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Will the Theologians Please Sit Down  /  Chapter 23: Clueless about Historic Christianity  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 10
The chapter contrasts “the gospel of easy believers” with what Bercot calls the “Kingdom gospel,” claiming it was predominant in the second and third centuries, then marginalized from the fourth century onward, yet never disappeared; if you accepted that storyline, what would it require you to change in your daily discipleship (habits, choices, risk tolerance, relationship to marginalization), and what would you most fear losing?
Another way to ask: If the early church mainly preached a “Kingdom gospel” instead of “easy belief,” what would you need to change in your daily discipleship (habits, choices, willingness to suffer)? What would you be most afraid to lose?

Direct Answer If you accept Bercot’s storyline, daily discipleship would mean aligning with the “Kingdom gospel” Jesus preached rather than any “easy believers” approach, and being willing to live as part of a marginalized minority rather than seeking mainstream approval. What you might fear losing is comfort, institutional respectability, and the security of popular theological systems.

Support from Transcript:

  • Bercot contrasts Luther/Augustine with a “gospel of easy believers,” implying a less demanding form of Christianity.
  • He says, “When we embrace the Kingdom gospel that Jesus preached, we don’t have to invent any fictitious scenarios about a disappearing church,” implying it is a lived, continuous way of life.
  • He claims the “Kingdom gospel was the mainline predominant gospel in the second and third centuries.”
  • He says theologians “shoved the Kingdom gospel out of the mainstream…in the fourth century,” so following it may put you outside the mainstream.
  • He emphasizes ongoing cost: Kingdom Christians have been “persecuted or marginalized minority ever since the fourth century.”
  • He notes there are “no famous theologians connected to Kingdom Christianity,” suggesting disciples shouldn’t expect celebrity or status.
Discussion Follow-ups Where do you feel pressure to stay “mainstream” in Christianity? What practices would change if you accepted that faithful Christianity often looks marginal and unfashionable?

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