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The Myth of Christian America  /  MCA (10 of 14): Persecution of Kingdom Christians  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 7
The militia law fined nonresistant Christians for refusing service, justified by “everyone should share the burden equally because everyone will benefit equally.” How does Bercot’s critique of that logic confront modern evangelical ideas about civic duty, “supporting the troops,” or paying for wars one believes are unjust?
Another way to ask: The militia law fined peaceful Christians and said, “Everyone should share the burden since everyone benefits.” How does Bercot’s criticism of that idea challenge modern views about civic duty, “supporting the troops,” or paying for wars you think are wrong?

Direct Answer Bercot’s critique suggests it is unjust to force non-resistant Christians to fund or participate in war by arguing “equal burden” when they do not seek the war and may not benefit from it. It challenges modern assumptions that civic duty always means supporting military efforts, even when conscience objects.

Support from Transcript:

  • Pennsylvania’s militia act required service for white men 18–53, with a fine of “five shillings a day” for missing exercises.
  • Quakers, Mennonites, Amish, Moravians, and others refused to join and were fined—thus paying “their share of the expense of the war.”
  • He says they were “totally happy with the way things were” and feared losing freedoms.
  • Revolutionaries pressured them anyway, arguing “everyone should share the burden equally because everyone is going to benefit equally.”
  • Bercot counters that non-resistant Christians “didn’t see any benefit,” and actually “ended up worse” after the Revolution.
  • He points out the irony: colonists rejected Britain’s “share the burden” argument for the French and Indian War, yet used it “a thousand times more so” on peaceful Christians.
Discussion Follow-ups How should Christians talk about “support” in a way that doesn’t silence conscience? What is the difference between honoring soldiers and endorsing every war policy?

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