"An astonishment and horror is come to pass in the land: the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priest bear rule at their hands; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?" (Jer. 5:30-31 A.S.V. with footnotes inserted). In Jeremiah's day, God's people were in trouble. The prophets were teaching falsehood and the priest were using the false prophets to enhance their own power over the people. Such a condition existed because the people loved to have it so.

There are such unholy alliances at work today. The first two paragraphs of a letter dated March 1, 1978 received by churches in the Ohio Valley and other areas read as follows.

Enclosed is an advertisement of the 4th Annual Wood County Youth. Meeting sponsored by the North End Church of Christ under the direction of its Elders. Please encourage your young people to come and be a part of this great experience.

Ohio Valley College has been of great help by allowing us to use their campus for the Saturday daytime program, and by providing us with the addressed envelopes which we can mail on their permit at tremendous savings.

The North End church admits to an illegal action by using the mailing permit of another organization. However the claim by the church that the college is helping them is only a cover for the real purpose of this meeting. In reality the church is aiding the college. The entire program of "Entertainment & Inspiration" is oriented toward the college, not the church. Note the following entertainment listed in their folder. Sunshine Express-popular music group. Kid Cruiser and the Hubcaps-eight young men who specialize in the music of the fifties. And of course the Ohio Valley College Chorus.

It is interesting to observe that the teaching of classes will be at Ohio Valley College. The Ohio Valley Chorus will perform at the church building.

As one ponders the involvement together of church and school, we must wonder about the honesty of those who operate Ohio Valley College. They maintain with a straight face that Ohio Valley College is not supported by churches of Christ.

It is a sad day for those who love the Lord, when we must admit the following. An astonishment and horror is come to pass in the land: The churches teach falsely and certain schools bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?

Truth Magazine XXII: 28, pp. 460-461
July 20, 1978