Jumpstarter 6 of 10

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Question 6

Bercot argues that once theologians took over, “bearing kingdom fruit was no longer the important thing” and “living a godly life often made people suspect you were a heretic”; what kinds of obedience or holiness today might trigger suspicion, mockery, or labels (even if not “heresy”), and why do you think those reactions happen?

Another way to ask: Bercot says people started doubting those who lived holy lives. What kinds of obedience or holiness today might get someone mocked or labeled, and why do you think people react that way?

Direct Answer The transcript doesn’t list modern examples, but it suggests that obedience-centered Christianity can still be treated as suspect when a church culture prioritizes doctrinal alignment over “kingdom fruit.” Reactions happen because an obedience-focused life exposes the gap between professed orthodoxy and actual discipleship.

Support from Transcript:

After theologians took over, “the emphasis soon changed from godly fruit to orthodox theology.”
“Before long, living a godly life often made people suspect you were a heretic.”
Caspar’s case shows the reversal: ungodly behavior supported his “orthodox” status, while the Anabaptists’ different life was viewed as “detestable heretics.”
Bercot frames this as Christianity becoming “Doctrinality.”
He says theologians have “warred against the true children of the kingdom,” implying ongoing opposition to kingdom-style obedience.

Discussion Follow-ups What forms of “kingdom fruit” are least valued in your church culture compared to being “theologically sharp”? Why might a community feel threatened when someone takes Jesus’ teachings very seriously?

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Jumpstarter 6 of 10