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Question 10
Bercot argues the church changed when “the world changed,” concluding, “The churches have shown quite clearly who their real master is,” and he cites data that “born-again” Christians have divorce rates as high or higher than society (even higher than atheists in some comparisons)—what diagnoses does this force on evangelical ideas about grace, assurance, and the indwelling Spirit, and what concrete changes would be necessary for a church to demonstrate that Jesus—not Caesar or culture—is its Master?
Another way to ask: Bercot says the church started following culture, and he points to high divorce rates among “born-again” Christians. What does that suggest is wrong with common evangelical ideas about grace, assurance, and the Holy Spirit, and what would a church need to change to show Jesus—not culture—is really its Master?

Direct Answer Bercot diagnoses a church that follows culture and government (“Caesar”) more than Jesus, shown by divorce rates and by churches that “negate” Jesus’ commands. He even raises the disturbing possibility that many who claim to be born again do not have the Spirit dwelling in them, implying that cheap assurance without obedience is self-deception.

Support from Transcript:

  • He describes the shift: after the Reformation divorce stayed rare “until the 1950s and 1960s,” then “the world changed… and the institutional church changed as well.”
  • His summary indictment: “if Caesar says divorce is wrong… then divorce is wrong. But if Jesus says divorce is wrong… maybe it's not so bad after all.”
  • Conclusion: “The churches have shown quite clearly who their real master is, and it's not Jesus.”
  • Barna data: divorce rate among “born-again American Christians was higher than… Americans as a whole,” and director Fleming said Christians “continue to be the same.”
  • He notes comparisons: Bible Belt higher than New England; “born-again” higher than atheists; U.S. evangelicals much higher than several nations.
  • He suggests a Spirit/assurance diagnosis: “Or maybe the problem is that the Holy Spirit is not dwelling in most people who claim to be born-again Christians.”
Discussion Follow-ups What concrete church actions match Bercot’s call (teaching plainly on Jesus’ words, refusing “exception shopping,” real accountability, courage to speak)? How should a church test “assurance” claims against actual obedience to Jesus’ Kingdom laws?

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