someone who openly supports same-sex marriage and partnerships, then perhaps you should move onto another worthy organization to donate to this year. With the way the economy is today I'm sure any non-profit would be thrilled to accept your holiday cheer, then you could believe you are "doing the most good".

Ohio H.B. 176

Allow me to get on my soapbox for just a few moments. I want to talk about something that has been pent-up for a while now, Ohio House Bill 176. I have spoken with different people at Equality Ohio for a few months now, even before HB 176 was introduced.

I want to say that I agree with one and only one thing about HB 176. It places an end to discrimination based on sexual orientation. I like that, but here is my issue. Instead of wasting tax payer's dollars on a bill like this why don't we go for Marriage Equality (same-sex marriage). By passing a bill about marriage equality we would be encompassing discrimination issues at the same time. Several other states throughout the U.S. have issues in their state house and senates about marriage equality and we are talking about discrimination instead. Where is the logic and common sense in that?

If there is momentium running through the U.S. for a issue and it is getting results, then why not add to that momentium.

At the same time though, we should all come together and pass HB 176. I don't like taking small steps, but at least we are getting something.

This is just my quick little soap box issue. Thanks for reading.

In Faith,
+Isaac