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Question 6

Bercot claims this new persecution was “more poisonous” than pagan Rome’s because it targeted those labeled heretics and later even “genuine Kingdom Christians”; what warnings does that give about who gets harmed once the Church legitimizes persecution, and how might we identify the early signs of that dynamic in our own circles?

Another way to ask: If the Church starts persecuting “heretics,” who else might get harmed next, and why? What early warning signs might show this is starting in our own circles?

Direct Answer Bercot warns that once persecution becomes “Church-sponsored,” it quickly expands beyond obvious heretics and can strike faithful “Kingdom Christians,” while also corrupting the persecutors themselves. Early signs include treating opponents as criminals, silencing reformers by labeling them heretics, and justifying harsh tactics as necessary for truth.

Support from Transcript:

He calls the new persecution “far more poisonous” than pagan Rome’s.
Reason: it “targeted only those who the institutional Church labeled as heretics,” not all believers.
He admits “the Arians were heretics,” but says that “didn't justify persecuting them.”
The scope widened: “many of those the Church persecuted thereafter were not heretics at all, but were instead genuine Kingdom Christians.”
It “bloodied and defiled the hands of the Christian persecutors,” dragging them into “depraved conduct of the world.”
It blocks renewal: “any potential reformers were soon singled out as heretics and then silenced,” making reform “harder… ever to be reformed or restored.”

Discussion Follow-ups What labels or mechanisms do Christians use today to “silence” rather than correct—especially when someone is calling for reform?

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