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Christian Heroes: Then & Now #18
William Booth: Soup, Soap, and Salvation
Horrified by the poverty and suffering most people took for granted in industrial England, William Booth dedicated his life to bringing the gospel to the outcasts of society who would never enter a church and weren't welcome there. At age fifteen William vowed, "God shall have all there is of William Booth," and not even resistance from the church and government, lack of financial support, or vicious attacks by angry mobs could stop him from spreading the light of the gospel through the streets of England.
Today, all around the world, general William Booth's Salvation Army operates thousands of evangelistic and social service centers, changing countless lives with the love of God and the courage of their convictions (1829-1912).
Today, all around the world, general William Booth's Salvation Army operates thousands of evangelistic and social service centers, changing countless lives with the love of God and the courage of their convictions (1829-1912).
199 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
About the author
Janet Benge
147 books331 followersJanet and Geoff Benge are a husband and wife writing team with twenty years of writing experience. They are best known for the books in the two series Christian Heroes: Then & Now series and Heroes of History. Janet is a former elementary school teacher. Geoff holds a degree in history. Together they have a passion to make history come alive for a new generation. Originally from New Zealand, the Benges make their home in the Orlando, Florida, area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 1, 2022
I was unaware that William Booth was the one to start the Salvation Army. How cool! This was a fascinating book and a wonderful reminder to all that the Lord can do in a person's life as well as how He provides. A wonderful reminder indeed.
April 12, 2017
The book starts by relating the life of a boy, who knew how "to take the best opportunity and use it" and how William Booth finds the lost money his friend is searching for. He offers to help him by giving him money from his friend's own money without telling him where the money came from. At a very young age, William started working for a pawnbroker and he saw how many people were taken advantage of and how poor people were. At the age of 15 William felt the call of God on his life while he saw how one man was being hanged. Pondering about his life, he surrendered to God and his life started to become different from that moment on. He started preaching in the fields and was able to do some real evangelism work with other boys in his Bible study class. Seeing the poverty of people they went into the slums of Nottingham to share the gospel. Many people got saved and he wanted to connect those people with their "fellow brothers and sisters", so he lead them to church, where he witnessed disgust, arrogance and banning of the newcomers. What disturbed me was how church members had rented pews in the front and some other odd religious things. William wanted to be a preacher but he couldn't support himself like that. After some doors being opened William found his wife, Catherine. This was the beginning of the most awesome marriage I've read about. They worked hand-in-hand throughout their lives and that meant that Catherine also started preaching, which lead to a lot of offenses from the church, but not from God. Because in those times women weren't aloud to preach from the pulpit. I liked reading about their partnership, especially when they were summoned to a meeting with religious leaders, who escorted Catherine out, because they wanted to speak only with William, who took his hat and just walked out of the meeting after seeing this. I even liked how they raised the family without lecturing their children about God's way, but they just lived a wholehearted and abandoned life to God, which impacted their family and then the whole country. They had eight children and all were very passionate about doing God's work and helping people however they could around the world.
How God can use one man to change history is amazing and how William Booth never stopped loving God even though he faced persecution, bullying, fights and fame, wellness, wealth. He sacrificed everything to see poor lives changed, first through salvation and second through social help. This story is amazingly written and easy to read.
How God can use one man to change history is amazing and how William Booth never stopped loving God even though he faced persecution, bullying, fights and fame, wellness, wealth. He sacrificed everything to see poor lives changed, first through salvation and second through social help. This story is amazingly written and easy to read.
March 3, 2021
William Booth’s passion for the poor and the homeless, led him to create an aggressive campaign to change society. His ambitions through social reforms led him to create the Salvation Army. Very interesting account.
April 30, 2024
This is one of our favorites! William Booth profoundly changed life for the better for countless people. So inspiring!!
November 22, 2024
3.5 stars
November 21, 2020
I found this book very inspiring. I was amazed how many trials that he and his army faced are being repeated now. The skeleton army of thugs in his time reminded me of the mobs of unhappy, fearful thugs demonstrating in our day. Politicians and newspapermen attacked his work at times. William Booth and his army also fought human trafficking (successfully!) in London and Tokyo. Amazing courage.
March 5, 2013
I couldn't decide whether to give this book 2 or 3 stars... probably my least favourite out of the Christian Heroes: Then & Now series.
December 9, 2015
Loved this book and cried through the last few chapters. Such a great reminder of the impact one can have on the world. Truly inspired by William Booth's life!
January 14, 2026
Very interesting book. I liked the beginning and middle of his life better than the end, but overall he did amazing things.
Some notes:
“What is the use of saving a soul if you do not also ensure it is nurtured and fed?” I like his emphasis on not just saving, but growing.
“Godless surroundings attract godless meetings” — good insight and idea. Many people won’t ever enter a church. He didn’t set up church or revival meetings in a church, where drunks and poor people and smelly people were not welcomed by church goers nor leaders. He preferred to set up tents near pubs, and temporary preaching places in dance halls on Sunday mornings, and places like that. His group would march in front of pubs or actually enter pubs and talk to drinks to get them to come. He didn’t want the location to be a barrier, and most sinners don’t like going to church. So he found places familiar to them or set up nearby to them.
He got flack from some others for this, because for example by renting a dance hall he gave money to immoral people who used it to support their dance hall business.
Things that helped he and his wife—both in ministry— succeed: They had a nanny to watch the kids. There was a man who paid his living expenses the first three months of his preaching career, which helped him get out from a professional career. They lived with her parents for a while when they had no money and needed housing. They also left their children with her parents while they went out to do ministry together. Those who came to Christ helped with practicalities that the Booths would’ve otherwise had to pay for, like Iamp lighting and setting up chairs.
The book doesn’t explain how, but he got those he led to Christ to quickly start leading their own preaching stations. It would’ve been interesting to hear how he did that. A semi answer:
“The rapid growth of the ministry was mostly due to the way in which new converts were encouraged to take a full part in the services and activities offered. William believed that they could be effective Christian workers from the time they were converted. Certainly they had many rough edges, but he would point out time and time again that those rough edges were what enabled them to relate to others who were trapped in the endless cycles of poverty and drink.”
It was not money that would reach the masses, the poor themselves would reach the other poor
Never forget that it is not what you do yourself as much as what you get others to do that will be the making of the army.
I didn’t like the end of his life as much as the beginning. I think what was initially planned as a publicity stunt to get people to notice and listen to the gospel message (the dressing and acting as army) then became the main thing and maybe too important.
He was persecuted a LOT and quite strongly. But his favorite Bible verse was about blessed are the persecuted. Set an example in the Salvation army that this would be normal and joyful
He also didn’t amass wealth for himself. Died with 500 pounds.
Some notes:
“What is the use of saving a soul if you do not also ensure it is nurtured and fed?” I like his emphasis on not just saving, but growing.
“Godless surroundings attract godless meetings” — good insight and idea. Many people won’t ever enter a church. He didn’t set up church or revival meetings in a church, where drunks and poor people and smelly people were not welcomed by church goers nor leaders. He preferred to set up tents near pubs, and temporary preaching places in dance halls on Sunday mornings, and places like that. His group would march in front of pubs or actually enter pubs and talk to drinks to get them to come. He didn’t want the location to be a barrier, and most sinners don’t like going to church. So he found places familiar to them or set up nearby to them.
He got flack from some others for this, because for example by renting a dance hall he gave money to immoral people who used it to support their dance hall business.
Things that helped he and his wife—both in ministry— succeed: They had a nanny to watch the kids. There was a man who paid his living expenses the first three months of his preaching career, which helped him get out from a professional career. They lived with her parents for a while when they had no money and needed housing. They also left their children with her parents while they went out to do ministry together. Those who came to Christ helped with practicalities that the Booths would’ve otherwise had to pay for, like Iamp lighting and setting up chairs.
The book doesn’t explain how, but he got those he led to Christ to quickly start leading their own preaching stations. It would’ve been interesting to hear how he did that. A semi answer:
“The rapid growth of the ministry was mostly due to the way in which new converts were encouraged to take a full part in the services and activities offered. William believed that they could be effective Christian workers from the time they were converted. Certainly they had many rough edges, but he would point out time and time again that those rough edges were what enabled them to relate to others who were trapped in the endless cycles of poverty and drink.”
It was not money that would reach the masses, the poor themselves would reach the other poor
Never forget that it is not what you do yourself as much as what you get others to do that will be the making of the army.
I didn’t like the end of his life as much as the beginning. I think what was initially planned as a publicity stunt to get people to notice and listen to the gospel message (the dressing and acting as army) then became the main thing and maybe too important.
He was persecuted a LOT and quite strongly. But his favorite Bible verse was about blessed are the persecuted. Set an example in the Salvation army that this would be normal and joyful
He also didn’t amass wealth for himself. Died with 500 pounds.
August 1, 2026
Incredible story of a man who decided at a young age, after apprenticing to be a pawnbroker and preaching to the poorest of his city, that “God shall have all there is of William Booth.” He truly lived that out through the continuous, amazing work he did and led others into all throughout his life, recognizing that people can’t live out a godly life when starving.
He continually demonstrated a bold faith that didn’t shy from violating convention, from marrying Catherine as an equal partner in his ministry whom he allowed and then encouraged to preach (causing shock and curiosity that he rejoiced in for bringing more people to listen) and rejecting funds from patrons so that he could fully follow what he felt God was calling him to do without conditions, like setting up services in circus tents and theatres where the poorest were much more likely to come than to churches where they were looked down upon. When he started attracting animosity and troublemakers who would try to disrupt his unorthodox tactics of leading singing groups outside bars to get drinkers to come to services, he set the tone for his whole Salvation Army (as his secretary came to call it), he set the tone for nonviolent yet persistent response by calmly getting back up even after being assaulted and continuing to preach.
He empowered and unleashed so many people to try to problem-solve to help the poor in creative ways that he would suddenly hear of Salvation Army groups who had cropped up in other countries, meeting needs wherever they saw them. There are so many amazing efforts that they’re hard to all list here, but among them are opening shelters, exposing trafficking and enslavement of girls in the UK and Japan in Yoshiwara, Tokyo; helping care in India for a group of thieves so recalcitrant that the government asked the Salvation Army to step in out of desperation; making daycares for women who weren’t able to care for their babies while working; or riffing off Livingston’s novel to detail the plight of the poor in In Darkest England<\i>, using the proceeds to start a safe and non-toxic match factory to bring attention (and ultimately legislation) to an industry whose cheap chemicals left workers to die horrifically. His children - who had burned a hole in their nursery table when they were young by offering sacrifices to God of toy animals - followed in his footsteps in incredible ways, becoming leaders of international chapters of the Salvation Army in the US, India, and France. His daughters, so proud of their family heritage, hyphenated their and their husbands’ names to maintain the last name Booth.
Reading about Booth’s incredible energy, creativity, mentorship, inspiring speaking, and willingness to wade in to poverty and to act is truly challenging and humbling, and at the same time, reminds me so much of Ben’s uncle that sometimes I had to stop and laugh. May God grant me even a small portion of his love and pursuit of what is good.
He continually demonstrated a bold faith that didn’t shy from violating convention, from marrying Catherine as an equal partner in his ministry whom he allowed and then encouraged to preach (causing shock and curiosity that he rejoiced in for bringing more people to listen) and rejecting funds from patrons so that he could fully follow what he felt God was calling him to do without conditions, like setting up services in circus tents and theatres where the poorest were much more likely to come than to churches where they were looked down upon. When he started attracting animosity and troublemakers who would try to disrupt his unorthodox tactics of leading singing groups outside bars to get drinkers to come to services, he set the tone for his whole Salvation Army (as his secretary came to call it), he set the tone for nonviolent yet persistent response by calmly getting back up even after being assaulted and continuing to preach.
He empowered and unleashed so many people to try to problem-solve to help the poor in creative ways that he would suddenly hear of Salvation Army groups who had cropped up in other countries, meeting needs wherever they saw them. There are so many amazing efforts that they’re hard to all list here, but among them are opening shelters, exposing trafficking and enslavement of girls in the UK and Japan in Yoshiwara, Tokyo; helping care in India for a group of thieves so recalcitrant that the government asked the Salvation Army to step in out of desperation; making daycares for women who weren’t able to care for their babies while working; or riffing off Livingston’s novel to detail the plight of the poor in In Darkest England<\i>, using the proceeds to start a safe and non-toxic match factory to bring attention (and ultimately legislation) to an industry whose cheap chemicals left workers to die horrifically. His children - who had burned a hole in their nursery table when they were young by offering sacrifices to God of toy animals - followed in his footsteps in incredible ways, becoming leaders of international chapters of the Salvation Army in the US, India, and France. His daughters, so proud of their family heritage, hyphenated their and their husbands’ names to maintain the last name Booth.
Reading about Booth’s incredible energy, creativity, mentorship, inspiring speaking, and willingness to wade in to poverty and to act is truly challenging and humbling, and at the same time, reminds me so much of Ben’s uncle that sometimes I had to stop and laugh. May God grant me even a small portion of his love and pursuit of what is good.
September 26, 2021
Ahh. Where oh where to begin with the life and fight of General William Booth. This book powerfully yet simply encapsulates the simple yet vast early history of the Salvation Army and personal upbringing of the man who founded it. The story is told in a way that inspires like a good sermon or speach and reads like a wonderful novel. I feel myself strongly linked to William Booth as I have a similar calling of reaching and helping the lost outside of church and this book helped to inspire and lead me in taking some steps towards that kind of ministry!
When faced with opposition from the devil and the world, I will always remember the fighting spirit and great exploits of the early Salvation Army Officers and their dauntless general as described in this book. Regardless of how anyone feels about the Salvation Army now, its important for every christian, minister, missionary, pastor, and non-profit founder to know about this man and walk in his footsteps. This book will make your jaw drop and spur you to consider what kinds of services the Kingdom of God can meet in your area... and how you can be a part of it. Lastly, the book is a superior example of my favorite Bible verse Daniel 11:32 which states that “The people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits.” Praise the Lord!
When faced with opposition from the devil and the world, I will always remember the fighting spirit and great exploits of the early Salvation Army Officers and their dauntless general as described in this book. Regardless of how anyone feels about the Salvation Army now, its important for every christian, minister, missionary, pastor, and non-profit founder to know about this man and walk in his footsteps. This book will make your jaw drop and spur you to consider what kinds of services the Kingdom of God can meet in your area... and how you can be a part of it. Lastly, the book is a superior example of my favorite Bible verse Daniel 11:32 which states that “The people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits.” Praise the Lord!
July 19, 2022
This is a biography of William Booth, the man who started the Salvation Army. William was born in England in the 1800s. He had to quit school at age 13 to help provide for his poor family. As he grew older, he strongly desired to teach people about God. His heart was for the poorest of the poor. First he began meeting their spiritual needs, but also found ways to meet their physical needs.
William Booth opened factories to give work to the unemployed. Government leaders toured his facilities and created laws for 'safer working conditions' once they saw how well his factory was run compared to others. Booth published articles, books, and traveled the worlds to teach and inspire others to help the poor.
Thousands of people, throughout the world, became part of the "Salvation Army" who's mission was to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the poor. Some of his work still continues to this day.
Though he started with nothing, he later earned an honorary doctorate from Oxford, was lauded by Winston Church, and had friendships with two US presidents.
I was inspired by this book and the positive impact that one person can make in the world.
William Booth opened factories to give work to the unemployed. Government leaders toured his facilities and created laws for 'safer working conditions' once they saw how well his factory was run compared to others. Booth published articles, books, and traveled the worlds to teach and inspire others to help the poor.
Thousands of people, throughout the world, became part of the "Salvation Army" who's mission was to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the poor. Some of his work still continues to this day.
Though he started with nothing, he later earned an honorary doctorate from Oxford, was lauded by Winston Church, and had friendships with two US presidents.
I was inspired by this book and the positive impact that one person can make in the world.
August 30, 2020
Audiobook Review:
I think the reason I loved this book is because William Booth saw the bottom rung of society and his heart was moved with Father’s heart of compassion.
He saw the challenges of the poor and he did something about it. He helped so many people, who were stuck in a cycle of dreadful poverty, and gave them that lift to stand on their feet! He gave them recognition as humans - personhood! And gave them dignity and sense of belonging.
And in his pursuit of “social justice”, which I am going to rename social challenges, he endured, even when the “world” scorned his efforts! He didn’t stop, wallow in complaining and self-pity, but found his purpose in God, and in leaning on and trusting God, he went on doing what he knew was his calling!
Out of all the books by these authors, this one is my favorite so far!
Thank you to both the authors and narrator for bringing this life-story to life!
I think the reason I loved this book is because William Booth saw the bottom rung of society and his heart was moved with Father’s heart of compassion.
He saw the challenges of the poor and he did something about it. He helped so many people, who were stuck in a cycle of dreadful poverty, and gave them that lift to stand on their feet! He gave them recognition as humans - personhood! And gave them dignity and sense of belonging.
And in his pursuit of “social justice”, which I am going to rename social challenges, he endured, even when the “world” scorned his efforts! He didn’t stop, wallow in complaining and self-pity, but found his purpose in God, and in leaning on and trusting God, he went on doing what he knew was his calling!
Out of all the books by these authors, this one is my favorite so far!
Thank you to both the authors and narrator for bringing this life-story to life!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2025
“Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”
Matthew 25:37-40
Mid 19th century England. This would be a good companion to reading Dickens.
Matthew 25:37-40
Mid 19th century England. This would be a good companion to reading Dickens.
December 26, 2025
I love this series! I was looking for a Christmas audio book. While this one wasn't directly related to Christmas, it did tie in since we were going to be ringing bells for the Salvation Army (surprised there was no mention of the red kettles!). Amazed at what William and Catherine were able to accomplish for the poor around the world. I was saddened by the family rift among the children, but I'm glad that the biographers included that aspect, too.
May 21, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyed this biography. William Booth: Soup, Soap, and Salvation is an inspiring and well‑crafted biography that brings the founder of The Salvation Army to life with warmth and clarity. The authors highlight Booth’s fierce compassion and practical Christianity in a way that challenges readers to consider how faith should move us toward action. It’s a compelling read for anyone who loves stories of courage, conviction, and world‑changing ministry.
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January 23, 2021An amazing man that fought against the child sex trade in Britain and Japan. Even then he faced resistance from the British Royal Family along with the Parliament. An omen of future evils by the Royal Family.
May 17, 2025
Not exactly a Christian example to follow. William Booth and his wife were both pragmatic preachers, doing whatever would draw a crowd. Thankfully God used his heart for the poor and persistence to do a lot of good still. He started the Salvation Army.
November 5, 2018
This is a fascinating account of William Booth, the starter of the Salvation Army. The biography flows well and has many interesting details of his life. What an amazing man!
January 16, 2019
Extremely interesting book about William Booth’s life and how he created The Salvation Army.
March 18, 2019
Nice story about William Booth, cause I don't know what else to say.
May 28, 2019
I learned a lot about this historical character that I'd never known. Recommend for middle school and above.
October 30, 2022
A good story about a man who cared greatly for the poor.
January 9, 2024
Enjoyed reading it. All glory be to God.
December 30, 2024
I didn’t like William Booth. He prioritized ministry over family as well as there were some key theological differences we have.
February 10, 2025
Well written, just not my favorite.
April 27, 2025
I had no idea how much the Booth family accomplished through their endeavors.
Great memoir. Love this series.
Great memoir. Love this series.
August 15, 2025
Bardzo polecam ❤️
August 27, 2025
Good to know the incredible history of this saint who started the Salvation Army.
December 3, 2025
4* Audio
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews