Direct Answer
The witness of the disciples of the apostles could challenge modern divisions by helping Christians distinguish essential doctrines from doubtful or peripheral matters. Bercot argues that if the faith was handed down once for all, the earliest Christians are a crucial witness to what counted as necessary.
Support from Transcript
- Bercot cites the saying, “In necessary things unity, in doubtful things liberty, and all things charity.” - He then asks, “But what are the necessary things of the Christian faith? What are the doubtful things? Who decides?” - He says the early Christians give “invaluable insight” on this question. - He asks whether “the disciples of the apostles” should tell us what was considered necessary and doubtful. - He argues that if certain doctrines were not clear to them, it is hard to claim they are clearer to us. - He says Christians could be one by accepting “the witness of what historic Christianity really was.”
Discussion Follow-ups
The transcript does not list specific modern disputed issues here, but it clearly suggests that some divisions may be over doubtful or peripheral matters.