Jumpstarter 3 of 10

Ideas to help restart your discussion

Question 3

Bercot says peace-and-justice Christians often believe they are uniquely “otherworldly” compared to “right-wing…fundamentalists,” but concludes they are “just as worldly” because they align with the liberal left; what criteria from the chapter help you discern whether a cause is “kingdom” or simply another alignment with “the world”?

Another way to ask: How can you tell when a cause is truly about God’s kingdom and not just following the liberal left (or any worldly group)? What signs from the chapter help you decide?

Direct Answer Based on the chapter, a key test is whether the cause treats a worldly political bloc as the vehicle of God’s agenda, and whether it lets “the world” set what gets emphasized and what gets ignored. A “kingdom” cause flows from Jesus’ teachings even when it is not “politically correct,” and it focuses on personal obedience and transformation rather than coercing society.

Support from Transcript:

He says peace-and-justice Christians “imagine that they are otherworldly,” but “the truth is, they are just as worldly” because they align with “the liberal left.”
He stresses both parties are worldly: “Like the Republican Party, the Democratic Party is the world.”
He critiques a selective agenda: they “practice a pick-and-choose approach to Jesus’ commandments.”
He says they pick what is “politically correct in left-wing circles” and stay silent on other sins.
He insists, “Jesus is never politically correct.”
Kingdom framing: Christians “honor and obey their governments,” but don’t treat any nation as “a partner of God’s kingdom.”

Discussion Follow-ups When you support a cause, do you feel pressure to adopt an entire party’s talking points? What would it look like to obey Jesus even when it breaks your side’s “script”?

Jumpstarter 3 of 10

Add your phone number?

Thank you!

Jumpstarter 3 of 10