::@:: Reality of Dreams ::@::

Below is basically a rant which sets out some of my basic views on the Army… its idealistic and by no means complete so read with that in mind, please feel free to ask questions either here (I’ve relaxed commenting restrictions I’ve had to switch back on registration as I’ve had to remove over 100 spam comment in one day).

You know I’ve been quiet for a while, things have been tough but that does not mean I have not been watching, listening, and thinking about things outside my current situation. I saw with interest at Roots 2006 that there was a Primitive Salvationism (PS) seminar, I thought of attending but considering my views and my inability to shut my mouth when I see something that get under my skin I knew it would be a bad plan.

So, let me set this straight in print, I have issues with some of their views, but that does not mean I in any way think they should not get their say, or that their views are invalid. I believe, as many PS do, that they are part of a greater whole and that unity is not sameness. I agree with many principles of PS and I admire their commitment. What I don’t like is when I see this commitment (and principles) turn into arrogant posturing where it can seem as if they consider the PS way the only way. I am no less committed, no less Army than any PS, I may be by the PS “standards” but I am not by God’s (and to be honest that’s the only being I care about pleasing).

So what do I think, where do I see the Army in this post modern age we live. Well I don’t see uniforms, I don’t see halls, I don’t see meetings as the majority understand them.

I see an Army unlike any another, a holy army which does not need cloth to describe its difference, an army who uses clothes like camouflage to not just confront the enemy but to get behind the enemy lines and win converts by showing them the truth of the war but getting alongside in true friendships and fellowship and by leading the example of family and love which will shine in the darkness.

I see groups of people as in Acts, fellowship, discussion, worship which goes beyond brass, goes beyond guitar and drum, a worship which is exemplified by fellowship and love. Meetings are a crime against the true meaning of church. I firmly believe that no single person leading but rather the groups as a whole helping each other. Large gatherings are of course amazing opportunities for mass musical worship and teachings for gifted teachers, but they should not be the norm, Christ taught in small groups, only occasional large meetings, the church of acts was based on small groups and occasional large meetings… you see a pattern yet?

I see an Army going beyond just an Army but developing into “resistance cells” each tailored to where they are and what they need to do to reach the lost where they are. Unity through a diversity unseen before.

Does this view mean I think we should through out everything the Salvation Army does, no it doesn’t. We were raised to be unique and I believe that much that makes us unique (our solidership, our beliefs etc) needs to be kept but I see the outer shell as transitory, and mouldable by the unique needs of where we are. Do you want to know something else, its already hear, ALOVE has shown us the way, their NEO plants hold the vision of the army incarnate, it holds the doctrine distilled into purest form (worship, discipleship, social action, and mission).

What this means is one of these cells could be called to a PS style, one a NEO church, one meets in a pub, one a front room, one in a gig venue pumping out metal and punk.

I hope this explains the basics of my view of the army, its not long, its by no means complete, ut it gives enough that hopefully people may see where I am coming from.

Shalom.