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Divine Mysteries: Exploring the Trinity, Evil, and Human Destiny  /  Gifts of the Spirit  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 9
Bercot’s discussion of the Montanists stresses their “New Prophecy Movement,” claims of new revelation on discipline (veiling length revealed by an angel, mandatory fasts, no fleeing persecution, forbidding remarriage after a spouse’s death, restricted forgiveness after baptism); which of these examples feels most unsettling as a warning about “direct pipelines to God,” and why does that particular one hit a nerve?
Another way to ask: The Montanists claimed new messages from God that added strict rules (like special fasts or banning remarriage). Which example feels most like a warning about people claiming a direct line to God, and why does it bother you most?

Direct Answer The transcript most concretely highlights the veiling-length revelation (“addressed by an angel”) as unsettling because it turns a highly specific lifestyle rule into a binding command from the spirit world—so rejecting it starts to feel like rejecting God. Bercot’s point is that “new revelation” can quickly create obligations believers may not be willing to accept.

Support from Transcript:

  • Bercot says Montanists emphasized prophecy and called themselves the “New Prophecy Movement,” claiming “new special revelations from God.”
  • He explains their key claim: doctrine is constant, but discipline can advance; the Paraclete brings “direction of discipline… advancement toward the better things.”
  • Tertullian argues for veiling virgins because the Paraclete is “prophesying even to the present time.”
  • He gives a striking example: “a certain sister of ours was thus addressed by an angel,” specifying the veil length down near the waist.
  • Bercot presses the implication: if they were true prophets, then Christians today should accept those revealed practices; otherwise, don’t praise them as genuine.
Discussion Follow-ups Why do detailed “God told me” rules often feel persuasive—especially when they touch modesty, marriage, or “serious” discipleship?

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