R. David Rightmire, MDiv 1979
This first title in the new Crest Academic series examines the historical and theological influences on William Booth’s decision to abandon sacramental practice (1883), and investigates the relationship between the Salvation Army’s holiness theology and its non-sacramental practice. By placing the theology of the early Salvation Army in the context of Victorian society, the Wesleyan revival, and the nineteenth century holiness movement, this work interprets Booth’s non-sacramental position as involving the subordination of ecclesiological and sacramental concerns to pneumatological priorities. Once establishing the historical and theological foundations for Salvation Army non-sacramental practice, this book examines how the Army has subsequently interpreted its position, and how its developing sacramental self-understanding raises questions of doctrinal continuity that need to be addressed.
Rev. Dr. Melvin H. Shoemaker, MDiv 1967
Lent has the historic, root meaning of spring, springtime, and the lengthening of the days. In the days of winter, there is a longing for spring, a longing for the lengthening of days, more sunshine, warmer temperatures, less frost and bone-chilling cold.
Lent is the season of springtime for the soul. That certainly is a positive twist on Lent. Commonly, the first thought that comes to mind is a season of penitence and fasting from Ash Wednesda
y to Easter. Too frequently, the somber aspect of abstinence, self-discipline, reflection, and introspection has so dominated our observance of Lent that we want Mardi Gras to never end.
Springtime for the Soul: A Lenten Devotional is a series of readings and meditations composed for Christians—God’s holy ones, saints—who are on a quest to grow and gain a greater understanding of our faith. It is my purpose and hope that you will find the daily readings and the meditations refreshing and encouraging, cultivating the crusty winter soil of the heart and germinating new thoughts concerning the essentials of our living faith.