The Essential W. Carl Ketcherside

De: B. D. Lewis

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

An overview of the life and controversial teachings of W. Carl Ketcherside (1908–1989), as reflected in his journal, Mission Messenger, and the numerous books he published over the years.

Much of what Ketcherside wrote can be found in the writings of the fathers of the Stone-Campbell restoration movement, from which this book quotes extensively in support of his position.

It is significant to note that division among Christians in early nineteenth-century America arose from differences in doctrinal deductions or interpretations, as expressed in various creeds. The Campbells proposed that such deductions— referred to as "opinions"— should never be used as tests of Christian fellowship.

In the twentieth century, division among Churches of Christ was—and continues to be—caused by differences in doctrinal interpretations, as found in the various journals and other publications of each group. Ketcherside argued that such doctrines should never be used as tests of Christian fellowship. He based his position on scriptural premises set forth in numerous books and essays. Additionally, he cited the fathers of the Stone-Campbell Movement as evidence that Churches of Christ had abandoned the principles of restoration and reverted to the divisiveness of early nineteenth-century creedalism.

The shift in how Churches of Christ view doctrinal differences began in 1889 with the proclamation and publication of the Sand Creek (Illinois) Declaration by Daniel Sommer, which he titled An Address and Declaration (reversing the title of Thomas Campbell's Declaration and Address of 1809).

The supporting document referred to in the book are available by author and title from the Archive.org website. Search W. Carl Ketcherside for a list of titles.