Rabbit Foot Religion

Off and on for thirty years I have heard Salvation Army leaders express concerns over an ongoing decline in worship life and spirituality. The average attendance has been declining decade after decade. Headquarter officers tend to point the finger of blame at the Corps Officers for not motivating their soldiers and stirring them with powerful sermons. The soldiers blame the Corps Officers and local officers.

Corps Officers point the finger of blame at the soldiers for the lack of commitment in the soldiery. I recall one CO complaining along these lines by noting that other than a handful soldiers who were retired no one was attending the weekly Bible study he was holding from 6 to 7 PM. He was not use to living in a metropolitan area, and his home was less than a mile from the Corps. He failed to take into account that many in his Corps were working until 4:30 or 5 and his most of his soldiers had 45 minute to 75 minute commutes home and another 20 to 40 minutes to get to the Corps. When that was pointed out he quipped that if they were dedicated enough they would leave work early and be at the Corps on time.

Some argue that Corps went into decline when they ceased holding open airs, evening services and mid-week Bible studies. Essentially they claim that all that needs to happen is to these events and all will be well. The Canadian Territory had two Commissioners who held such a view. One would not visit any Corps that was not holding regular open airs. The other insisted that all Corps must hold evening services, even if only the CO was present, even though a study indicated that over 90% of the soldiers and 85% off the officers held that the structure, nature and time of worship services should be left to the CO and the Census Board.

Critics who point to activities as the answer are walking down the same path as the ancient Israelites who after losing the first day’s battle brought the Ark of the Covenant into the camp. They thought the Ark gave them victories in the past and if they had it with them the next day God would smile upon them they would be victorious the next day. Instead of victory their army was routed and scattered.

It is not uncommon in religious thought to have a religion’s teachers and followers think that they do “A” that God is required/obligated to bless them in the positive. All that needs to happen is to do the right program, or say the right words, or do the right act and all will be well. All the is needed is to affirm and follow the roots of the tradition in order to have the same success the tradition first had. If the formula is followed divine blessings will flow.

The Hebrews treated the Ark as a lucky rabbit’s foot. In the face of a crushing defeat they learned the error of their thinking, the error of confusing tradition and traditionalism, holding to form without heart content. Empty ineffective outdated forms/structures and thinking will continue to alienate the younger generations in growing numbers.