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The Myth of Christian America  /  MCA (5 of 14): The English Come to America  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 5
Bercot argues the settlers had “already violated Jesus’ teachings in their hearts before they ever set foot in America”; what does that reveal about how God judges plans, motives, and national projects before outcomes are even seen, and how should that shape the way Christians talk about “good intentions”?
Another way to ask: If settlers broke Jesus’ teachings in their hearts before arriving, what does that say about how God judges our plans and motives before results happen? How should that affect how Christians talk about “good intentions”?

Direct Answer Bercot’s point implies God evaluates obedience at the level of intentions and settled resolve, not just later results: if a project begins by planning disobedience to Jesus, it is already unchristian before any “outcomes” occur. So “good intentions” cannot excuse deciding ahead of time to reject Jesus’ kingdom commands.

Support from Transcript:

  • Bercot says he wants to show settlers “had already violated Jesus’ teachings in their hearts before they ever set foot in America.”
  • He rejects the idea colonies “started out Christian, and then… went bad,” saying: “No, they began in violation of Christ’s teachings.”
  • Settlers left with minds made up they would “NOT… turn the other cheek” but “return evil for evil” and “exact vengeance.”
  • He ties this directly to Jesus’ commandments in Matthew 5 (nonresistance, love enemies) and the New Testament’s forbidding revenge.
  • He concludes: “before so-called Christian America ever even gets off the ground,” they had decided to “trample on Christ’s teachings.”
Discussion Follow-ups When Christians support national or political goals, do we ask first whether the methods already contradict Jesus? What “good intention” stories do we tell that quietly assume we may disobey Christ if the cause feels important?

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