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Both Paul and Margaret were born of Salvationist parents and have spent their lives serving Christ within the Army. So understandably the poetry reflects denominational theology, mission and style.
The Mercy Seat is the Salvationist altar, a place of communion with God, a place for public witness to confession and faith in Christ. Although born into ‘the faith’ they made decisions of their own free will as described in On the Mercy Seat. The Soldier relates enrolment as a member.
Whilst the Army does not observe the sacraments of baptism and holy communion, several poems, like The Love Feast, reflect the Salvationist tradition that all of life is a sacrament, and that our lives are his broken bread, our love his outpoured wine. But the practical nature of Salvationist service, selling The War Cry in ‘the pubs’ and looking after the victims of alcohol and other abuse comes out in Sunday Morning, Another Sunday Morning and Christ Through the Back Door. Equally Salvation Army music is the theme of The Sacrament of Music.
Salvation Army leadership in India and South Africa have had their influence, as does The Salvation Army in South Asia. World Evangelisation is the commitment of Operation Desert Rose.
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