Jumpstarter 7 of 10

Direct Answer Bercot argues that “fact narratives” become dangerous when they are used to make Christians emotionally dismiss clear New Testament commands on headship. He suggests discernment comes from checking whether the claimed “inside information” about Bible times ends up adding to, taking away from, or negating Scripture—and whether it is grounded in real primary-source evidence.

Support from Transcript:

• He quotes the law-school maxim: “when the law is against you, then you pound the facts,” meaning you craft a persuasive narrative.
• He says modern Christian women and enabling theologians do the same: depict first-century men as “oppressive, cruel,” and women as “meek…victims.”
• The goal: “by the time…they get through…their hearers aren’t going to care what the Scriptures say. They’re going to look for a way to free women.”
• He gives a concrete example of a “fact narrative”: “Jewish men didn’t talk to women,” used to make Jesus “revolutionary” and to launch “Jesus was the first feminist.”
• He gives a test: you can tell a commentator is lying “when he pretends to have inside information about biblical times” that “add[s] to…take[s] away from…[or] negat[es]” a command.
• He emphasizes proper research: “start with a blank slate” and “go back to the primary sources,” and be cautious of claims without footnotes.