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Jumpstarter 10 of 10

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The Myth of Christian America  /  MCA (1 of 14): In the Beginning  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 10
When discussing Constantine and “Christian Rome,” Bercot describes Christians using state violence to outlaw real evils (abortion, gladiator games, idolatry) and then sliding into coercion, war, and even Christians killing Christians; what does this episode reveal about the kind of “good” God is (and is not) trying to produce in the world now, and where do you see the same temptation to “force righteousness” operating in current Christian political strategies?
Another way to ask: If “Christian Rome” used state force to stop real evils but then moved into coercion and violence, what does that teach about what kind of “good” God wants today? Where do you see Christians tempted to “force people to be righteous” in politics now?

Direct Answer Bercot presents “Christian Rome” as proof that God is not aiming to produce external righteousness through coercive state power before Christ returns; He is forming a kingdom people who obey Jesus willingly and refuse violence. The temptation today mirrors Rome’s logic: using government force to stamp out real evils, while slowly accepting the sword and betraying Jesus’ teachings.

Support from Transcript:

  • Pre-Constantine Christians said, “Christians are not allowed to use violence to correct the delinquency of sins” (Clement), but later asked, “Well, why not?”
  • They used the state to outlaw “abortion… gladiator games… sorcery… pagan worship,” which Bercot admits removed “very evil things.”
  • The cost: “it meant that they had to use violence themselves,” and once they could punish the guilty, “it was a small step to accept war as well.”
  • The result escalated: “before the fourth century was even over, it was Christians slaughtering fellow Christians.”
  • He contrasts Origen’s earlier view: Christ “rules over no one against that person’s will,” but Rome reasoned it was a “favor” to require Christianity.
Discussion Follow-ups What “good outcomes” are Christians most tempted to secure by coercion today, and how can a church tell when it has shifted from kingdom witness to forcing compliance?

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