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".

Salvation Army: Know the truth before you give.

It is that time of year where we begin to think about the Holiday shopping. Delightful sounds and smells will fill the air as we are engulfed in our surroundings of joy. We will be filled with the Holiday feelings of compassion for those who are without. Only finding ourselves turning to the mass collective of red buckets and bell ringers of the Salvation Army at the entrance of every store.

There are some things you should know before dropping even a penny into their hands.

1. The Salvation Army is a church, not just a charity organization. http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf/vw-dynamic-arrays/B6F3F4DF3150F5B585257434004C177D?openDocument&charset=utf-8

2. Make sure your religious beliefs match up with theirs. For instance if you believe that homosexuality isn't a sin then the Salvation Army isn't for you. On their website under position statements they have a section designated to Homosexuality.

It reads, "The Salvation Army holds a positive view of human sexuality. Where a man and a woman love each other, sexual intimacy is understood as a gift of God to be enjoyed within the context of heterosexual marriage. However, in the Christian view, sexual intimacy is not essential to a healthy, full, and rich life. Apart from marriage, the scriptural standard is celibacy."

"Scripture forbids sexual intimacy between members of the same sex. The Salvation Army believes, therefore, that Christians whose sexual orientation is primarily or exclusively same-sex are called upon to embrace celibacy as a way of life. There is no scriptural support for same-sex unions as equal to, or as an alternative to, heterosexual marriage."

They do go on to say that their doors are open to all regardless of sexual orientation, but they will not currently support same-sex marriage.

3. Are you pro-choice? Well, The Salvation Army isn't.

"The Salvation Army deplores society's ready acceptance of abortion, which reflects insufficient concern for vulnerable persons, including the unborn. (Psalms 82:3-4)"

4. Are you for Marriage Equality?

"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. "

The Salvation Army is more then what most people realize they are. They are a church just like several others with their own views and beliefs. They may help those in need, but they have the power to discriminate just the same. I ask everyone who is considering on making a donation this year to fully look at who you are giving your money to. Do they fully represent your beliefs or does the charity happen to be at the right place at the right time? There is nothing wrong with taking information from the charity and doing your own research to make a healthy donation later. There should be no pressure to donate now to any reputable organizations.

Marriage Equality by 2010

No minority group should have to defend its right to equality. Yet in 2008, anti-gay groups organized to pass Prop 8, which took away the right of gays and lesbians to marry in California.
Prop 8 proponents won by a small margin, 52-48%, by spending over $40 million on deceptive ad campaigns. They won votes with claims that allowing gay people to marry would change school curriculums and put churches at risk. These were lies.

This isn't about gay vs. straight. It's not about religion. This is about love and equality. If you value human rights and feel that protecting minorities is one of the things that makes our country great, please join us and vote "YES" for marriage equality in 2010.

http://equality2010.org/

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

Clarification to last post

I want to make one thing very clear. The last post "God may love, but the Roman Catholic Church may not" was directed at the Pope, Bishops, and Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church. It was also directed at the politicians in America. This is a letter to help pull the wool off of their eyes and allow them to see clearly.

Let me make it perfectly clear. Nowhere did I state that ALL Roman Catholics were to blame. I did mention that there are some who do not fully believe what is being demanded of them, but they fear excommunication if they break from their orders. This is their internal struggle that they must fight and no one else.

I do understand that there are several other religions out there that have taken a few of the same stances as the Roman Catholic Church. Not so much with Reiki, but with same-sex marriage. This letter is for them as well. The only problem is that the Roman Catholic Church is so large and places themselves in the "lime light" on a weekly basis. That is why I directed it to them.

I hope that this helps with those few who needed clarification and expressed it. I will have to say that support for this has been very overwhelming and I want to personally thank all of you for that.

And remember, God loves EVERYONE!

In Faith!
+Isaac