The One Fingered Salute

The Salvation Army Salute is a rather simple affair—just point your right index finger in the air! More conservative types might keep it restrained, but those blessed with flamboyant temperaments are free to experiment.

The symbolism is simple. When you salute you’re pointing to God, thus signifying that any applause or glory coming your way really belongs to the Divine. Officers of high rank might snap one off to greet the crowds at a Congress or other large gathering. A musician might answer his or her enraptured audience with a salute to redirect the glory.

More colloquially, the salute is a symbol of obedience to Those In High Places. When Officers are commissioned, they joyfully salute the Commissioner, publicly promising that they will do whatever Headquarters tells them to do. Afterwards, the salute is still an integral (if figurative) part of accepting your fate.

Don’t like the new appointment? Salute and pack your bags, soldier!

Has the bureaucracy decided you don’t have enough paperwork to do? Head down, finger up!

Is the Commissioner making it clear your practice of Salvationism is a disgrace to the uniform, your commission and maroon epaulettes everywhere? Sounds like the perfect time for… The One Fingered Salute.

This blog is intended as a satirical look at the Salvation Army and its culture. That means poking fun at people and perhaps stepping on a few toes along the way. It is not my intention to be mean. I certainly don’t want to treat people unfairly or hurt people who aren’t able to defend themselves. In fact, my intention is quite the opposite—I want to shine a gentle light on some of the shortcomings of our movement in a non-confrontational and even humorous way.

Evil things lose their power when they’re laughed at. So feel free to laugh. If you’re not laughing because I’m not funny, sorry for wasting your time.

If you’re not laughing because you’re worried that your authority and prestige has been diminished by what I write… well, allow me to apologise.

And salute.