A collection of assorted lectures from David Bercot on historical church doctrines and his autobiographical journey of faith. These standalone lessons cover the Trinity, the origin of evil, and humanity's ultimate destiny.
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This free course gathers assorted lectures from David Bercot on historical church doctrines, biblical interpretation, spiritual life, and his own journey of faith. The lessons are designed as mini-courses or stand-alone teachings, so students can take them in any order. Several lessons focus on what early Christians believed about the Father, the Son, the Trinity, evil, Satan and demons, the human spirit and soul, and spiritual gifts.
Other lessons explore how Bercot reads the Old Testament as pointing to Christ, how he critiques modern claims about history, and how he reflects on lessons learned through his own spiritual pilgrimage. The course also includes autobiographical material about leaving Jehovah's Witnesses, discovering early Christian writings, and seeking a church life shaped by obedience to Christ. These lessons do not include quizzes, and certificates are not awarded upon completion.
Bercot discusses what early Christians believed about the Trinity, especially in relation to the Nicene Creed. He emphasizes both equality of nature and an order of authority between the Father and the Son.
This lesson examines pre-Nicene Christian teaching about the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Bercot explains why he looks to early Christian writers and contrasts the Nicene Creed with later Western confusion over the Father-Son relationship.
Bercot presents a brief overview of how early Christians addressed the problem of evil. He connects the topic with their views of God, humans, angels, the fall, free will, salvation, and the way suffering can train people in forgiveness and obedience.
This lesson surveys what early Christians believed about Satan, demons, and their origin. Bercot discusses fallen angels, the Book of Enoch, New Testament passages, and the confidence Christians may have when they put on the armor of God.
Bercot explains why the early Christian distinction between spirit and soul matters for understanding human nature after the fall. He contrasts this view with both total depravity and the idea that humans can save themselves by good works.
Bercot treats the continuation of spiritual gifts as a historical question and reads from early Christian sources about miracles, healings, and prophecy. He also stresses that early Christians tested claimed gifts by doctrine, conduct, and fruit.
Bercot tells the story of his spiritual pilgrimage from childhood as a Jehovah's Witness through his discovery of early Christian writings. He describes how research into Jehovah's Witness history, baptism, and the historic faith shaped his path.
This follow-up testimony describes Bercot's pilgrimage after writing Will the Real Heretics Please Stand Up. He discusses his brief encounter with Anglicanism, his later connection with the Mennonite Church, and his desire for a church shaped by Christ's commands.
Bercot reflects on lessons he says God taught him through life, especially through his years as a Jehovah's Witness. He highlights hearing both sides, avoiding stereotypes, and appreciating the gift of reading Scripture for oneself.
Bercot explores how Jesus and the apostles understood the Old Testament as testifying about Christ. He discusses types, allegories, and early Christian readings of passages such as Moses' raised hands and other Old Testament shadows.
Bercot critiques what he describes as fabricated history in modern claims about Jesus and feminism. The lesson discusses primary sources, headship, Old Testament and New Testament passages, and how churches respond to teachings about men and women.
This lesson examines artistic portrayals of Jesus and asks what can be known from Scripture, history, and early images. Bercot argues that familiar Western images reflect later artists more than first-century Jewish appearance and also discusses the Shroud of Turin.
Bercot approaches evolution from ancient history rather than modern science. He argues that ideas of accidental origins and a creatorless universe appeared in ancient philosophy and contrasts them with special creation and thinkers such as Socrates and Plato.
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