Posted on 12/13/2014 5:24:46 AM PST by NYer
It’s Advent and our thoughts naturally turn toward less fortunate souls, longing for basic niceties, and the call for selfless giving. Christ-like love, almsgiving, and prayer are staples of this anticipatory time which brings in the new Church year. The scripture readings at Mass remind us of those in need and our moral obligation toward them. What a sad statement about current times, then, that we are forced to look a gift horse in the mouth.
No, not the gifts we receive, but the gifts we give.
As the giving season continues, as well as the rest of the year, we are often hard-pressed to find a charity compatible with our moral values. The mainstay options of Girl Scouts, UNICEF, and the ALS Association have already been exposed as being bedfellows with unsavory sorts – like Planned Parenthood.
Although there are worthy, ethical alternatives, you won’t find them pushed by banks, schools, businesses, or even churches. You won’t encounter them as you fulfill Christmas wish lists at the local mall. But as Catholics, we are not called to be of the world – we are just temporary inhabitants in the world, on our way to Eternal Life. With this in mind, a Catholic is best served by a bit of research and discernment.
Ring-a-ling-a-ling — the bell beckons passers-by to drop their change into the red kettle of the Salvation Army (SA).Yet even charity isn’t as simple as it seems. What ethical problems surface when the SA is scrutinized? Shouldn’t we be concerned about the destination of our good deeds?
When it comes to large organizations, it isn’t enough to blindly give. As Catholics (or any Christians, for that matter), we have a moral obligation to hold charities accountable. Since there are many options, we are capable of making a difference by giving to good, morally sound organizations. In a past year, I wrote an in-depth piece outlining and providing sources to some very disturbing facts about the Salvation Army. Here, I offer an reiteration of what my research found.
On the surface, the beginning of the SA Positional Statement is morally sound. There is acknowledgment that all people are created in the image of God, and therefore have unique and intrinsic value. They further state that human life is sacred, and that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. The Salvation Army also accepts that life beings at the moment of fertilization. So far, so good.
Later, in same section, there are shocking contradictions. The Salvation Army notes that termination can occur when “carrying the pregnancy further seriously threatens the life of the mother” or diagnostic procedures identify a fetal abnormality causing only a “very brief post-natal period”. Further, rape and incest also represent “special case[s] for the consideration of termination”. These exceptions portray a troubling contradiction to the professed “sanctity, unique dignity and respect” due to the “image of God” found in our unborn brethren.
In order to determine collusion between the Salvation Army and Planned Parenthood, we must look at material cooperation as well as monetary support. While SA may not directly contribute to PP, there is evidence that they do partner with one another. Research by Life Decisions International has found this to be the case, and has placed the Salvation Army on their Dishonorable Mention list. Further, American Life League has also found a troubling connection between the two. Simply considering “all the good they do” is not enough to excuse or set aside this compromise of pro-life principles.
As we further peruse the SA website we can also find stated support of contraception in their international positional statement:
“A serious commitment to the protection and care of the unborn calls us to a commitment to the prevention of unwanted pregnancy through means such as access to reliable birth control ….”
Yikes, yet another position not in sync with Holy Mother Church! Don’t they know that oral and many other contraceptives (such as the IUD) are also abortifacients?
Here we find even more, compelling incompatibility. Founder William Booth completely rejected the Sacraments. Although for some years he continued to follow the Protestant tradition of two Sacraments – Baptism and the “Lord’s Supper” — he held they were purely symbolic, until finally he dispensed with them altogether. In practice, many adult recruits had never been baptized, nor was it required. In the end, Booth had come to the conclusion that not only were the Sacraments not vital, they were mistakes. Therefore, in his “Foundation Deed”, he abolished the Sacraments completely. This is definitely not a good match for Catholic charity.
So how should we resolve our moral Advent/Christmas almsgiving conundrum? Do the good works performed by the SA outweigh their acceptance of abortion exceptions, support of contraception, and heretodox views?
In a word, no. After all, the options for charitable giving are vast. We are easily able to find a more ethical and life-affirming recipient for our alms. Rather than giving to a sect that has little moral common ground with Holy Mother Church, perhaps our focus should go to more suitable recipients.
Luke’s Gospel tells us, “He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” (Luke 3:11) Surely, our pastors know of local families who are in need. Perhaps a young woman in your area finds herself pregnant during this season. Pregnancy Support Centers can always use help as well.
Using the comprehensive list provided by American Life League, we can also look for charitable opportunities, among organizations, that are ethically compatible with the teachings of Holy Mother Church. Among these: Food for the Poor, Habitat for Humanity, MaterCare International, Water.org and the Wounded Warrior Project.
Why not give a gift to some such person or group? How about you … do you have any ideas?
“we must look at material cooperation as well as monetary support.”
and what was listed by the article. The article did not tell us anything about any material cooperation or monetary support between the two orgs. Nothing.
I agree, but nonetheless the implied connection (wholly baseless) still leads the reader to wonder about “THE CONNECTION.” The wording was intended to convey a connection that did not exist.
Alas, “Catholic Charities” need the same scrutiny.
I’m Catholic and Mom has warned me since the 70’s that too many violate their faith by their allocation of resources.
There will never be such a government, Revelations makes that clear. Then we will have Jesus return as King and all this earthly crap will be forgotten like a bad dream.
The Salvation Army sold old ages ago. I gave up on them same as the Red doubleCross.
Best if you check these things before you make claims which border on slander.
http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=12842#.VIxhUWTF8lA
http://cironline.org/blog/post/charity-investigator-wounded-warrior-project-4968
I should clarify what the links I provided say. All sources I can dig up say the Wounded Warrior Project spends about 58% of revenues on programs for the intended recipients (wounded veterans).
The 97% spend on administration claim is a blatant falsehood.
“What Does the Salvation Army Teach About the Sacraments?”
It teaches what most actual Christian denominatons teach about the “Sacraments”, i.e., there are no sacraments in Christian theology. Cults make up extra-biblical stuff such as “sacraments”; Christians do not. There are no sacraments in the Bible. More made-up stuff.
This article is based on nothing but speculation and denigrates one of the most charitable CHRISTIAN institutions on Earth. Whereas most Catholic Priests live in good housing and eat the best foods, the Ministry of the Salvation Army is to provide for the needs of the poor and help with disaster recovery. They are usually first on the scene with food, clothing, and a warm hand and a smile. Yet, their salaries and stipends are extremely modest. The money put into those kettles is used for providing services, not for building fancy edifices and gilt idols of worship. There are lies, and damn lies. This one is lower than that!
This display of Roman Catholic bigotry is disgusting!
Well, you know what they say...."When in Rome...."
As far as the comment in post #32 which you pinged me to regarding discontinuing religious posting I would say that the opportunity to publicly discuss the errors of the Catholic Church or any other Church is one of the opportunities Free Republic offers that others don't. I feel it's a great service and hope it continues. I, for one donate to this site because of it. I congratulate Jim and his RMs for having the courage to continue and thank them for the service they provide.
If that type of debate offends you, then ignore the open RF threads altogether and instead post to threads labeled "caucus" "ecumenical" "devotional" or "prayer."
If you feel inundated by pro-Catholicism threads, then feel free to post all the pro-Protestantism threads you'd like.
Finally, if you do not wish to see RF posts, do NOT use the "everything" option on the Free Republic browse option list. Instead, browse by "News/Activism." When you log back in, the browse will reset to "everything" - so be sure to set it back to "News/Activism."
The Sacraments were instituted by Christ to give grace. They are wonderful gifts.
With that comment can there be any doubt that one day most will follow a one world religion?
My mother grew up in very extreme poverty... and she always remember the Salvation Army would help them.. ..I always give....
sorry but the Catholic Church tend to be an extremely rich church with a lot of very poor members.. funny how that works out
Yes, led by the anti-Christ
Thank you for posting the link. I, too, will continue to support this fine organization.
Actually led by the false prophet. Now keep your eye on how the Catholic Church and all other religions are mysteriously cooperating.
Under the leadership of the Catholic Church I might add.
"Making do", unless you get something better? I believe that a functional, constitutional representative republic is the best form of government over any country, at any time in history. I say that as a conservative, as a student of history, as a student of Reformed theology, and as a Protestant Christian.
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