Topics addressed by Ketcherside in Concerning Christian Colleges include:
- A History of Institutionalism
- The All-Sufficiency of the Church
- The Nature and Purpose of “Christian” Bible Colleges
- Missionary Societies
- The Use of the Church Treasury
- The Training of Preachers
- God’s Plan for the Church
The value and importance of this work is threefold:
First, Ketcherside challenges the reader to question the mindset that demands the erection of institutions built to perform the work of the church. Why did such institutions not exist in the early church? How was the early church able to evangelize and produce preachers and teachers without the presence of such institutions? These and other great questions are posed and answered in a defense of the all-sufficiency of the church.
Secondly, Ketcherside warns about the spiritual dangers facing students at “Christian” Universities. Granted, Ketcherside’s material was written nearly 70 years ago, but I can assure you things have not improved.
Lastly, Ketcherside sets forth the Biblical pattern for training young people, and spreading the gospel of Christ.
For far too long members of the Lord’s Church have forgotten about the institutional controversy that shook and divided the Lord’s people during the early to mid 1900’s, and as a result many have forgotten why Christian’s opposes or used to oppose such institutions as Bible Colleges, Missionary Societies, and church sponsored orphans homes. Christians need to reconsider sending their children off to “Christian” Universities. Leaders need to re-learn (or learn for the first time) why institutionalism is opposed to true Christianity and where it all ultimately ends.
I strongly recommend this short work to all who would consider its teachings in light of the Scriptures. May we learn from the voices of the past and avoid repeating history in the future.
May God bless His precious holy bride.