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Question 6

The author notes that in the Middle Ages authorities often suspected as heretics those “living exceptionally godly lives”; what does that reveal about the threat of visible holiness to religious systems, and where might something similar happen today—either in churches or in broader Christian culture?

Another way to ask: Why would a religious system feel threatened by people who live very holy lives? Where could that same kind of suspicion show up today in churches or Christian culture?

Direct Answer Bercot suggests that visible holiness can expose and threaten comfortable religious systems, to the point that authorities may label unusually godly people as dangerous or deviant. The transcript doesn’t give modern examples, but it implies that strong, distinct obedience can still provoke suspicion even among religious people.

Support from Transcript:

He says groups like the Lollards, Waldensians, and Czech Brethren had “strong church standards that distinguished their lives from their Catholic neighbors.”
He adds: “during the Middle Ages, the authorities often suspected as heretics those who were living exceptionally godly lives.”
This suspicion is connected to lives that were “distinguished” by conduct, not just different beliefs.
The chapter’s whole theme is that rules of life aim at “obedience,” implying obedience can become a public contrast.
Wesley’s societies also accepted being misunderstood: members were to “willingly bear the reproach of Christ.”

Discussion Follow-ups Why would a religious environment feel threatened by people who take obedience seriously? In what settings today might “exceptionally godly” living be dismissed as extremism, legalism, or divisiveness?

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