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Question 4
He accuses both left and right of a “pick-and-choose approach to Jesus’ commandments,” with the left selecting what is politically correct in left-wing circles (war and greed) while being silent on divorce, abortion, and homosexuality; what Jesus-commandments are easiest for you to emphasize because your culture applauds them, and which ones are you tempted to mute because your culture punishes them?
Another way to ask: Which of Jesus’ commands are you quick to stress because your culture cheers them on? Which commands do you downplay because your culture would judge you for them?

Direct Answer The transcript’s main point is that cultural approval can pressure Christians to highlight some of Jesus’ teachings while avoiding others that would make them “politically incorrect.” Bercot would have us notice where our public “obedience” lines up neatly with what our tribe already celebrates.

Support from Transcript:

  • He says both left and right “practice a pick-and-choose approach to Jesus’ commandments.”
  • About the left: they “pick only the teachings that are politically correct in left-wing circles.”
  • They “speak out fervently against the sins of war and economic greed.”
  • But they are “usually silent” about “divorce, abortion, and homosexuality.”
  • He says they imagine they can be kingdom citizens and “yet never have to be politically incorrect.”
  • He corrects that idea: “Jesus is never politically correct…in any century since.”
Discussion Follow-ups Which topics do you find easy to speak about because your friends will praise you? Which biblical topics (or moral issues Bercot names) do you avoid because you fear backlash?

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