However, it should be stressed that Salvationists have never been in opposition to the sacraments. Indeed, when they take part in gatherings with Christians from other churches, Salvationists will often share in using the symbols of the Lord's Supper as a sign of fellowship. Furthermore, Salvationists are not prevented from being baptised in other churches should they so desire. THE answer must be a two-part one. First, it is felt that there are some very real dangers in forms of religion which place heavy dependence on ceremonies and rituals.
Meaningful symbols can become meaningless rituals, and have often done so.
The Salvation Army places the emphasis on personal faith and on a spiritual relationship with God which is not dependent on anything external. Further, Church history shows that disputes about the detailed practice and meaning of such ceremonies have often been a divisive factor between Christians. The second part of the answer is to point out that the belief of many Christians that the use of the sacrament of communion was commanded by Christ as essential for all Christians for all time, can be no more than an assumption. The binding nature of this statement is further brought into question when one studies the background of the sentence. It should be noted, however that 15 of the 21 New Testament letters make no mention at all of the ceremony which so many Christians now regard as essential to Christian living.