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Jumpstarter 3 of 10

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Question 3

In the Massachusetts charter provision, taking land was considered wrong if “actually possessed or inhabited by any other Christian prince or state,” but acceptable if inhabited by “heathens”; what view of God and neighbor is operating behind that distinction, and what modern Christian “exceptions” resemble it (where someone’s perceived spiritual status changes how we treat them)?

Another way to ask: Why did the charter treat taking land from “Christian” rulers as wrong but taking it from “heathens” as okay? What similar “exceptions” do Christians make today when someone’s spiritual status changes how we treat them?

Direct Answer The charter reflects a view that “neighbor” obligations apply mainly to other Christians, while non-Christians can be treated as if normal moral limits don’t fully apply. Bercot presents this as contradicting Jesus’ commands, because the gospel teaches a whole way of life, not loopholes.

Support from Transcript:

The charter allowed grants only if the land was “not then actually possessed or inhabited by any other Christian prince or state.”
Bercot paraphrases the logic: “it would be wrong to take land away from other Christians, but not from heathens.”
He calls this “ironically” part of why the English felt a “divine right” to take land.
He insists the gospel is not merely doctrine but “teaches a whole way of life,” tied to teaching converts to “observe all things that I have commanded you.”
He argues Jesus never authorized disciples to “grab land wherever they traveled,” and taking land violates the command against stealing.

Discussion Follow-ups The transcript doesn’t give current parallels directly. A reasonable inference is to ask: do we ever justify unfairness because someone is “outside” the faith? How might that clash with Jesus’ requirement to treat others as we want to be treated?

Jumpstarter 3 of 10