Catherine Booth's achievements - as a revivalist, social reformer, champion of women's rights, and, with her husband William Booth, co-founder of the Salvation Army - were widely recognized in her lifetime. However, Catherine Booth's life and work has since been largely neglected. This neglect has extended to her theological ideas, even though they were critical to the formation of Salvationism, the spirituality of the movement she cofounded. This book examines the implicit theology that undergirds Catherine Booth's Salvationist spirituality and reveals the ethical concerns at the heart of her soteriology and the integral relationship between the social and evangelical aspects of Christian mission in her thought. Catherine Booth emerges asa significant figure from the Victorian era, a British theologian and church leader with a rare if not unique intellectual and theological perspective: that of a woman.

Daily readings with Scripture verses and prayers, based on the life and ministry of Catherine Booth, wife of General Booth and co-founder of The Salvation Army, often called 'The mother of The Salvation Army'. An ardent temperance campaigner, she and William developed together the firm convictions about salvation and poverty that led to the formation of the Army. Catherine Booth was eloquent and compelling in speech, and articulate and devastatingly logical in writing. At first, Catherine and her husband had shared a ministry as traveling evangelists, but then she came into great demand as a preacher in her own right, especially among the well-to-do. Although it was virtually unknown at that point for women to speak in public, and despite her nervousness, she developed a considerable preaching ministry. Catherine was both a woman and a fine preacher, a magnetic combination that attracted large numbers to hear her. This book of daily readings introduces us to Catherine's heart and convictions. Here we find the passion, urgency, thought and humanity which drove her on. Each devotional will take one page of the format above. Catherine's succinct, direct style is ideally suited to this form.

This husband and wife team founded the Salvation Army, which has provided spiritual guidance and physical aid to thousands over the past twelve decades. As a young preacher struggling with the ministry, William (1829-1912) found a perfect complement in Catherine (1829-1890). Ultimately, in 1865, they would establish a movement that became the Salvation Army, which William served as 'general' until his death. Their vision and service to God have resulted in an organization that still serves mankind a century after their deaths.

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.