"EDWARD McKINLEY'S book moves readers beyond a rudimentary understanding of the Salvation Army as the top philanthropic organization in the U.S. Rooted in the holiness tradition, it is an evangelical denomination whose central mission is to win converts for Christianity. The distinctiveness of this church is twofold. First, the Salvation Army expresses itself through militaristic images, war phraseology and an organization based on military ranks. The military model expresses the Army's belief that Christians are engaged in spiritual warfare against evil. Second, Salvationists carry out their ministry of conversion and sanctification among a specific group: the poorest and most troubled people in society. A professor of history at Asbury College and an active soldier in the Salvation Army, McKinley wrote the first edition of this work in commemoration of the Army's centennial celebration. With this second edition the author makes a significant contribution to the scholarship of American evangelicalism. McKinley's well-researched work weaves the Army's particular history with the broader issues facing Protestant denominations in the late 19th and 20th centuries. While much of the book reads like a denominational history, McKinley recounts interesting stories, provides detailed personality sketches of the early leaders, and explains the Army's internal political intrigue. The book contains seven chapters that progress chronologically through the Army's history. In the last chapter, new to this edition, McKinley analyzes the Army's present situation and what it needs to do in order to chart a viable future. Three appendices list the Army's doctrines, ranks and national commanders. Nearly 40 black-and-white photographs are interspersed throughout the work. Like other evangelical groups, the Salvation Army espouses conservative theology. But unlike most conservatives, the Army has always accepted women in leadership roles and has never seen a contradiction between soul-winning and social ministry. Like most denominations, the Army's growth comes largely from within as children of Army families themselves become soldiers and officers. But while most denominations depend on their members for financial support, charitable giving is the Army's primary source of income. Finally, the Army shares a common challenge with all American denominations: struggling to stay true to its origins and its historic mission in the face of social and technological change." -Review in Christian Century
James Osborne --from the foreword "Marching to Glory represents an intriguing, insightful, and inspiring kaleidoscope of the stirring saga of The Salvation Army in the United States. . . . These pages will lead the reader on a vicarious journey from the Army's inauspicious beginnings to its current status as one of the most respected organizations in America." Lyle W. Dorsett --Wheaton College "This is a splendidly written and exhaustively researched book by a man who has the insight and passion of an insider as well as the thoroughness and objectivity of a historian. Marching to Glory vividly shows that there were many Christians committed to gospel proclamation that ignored neither the urban areas nor the physical needs of those who lived in cities." Mark A. Noll --University of Notre Dame "This second edition of Edward McKinley's history is very welcome indeed. Its revisions and expansions are so extensive as to constitute, in effect, a new book. McKinley's graceful prose provides exactly the right vehicle for a cheerful, but also realistic, introduction to The Salvation Army's American history -- a history that in these pages is colorful, self-giving, occasionally messy, always Christ-honoring, and wonderfully down-to-earth. This book can be read with great profit by both Army members and outsiders. It is denominational history at its very best." Carl F. H. Henry "The stirring story of a spirited movement that for a hundred years in American has brought high blessing to millions. This book is more than definitive history; it throbs with the witness of socially committed evangelicals who have ministered in Christ's incomparable name." Edwin S. Gaustad --University of California "This welcome revision, much enlarged and updated, presents in gratifying detail the full and impressive sweep of The Salvation Army's remarkable history. From despised and near-disastrous beginnings, this American force marched with ever steadier steps to its present eminence. McKinley neatly balances the 'fiercely evangelical' side of The Salvation Army with its equally fierce determination to demonstrate that 'Christianity is love in action.'"
