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Jumpstarter 8 of 10

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The Myth of Christian America  /  MCA (12 of 14): Faith of the Founding Fathers #2  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 8
Bercot challenges the claim “God specially picked Washington” by arguing that narrow escapes in war prove nothing, citing Alexander the Great’s astonishing victories and Hitler’s repeated survival of assassination attempts; what does this teach about God’s providence versus God’s approval, and where do Christians today still try to decode God’s endorsement from national success, military victories, or personal “miracles”?
Another way to ask: Bercot says surviving danger doesn’t prove God chose or approved of someone. What’s the difference between God’s providence and God’s approval, and where do Christians still treat success or “miracles” as proof God is on our side?

Direct Answer Bercot teaches that God’s providence (what God allows) should not be confused with God’s approval; surviving danger or winning wars doesn’t prove a person or nation is favored by God. Christians still err when they treat success or “miracles” as a code for God’s endorsement.

Support from Transcript:

  • He affirms the Braddock incident happened: bullets through Washington’s coat, horses shot, yet unharmed; Washington believed “Providence had protected him.”
  • But he asks: “Does that make George Washington a Christian?…Does that mean…the United States is God’s favored nation?” and answers by challenging that logic.
  • He says in every war many men on “both the winning and losing sides” narrowly escape and “invariably give credit to God.”
  • He warns: “We play a fool’s game when we try to decipher God’s plans…based on personal incidents like that.”
  • He states, unless Scripture reveals otherwise, “the most we can ever say…is that God allowed it to happen…we rarely have any clue” why.
  • Examples: Alexander’s undefeated conquests and near-deaths did not make him godly; Hitler survived many attempts and became convinced God favored him—showing survival can mislead.
Discussion Follow-ups What are modern versions of “four bullets through his coat” that Christians use to claim God is on their side?

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