PREACHING THE SOCIAL GOSPEL : THE SALVATION ARMY CHURCH OR CHARITY?

Abstract

The Salvation Army is an international, cross-cultural organisation well known by many. Yet, few studies have been done on The Salvation Army. Most literature on the subject tends to focus on its historical background and evolution; and moreover, most have been written by Salvationists themselves or by people affiliated to the organisation. Focusing my research on The Salvation Army in Singapore, this thesis attempts to use the institutional theory of organisations and sect theory to investigate the evolution of the identity of The Salvation Army as an evangelical Christian church and as a non-profit charity. My hypothesis is that the mission of The Salvation Army has become structurally and ideologically separated into two domains - spiritual and social. Each dimension takes on an existence and growth independent of the other. Examining the features of organisational goals and structures, resource dependency, manpower, professionalisation and leadership; I will seek to analyse and account for the phenomenon of disconnectedness between the spiritual and social dimensions of the organisation.