Direct Answer
Bercot’s accusation challenges modern Christians to ask whether what they call “biblical” is actually Scripture itself or Scripture filtered through denominational habits and sectarian tradition. He argues that Protestants have claimed “just the Bible” while still adding their own interpretive traditions.
Support from Transcript
- He says evangelicals have “trumpeted the motto ‘Sola Scriptura,’ yet we haven’t even been true to our own motto.” - Instead of returning to “just the Bible,” he says Protestants “have added our own sectarian traditions to Scripture.” - He describes Reformation churches as “like the proverbial Humpty Dumpty,” unable to be put back together as one united body. - He says Protestants “had never been able to exist together as one united body,” suggesting that competing traditions have multiplied divisions. - He calls for “heartfelt repentance for our sectarian spirit,” implying that inherited loyalties may need to be confessed, not defended.
Discussion Follow-ups
The transcript does not give a detailed test for separating conviction from tradition, but it urges Christians to compare their assumptions with the historic Christian witness and to repent of sectarian pride.