The Life & Ministry of William Booth

Book excerpt: Church History/Theology Throughout his life, William Booth sought to minister to the least, the last, and the lost. Booth, together with his wife Catherine, founded and organized the world-wide mission that is still known as The Salvation Army. Booth's focus on the poor and marginalized comes directly from his theological convictions and his relationship with the Methodist movement in Great Britain, particularly his understanding of John Wesley's doctrine of sanctification and emphasis on social activism. This grounding was the matrix from which Booth transformed his world. "Dr. Roger J. Green has written a bold, insightful biography of a remarkable man whose legacy continues today in more than one hundred countries of the world. This portrait of an imperfect but dedicated leader will illumine readers and awaken them to a new understanding of William Booth as a thoroughly biblical Christian and adaptable pioneer with a heart that burned for God." Lt. Colonel Marlene Chase, Editor in Chief, Literary Secretary, The Salvation Army National Headquarters "Roger Green brilliantly shows how the life of William Booth was shaped by: (1) the early Methodists in England and their commitment to both personal and social holiness, (2) his own poverty, and (3) the organizational genius of John Wesley. This is a valuable book that underscores the link between The Salvation Army and the worldwide Methodist family. It can only deepen our kinship and strengthen our resolve to more closely work together " George H. Freeman, General Secretary, World Methodist Council "This biographical study by Roger Green is a wonderfully textured and theologically sensitive portrait of General William Booth. May it enable readers to recognize and emulate Booth's synthesis of vital Christian piety and active social service." Paul W. Chilcote, Professor of Historical Theology & Wesleyan Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary, Orlando, Florida "Roger Green gives us remarkable and unprecedented insight into the life of the founder of The Salvation Army, William Booth. His scholarship carefully documents the powerful influence of John Wesley and Wesley's Methodist legacy on General Booth's life, theology, and world-wide ministry. Green gives us a balanced and provocative look into the strengths and flaws of this very human soldier-saint, illuminating the Wesleyan DNA of Booth's legacy, The Salvation Army." Jonathan S. Raymond, Ph.D., President and Vice Chancellor, William & Catherine Booth College, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Roger J. Green is Professor and Chair of Biblical and Theological Studies at Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts. He is co-editor of Word and Deed: A Journal of Salvation Army Theology and Ministry. Dr.Green is also a member of the Salvation Army International Doctrine Council.