What does salvationist mean?
A salvationist is a member of the Salvation Army, an international Christian denomination founded in London in 1865. The Salvation Army is especially associated with evangelism, charitable work, assistance to people experiencing homelessness, and service to communities affected by poverty, disaster, or social exclusion. As an adjective, salvationist describes things connected with the movement, such as its theology, missionary work, or religious practices. The term can sound historical because the denomination is often associated with Victorian-era revivalism and street preaching, but Salvation Army congregations remain active around the world today. In general discussion, the capitalized form ordinarily identifies a specific adherent, while the lowercase form more often describes an aspect of the movement as a whole.
A member of the Salvation Army.
"The congregation welcomed a Salvationist who had served overseas as a missionary."
Usually capitalized when referring to an adherent of the denomination.
Relating to the Salvation Army or characteristic of its members, beliefs, or practices.
"The museum owns a collection of Salvationist posters and publications."
Often used as an institutional or attributive modifier, as in Salvationist theology.
The plural is used for multiple members of the Salvation Army; the capitalized form Salvationists is normally appropriate when referring to adherents collectively.
"Salvationists throughout the country participated in the charity drive."
The Salvation Army began in London in 1865 with a mission that combined Christian evangelism with practical assistance for people in need.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does salvationist come from?
The word formed in the nineteenth century from salvation plus the suffix -ist, meaning a person associated with a doctrine or movement. Salvation itself comes through Old French from Latin salvatio, derived from salvare, “to save.” The association with the Salvation Army became especially prominent after the movement was founded in London in 1865, and related forms such as salvationism developed to name its beliefs and activities.
Related word forms
How salvationist is actually used
The capitalized form Salvationist usually denotes a member of the Salvation Army. The lowercase adjective may describe the denomination, its members, or its doctrines and practices.