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The Kingdom that Turned the World Upside Down  /  Chapter 12, Life Under Two Kingdoms  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 10
Near the end, Bercot insists Christians should be respectful toward soldiers and police, argues governments have been “entrusted… with the sword,” and even calls low soldier pay a “genuine social injustice”; how does the chapter hold together both (a) refusing to participate in the sword and (b) honoring those who wield it, and what would that look like in your actual speech, voting, advocacy, and relationships?
Another way to ask: How can Christians refuse to use violence but still respect soldiers and police who do? What would that look like in your words, voting choices, public support, and personal relationships?

Direct Answer Bercot holds the two together by distinguishing between what God allows and assigns to worldly governments (the sword) and what Christ commands his kingdom to do (love enemies and non-resistance). So Christians may refuse participation in violence while still showing courtesy, respect, and concern for the well-being of soldiers and police.

Support from Transcript:

  • He rejects the idea Christians should “oppose and be little soldiers and police officers,” saying “that’s not the case at all.”
  • He notes Jesus and the apostles were “always respectful toward the soldiers” they encountered.
  • He states a division of roles: “God has entrusted the governments of this world with the sword, whereas God’s kingdom needs no military forces.”
  • He explains Jesus’ teachings are “for his kingdom” and he did not claim worldly governments could operate “without the sword of power.”
  • Personally, Bercot says he tries to show “courtesy and respect,” calls low military pay a “genuine social injustice,” and argues soldiers “deserve respect, not ridicule” and should be paid commensurately.
Discussion Follow-ups In practical terms, do your words about the military sound like “respect” or “ridicule”? How can you advocate for fair treatment of soldiers while still maintaining Bercot’s core boundary: refusing the sword because of Jesus’ command to love enemies?

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