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Question 4

Peckham frames English military protection as a “benefit” to Native tribes (“ready with force of arms to assist and defend them in their just quarrels”); how does that “we will protect you” logic collide with Jesus’ call to love enemies and refuse retaliation, and how might Christians today baptize power as “help”?

Another way to ask: How does the idea “we’ll protect you with our weapons” clash with Jesus’ call to love enemies and not retaliate? How might Christians today label power and force as “help”?

Direct Answer In Bercot’s framework, Peckham’s “we will protect you” offer is still rooted in coercive power and readiness to retaliate, which collides with Jesus’ command to not resist evil and to love enemies. The transcript doesn’t apply this to today in detail, but it warns how Christians can present armed strength and domination as a “benefit” while ignoring Jesus’ kingdom ethic.

Support from Transcript:

Jesus commands: “not to resist an evil person,” “turn the other cheek,” “love your enemies,” and “pray for those who… persecute you.”
Peckham says once friendship is admitted, Christians will be “ready with force of arms to assist and defend them.”
He frames it as a “benefit” because the tribe “stands in need” of English weapons.
Yet Peckham also says if natives resist, Christians may “pursue revenge with force.”
Bercot notes this is “not allowable by the laws… Christians are supposed to be living under,” and calls the settlers’ posture “very unchristian.”

Discussion Follow-ups When do we confuse “helping” with controlling? Are there places we call something a “ministry” or “protection” when it actually depends on threat, leverage, or retaliation?

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