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The Kingdom that Turned the World Upside Down
If someone were to ask you what was the theme of Jesus' preaching, what would be your answer? Man's need for salvation? God's love for mankind? The new birth?
To be sure, Jesus spoke about all of those things. And they're all essential truths. But none of them were the theme of His teaching. The theme of Jesus' message was the kingdom of God. Wherever He went, Jesus preached about the kingdom.
The irony is that the message of the kingdom is almost totally missing from the gospel that's preached today. As a result, a lot of Christians don't realize that the kingdom of God is a present reality on earth. In fact, they don't even know what the kingdom of God is. Consequently, they never make the kingdom commitment that Christ requires.
In The Kingdom that Turned the World Upside Down , David Bercot takes the reader back to Jesus' teachings of the kingdom teachings that have too often been forgotten. Bercot describes the radically new laws of the kingdom and its upside-down values. There's no room in Christ's kingdom for superficial Christianity, for this is a kingdom that has historically turned the world upside down.
The Kingdom that Turned the World Upside Down will challenge you to the core in your Christian walk.
To be sure, Jesus spoke about all of those things. And they're all essential truths. But none of them were the theme of His teaching. The theme of Jesus' message was the kingdom of God. Wherever He went, Jesus preached about the kingdom.
The irony is that the message of the kingdom is almost totally missing from the gospel that's preached today. As a result, a lot of Christians don't realize that the kingdom of God is a present reality on earth. In fact, they don't even know what the kingdom of God is. Consequently, they never make the kingdom commitment that Christ requires.
In The Kingdom that Turned the World Upside Down , David Bercot takes the reader back to Jesus' teachings of the kingdom teachings that have too often been forgotten. Bercot describes the radically new laws of the kingdom and its upside-down values. There's no room in Christ's kingdom for superficial Christianity, for this is a kingdom that has historically turned the world upside down.
The Kingdom that Turned the World Upside Down will challenge you to the core in your Christian walk.
286 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2003
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December 15, 2025I have appreciated the work of Bercot, though my exposure has been limited to a few podcasts that hosted him as well as hearsay from friends and acquaintances. His work with historical Christianity is an asset to the Anabaptist thought and practice.
I was a bit disappointed in this book however. The tone felt abrasive. I felt that the narratives presented were not very equitable — based on my limited exposure and study of church history. The overall structure implicitly suggests a remnant view of the church as he follows a thread of groups through history who have upheld “kingdom Christianity.” I believe I recall an explicit statement regarding a remnant view of the church as well, though I didn’t record it for citation.
In short, he is a lawyer doing theology, which is an interesting mix. Still would recommend.
I was a bit disappointed in this book however. The tone felt abrasive. I felt that the narratives presented were not very equitable — based on my limited exposure and study of church history. The overall structure implicitly suggests a remnant view of the church as he follows a thread of groups through history who have upheld “kingdom Christianity.” I believe I recall an explicit statement regarding a remnant view of the church as well, though I didn’t record it for citation.
In short, he is a lawyer doing theology, which is an interesting mix. Still would recommend.
January 26, 2021
This book explores the ramifications of this truth: the Kingdom of God is as physical, real, and day-to-day practical as any other kingdom on earth has ever been.
The author is no-nonsense and bold, so don't get hung up on toe-stepping remarks. It's a book that helped me probe into where my own allegiance REALLY lies.
There is some fast-moving church history towards the end; the theme emerged to me that when the enemy can't squash the kingdom through persecution, he has plenty of other methods he uses. Yet, their always remains an unsquashable remnant that take Jesus words as practically and honestly as they can.
Clarity comes through honesty and this book is that. It's a tool for someone wanting clarity about their life as a Christian.
The author is no-nonsense and bold, so don't get hung up on toe-stepping remarks. It's a book that helped me probe into where my own allegiance REALLY lies.
There is some fast-moving church history towards the end; the theme emerged to me that when the enemy can't squash the kingdom through persecution, he has plenty of other methods he uses. Yet, their always remains an unsquashable remnant that take Jesus words as practically and honestly as they can.
Clarity comes through honesty and this book is that. It's a tool for someone wanting clarity about their life as a Christian.
September 23, 2015
The primary theme of this book is the charge for Christians to return to original New Testament Christianity, void of modern and social interpretations, nuances, and religious movements. Bercot's point of contention is the intermingling of church and state which is discussed throughout the majority of the book. In most part, this is a fantastic read that will really challenge your faith and challenge most of what modern conservative evangelicals have held on to for so long.
Some of Bercot's views seem radical but in light of Scripture, they're not. Although living the Christian life is certainly radical in of itself. Bercot lists out a handful of new laws that Christ taught, gleaned particularly from the Sermon on the Mount, that require a total transformation in the way we think and live in these modern times. These include: marriage/divorce, women in the church, non-resistance/pacifism, materialism/money, honesty/lying, and more.
There is something to say for the early church fathers and the early church in general; how they interacted and lived out Scripture. Different from how its lived out in today's modern churches. Bercot argues that we can get a better glimpse of what the Scriptures intended on certain issues by observing the way the early church lived it out. After all, we are 1500 years removed from the canon of New Testament scripture. How much of Scripture has been twisted and distorted by nationalism, patriotism, social movements, modern conveniences, and traditions. For example, have we become desensitized to certain laws regarding women in the church as a result of the feminist movement? Have we watered down the severity of divorce within the church due to the rampant rise of divorce in the past 25 years? Has the pursuit of wealth and prosperity in the American dream caused American Christians to turn a blind eye to what Jesus taught concerning the blessedness of those who are poor in spirit? Many more questions like these are what Bercot explores.
Bercot in no way encourages Scripture to be replaced by what the early church fathers said or wrote. Instead, he holds up Scripture as foundational, and sheds light on how the early church lived it out.
However, I don't necessarily agree with all of Bercot's theology, especially in regards with works as a means of salvation. But, I do agree we must remain obedient in the Lord. Bercot presupposes that we are never assured of our eternal security, although the Bible is replete with references towards eternal security. Furthermore, Bercot takes issue with two key points in church history: Constantine and Augustine. Both of these men were instrumental in combining the church and state which Bercot argues the church has always faltered during these times. He also believes that much of today's conservative theology is derived from these two men. He calls this Hybrid theology.
The book ended with a shameless plug for the Anabaptist movement. Which conflicts with Bercot's message of theology being unimportant. If theology is unimportant then how come Bercot felt compelled to promote a specific Christian denomination? Don't denominations exist because of theological and doctrinal differences? Speaking of theology, Bercot is clearly Arminian, and I am not. This has been a point that has caused me to pause and think about what I believe in my own theology. But, the good news, as Bercot assures us, is that theology in most part is unimportant. It's how we live out our lives that God is most concerned with. And it is with this that I fully agree we should be living as kingdom Christians.
Some of Bercot's views seem radical but in light of Scripture, they're not. Although living the Christian life is certainly radical in of itself. Bercot lists out a handful of new laws that Christ taught, gleaned particularly from the Sermon on the Mount, that require a total transformation in the way we think and live in these modern times. These include: marriage/divorce, women in the church, non-resistance/pacifism, materialism/money, honesty/lying, and more.
There is something to say for the early church fathers and the early church in general; how they interacted and lived out Scripture. Different from how its lived out in today's modern churches. Bercot argues that we can get a better glimpse of what the Scriptures intended on certain issues by observing the way the early church lived it out. After all, we are 1500 years removed from the canon of New Testament scripture. How much of Scripture has been twisted and distorted by nationalism, patriotism, social movements, modern conveniences, and traditions. For example, have we become desensitized to certain laws regarding women in the church as a result of the feminist movement? Have we watered down the severity of divorce within the church due to the rampant rise of divorce in the past 25 years? Has the pursuit of wealth and prosperity in the American dream caused American Christians to turn a blind eye to what Jesus taught concerning the blessedness of those who are poor in spirit? Many more questions like these are what Bercot explores.
Bercot in no way encourages Scripture to be replaced by what the early church fathers said or wrote. Instead, he holds up Scripture as foundational, and sheds light on how the early church lived it out.
However, I don't necessarily agree with all of Bercot's theology, especially in regards with works as a means of salvation. But, I do agree we must remain obedient in the Lord. Bercot presupposes that we are never assured of our eternal security, although the Bible is replete with references towards eternal security. Furthermore, Bercot takes issue with two key points in church history: Constantine and Augustine. Both of these men were instrumental in combining the church and state which Bercot argues the church has always faltered during these times. He also believes that much of today's conservative theology is derived from these two men. He calls this Hybrid theology.
The book ended with a shameless plug for the Anabaptist movement. Which conflicts with Bercot's message of theology being unimportant. If theology is unimportant then how come Bercot felt compelled to promote a specific Christian denomination? Don't denominations exist because of theological and doctrinal differences? Speaking of theology, Bercot is clearly Arminian, and I am not. This has been a point that has caused me to pause and think about what I believe in my own theology. But, the good news, as Bercot assures us, is that theology in most part is unimportant. It's how we live out our lives that God is most concerned with. And it is with this that I fully agree we should be living as kingdom Christians.
July 23, 2011
This book has some good points, but it is heavily flawed. Bercott writes with a stone to grind, and his disdain of certain trends within evangelical Christainity really seeps through in this work. He definately makes some good points about the kingdom of God-especially the fact that we often lose sight of this central aspect of Jesus Christ's ministry.
I do question Bercot's soundness on a number of different issues. To me, this book as well as Will The Real Heretic Please Stand Up? push what I see as being incorrect views.
In this book, Bercot takes the word "kingdom" and really runs with it. Bercot ties the "kingdom" to the gospel. Now, this may be just fine if "kingdom" has its bare biblical meaning, but in this work, the word is HEAVILY loaded. He slaps it on just about anything. Kingdom movements. Kingdom Christians. Kingdom lifestyle. Kingdom message. There seems to be no end. Christian readers, such as myself, can be thankful he did not suggest that we make our way to the nearest Kingdom Hall.
Bercot also employs some heavily circular reasoning. He says: "no lasting kingdom movements have ever come out of any church that's attached to Reformation theology", and yet defines "kingdom movement" as a movement that doesn't subscribe to Reformation theology. Interestingly enough, the Quakers did make his list of "kingdom Christians".
The forte of this book's ridiculousness comes when the author attacks the hymn writer who wrote "My Hope Is Built". He accuses the author of "Easy Believerism" and takes specific offence to "I rest on His unchanging grace" and "in His righteousness alone". Bercot actually goes so far that he says that singing this song is throwing "Jesus' words right back in His face and taunt[ing] Him". Unbelievable.
Now, these obvious problems aside, I would state that this book still has some half descent aspects. He presents an interesting call to believers to make real commitment, not half-hearted assent, which is great. Also, in some of the book, Bercot displays caution in what he says and a fair deal of even-handedness. However, I still am weary about many of the things he says and the sweeping claims he makes. And at the forefront of those concerns is how he deals with and perceives the gospel itself. This alone is enough to make me suggest you to look elsewhere.
I do question Bercot's soundness on a number of different issues. To me, this book as well as Will The Real Heretic Please Stand Up? push what I see as being incorrect views.
In this book, Bercot takes the word "kingdom" and really runs with it. Bercot ties the "kingdom" to the gospel. Now, this may be just fine if "kingdom" has its bare biblical meaning, but in this work, the word is HEAVILY loaded. He slaps it on just about anything. Kingdom movements. Kingdom Christians. Kingdom lifestyle. Kingdom message. There seems to be no end. Christian readers, such as myself, can be thankful he did not suggest that we make our way to the nearest Kingdom Hall.
Bercot also employs some heavily circular reasoning. He says: "no lasting kingdom movements have ever come out of any church that's attached to Reformation theology", and yet defines "kingdom movement" as a movement that doesn't subscribe to Reformation theology. Interestingly enough, the Quakers did make his list of "kingdom Christians".
The forte of this book's ridiculousness comes when the author attacks the hymn writer who wrote "My Hope Is Built". He accuses the author of "Easy Believerism" and takes specific offence to "I rest on His unchanging grace" and "in His righteousness alone". Bercot actually goes so far that he says that singing this song is throwing "Jesus' words right back in His face and taunt[ing] Him". Unbelievable.
Now, these obvious problems aside, I would state that this book still has some half descent aspects. He presents an interesting call to believers to make real commitment, not half-hearted assent, which is great. Also, in some of the book, Bercot displays caution in what he says and a fair deal of even-handedness. However, I still am weary about many of the things he says and the sweeping claims he makes. And at the forefront of those concerns is how he deals with and perceives the gospel itself. This alone is enough to make me suggest you to look elsewhere.
March 29, 2023
Great book. Easy to read, so it's very easy to recommend.
I don't agree with all of the author's theology (he seems to be very opposed to Calvinist double-predestination and perseverance of the saints), but what I disagree on are third-order theologies: they are not related to the gospel or to Christian discipleship.
And discipleship is the key point here. This book is about the essence of Christianity as discipleship, which is what the New Testament authors and other Christian apologists said when they defined themselves. They followed The Way. And that Way as Christ ("I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life..."). This book is for anyone who has picked up a Bible and thought "Why is this book SO different from the Christian church? Why don't Christians who claim this book is the inspired Word of God actually LISTEN to it?"
This book delves into Christianity as discipleship, it addresses some of the common teachings of Jesus, the incarnate Word of God, which the modern church explicitly ignores or overtly teaches against using various rhetorical acrobatics. It then dives into a history of the church from the time of Jesus up through the Reformation and even a brief overview beyond, to demonstrate how there have always been "Kingdom Christians," movements of people who discover the teachings of Jesus, accept Him as the incarnate Son of God, and make a radical repentance (a new birth) of their lives and begin following Jesus.
"Discipleship" is synonymous with "following". In a world where Christians are mostly just "believers" this book examines the joy that comes from being not just a "believer" but a "disciple." IF you're a Christian and just feel a great emptiness in your faith walk, it's probably because you're following an empty religion based on (easy) believism... when Christianity was and always has been about discipleship.
I don't agree with all of the author's theology (he seems to be very opposed to Calvinist double-predestination and perseverance of the saints), but what I disagree on are third-order theologies: they are not related to the gospel or to Christian discipleship.
And discipleship is the key point here. This book is about the essence of Christianity as discipleship, which is what the New Testament authors and other Christian apologists said when they defined themselves. They followed The Way. And that Way as Christ ("I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life..."). This book is for anyone who has picked up a Bible and thought "Why is this book SO different from the Christian church? Why don't Christians who claim this book is the inspired Word of God actually LISTEN to it?"
This book delves into Christianity as discipleship, it addresses some of the common teachings of Jesus, the incarnate Word of God, which the modern church explicitly ignores or overtly teaches against using various rhetorical acrobatics. It then dives into a history of the church from the time of Jesus up through the Reformation and even a brief overview beyond, to demonstrate how there have always been "Kingdom Christians," movements of people who discover the teachings of Jesus, accept Him as the incarnate Son of God, and make a radical repentance (a new birth) of their lives and begin following Jesus.
"Discipleship" is synonymous with "following". In a world where Christians are mostly just "believers" this book examines the joy that comes from being not just a "believer" but a "disciple." IF you're a Christian and just feel a great emptiness in your faith walk, it's probably because you're following an empty religion based on (easy) believism... when Christianity was and always has been about discipleship.
May 14, 2023
Bercot describes, by the simple teaching of Jesus, what it means to live in His kingdom not of this world. He contrasts this with worldy living and then goes on to show how various figures in church history failed to properly live as citizens of God's Kingdom. By Bercot's writing, it would seem Zealotry from the first century and earlier never went away, but remained to seriously tarnish the history of the Church proper. I was honestly horrified by some of what I read about the actions of the medieval Roman Catholic church as well as the 16th century reformers, though I will need to cross reference some of Bercot's sources in their proper context. A convicting read for sure!
February 21, 2020
Bercot makes good points about what Kingdom Christianity is, although at times I felt some of his support or evidence was lacking. There was a lot of Anecdotal evidence or things like “well the Bible doesn't say this happened but it doesn't say it didn't. “ which to me is not overly convincing.
I did appreciate that Bercot was hard on both sides of the political spectrum equally. The right for the military leanings and the left for rejecting some aspects of kingdom teachings.
This book also focuses a lot on the non-resistance aspect of Christ's teachings.
Honestly though where this book really shines are the last two sections that cover the history of the early church. The idea of the Constantine Hybrid was fascinating and makes a lot of sense when you think about where Christianity is at today. I also thought the dirty side of Calvin was interesting as well. It's something you don't normally hear about.
So I originally wasn't all that impressed with this book but the history section redeemed it and made it a four star read. I definitely recommend this to anyone who is trying to better understand kingdom values and deepen their faith
I did appreciate that Bercot was hard on both sides of the political spectrum equally. The right for the military leanings and the left for rejecting some aspects of kingdom teachings.
This book also focuses a lot on the non-resistance aspect of Christ's teachings.
Honestly though where this book really shines are the last two sections that cover the history of the early church. The idea of the Constantine Hybrid was fascinating and makes a lot of sense when you think about where Christianity is at today. I also thought the dirty side of Calvin was interesting as well. It's something you don't normally hear about.
So I originally wasn't all that impressed with this book but the history section redeemed it and made it a four star read. I definitely recommend this to anyone who is trying to better understand kingdom values and deepen their faith
February 25, 2025
A book that paints the world in black and white rather than gray. It’s a radical book about Christianity and about the laws Jesus left for us in order to enter His kingdom. I loved how in the book, the genuine Christians were called kingdom Christians. Most of us think that our kingdom is awaiting us in heaven, but Jesus taught that the kingdom has already come. Jesus turned the entire world upside down with His coming. His laws and teachings were unheard of before His descension on this earth. We need to be living as kingdom Christians not as earthly kingdom christians. We can’t be concocting our own rules as we live, rather we must be living by the Word that the Lord has left us with. This book rebuked me in many ways.
In the second half of the book, the author wrote about the historical formation of religions and Christianity. It was very interesting to learn about the Roman Empire, the Hybrid, the Waldensians, the Anabaptists, etc. So many Christians were able to lay down their life for the belief in God and His doctrines. It’s scared me to think if I would ever be able to do the same. Definitely a book I will read again!
In the second half of the book, the author wrote about the historical formation of religions and Christianity. It was very interesting to learn about the Roman Empire, the Hybrid, the Waldensians, the Anabaptists, etc. So many Christians were able to lay down their life for the belief in God and His doctrines. It’s scared me to think if I would ever be able to do the same. Definitely a book I will read again!
October 17, 2024
Bercot hits the nail on the head yet again. This book is a strong an indisputable reminder that having faith is more than going through the motions or saying the right things; it is a "walk ethic" of consistent patterns of behavior and actionable, intentional, deliberate manifestations of orthodoxy and orthopathos. Bercot leaves nothing to the imagination when it comes to his description of what it means to be a Kingdom servant. Books by Bercot really ought to be on the Curriculum of every Sunday School class in the world, and this book is yet another of many on that list. If you have not taken up a study of Bercot's work, I would urge you to begin yesterday!
February 23, 2018
Good and Challenging Boom
Bercot challenges all believers or would-be believers to re-examine the traditional hybrid constantinian Christianity from the end of the 3rd century on and
correct our errors on not only what it means to LIVE for Christ. Truly this is a book that challenges one to seek first the kingdom of heaven. Appreciate the efforts in compiling the information and giving believers and unbelievers(as well as hearers) a chance to evaluate objectively Christ and his teachings.
Bercot challenges all believers or would-be believers to re-examine the traditional hybrid constantinian Christianity from the end of the 3rd century on and
correct our errors on not only what it means to LIVE for Christ. Truly this is a book that challenges one to seek first the kingdom of heaven. Appreciate the efforts in compiling the information and giving believers and unbelievers(as well as hearers) a chance to evaluate objectively Christ and his teachings.
March 19, 2019
Absolutely great reading. I have written (5) books and all of them are doctrine based. I have been a Christian since I was 13 and now I am 78.
I do believe that Jesus built one (1) church as mentioned in Matthew 16:18. It was established in Acts chapter 2 starting in verse 38 and following. If you believe what you wrote in this book that you have to believe that also.
Everything but "The Church of Christ" is false and the people in the denominations will be lost eternally.
thanks,
Morris Bowers
I do believe that Jesus built one (1) church as mentioned in Matthew 16:18. It was established in Acts chapter 2 starting in verse 38 and following. If you believe what you wrote in this book that you have to believe that also.
Everything but "The Church of Christ" is false and the people in the denominations will be lost eternally.
thanks,
Morris Bowers
February 23, 2025
I have finally finished my reread of this. I would just pick it up occasionally and read a chapter or 2. It is largely as I remember. I find some of it so easy to agree with and think, oh yes, "my" beliefs are right, this or that is stated so clearly in Jesus' teachings. (Nonresistence, divorce, etc) But then I am very convicted when it comes to the chapters on worldliness and evaluating what is truly the most important in life: what do I spend most of my time doing and focused on?
May 11, 2023
I immensely enjoyed this book. It is refreshing to read a book that emphasizes the kingdom of Christ. Also it was a good reminder the Jesus meant what He said in all His teachings. The history of the church that Bercot includes is also interesting... and a reminder that the relative freedom of persecution in this country is not guaranteed to last.
July 8, 2018
Loved it!
David Bercot provides a simple, easy to read history of what has happened in and to the church over the time since Jesus walked and was crucified on the earth. Being a true Christian is tremendously relevant to our lives today.
David Bercot provides a simple, easy to read history of what has happened in and to the church over the time since Jesus walked and was crucified on the earth. Being a true Christian is tremendously relevant to our lives today.
October 1, 2019
Foundational, clear expose of the history of the Church and how Kingdom Christianity (that emphasizes obedience to Jesus’ teaching as well as relationship) has been lost and regained throughout time. A motivational support for Kingdom Christianity (including but not limited to Anabaptists). Also quickly reviews Christ’s teaching points, like nonresistance, divorce and remarriage, etc.
January 18, 2019
This book really shook my worldview and challenged me in a good way. Very inspiring.
March 20, 2020
The (easily-digestable) section on church history at the end was especially encouraging.
February 16, 2022
This is the book that, several years ago, really launched me into the study of theology and church history. A must read.
May 7, 2022
I'm just not for sure yet. I think it was good and I learned a lot but like, just have questions.
September 19, 2024
Quality content, but the shear amount of time and effort that it took me to read subtracted two stars. 🤷🏻♀️
February 13, 2017
Well done. It will open eyes as to how far the mainstream church has allowed society to lead it from the path laid out by Christ.
March 22, 2009
Loaned to me by an Amishman, The Kingdom that Turned the World Upside Down focuses on the theme of the "kingdom of God" in Christ's preaching. I appreciated many of the points this book made, because it focuses on many of Jesus' too often neglected teachings-- including the taking of oaths the use of violence. Bercot is very knowledgeable about the early church, and emphasizes the importance of following Jesus literally and in giving Him our first allegiance. While I don't agree with everything in the book, I think there is a lot of (very needed) truth in it and would recommend it to anyone wanting to look at different ways of understanding Christ's instructions to His followers.
March 10, 2010
This book is simple and fascinating. It will be found too simple for some readers, but it has many strong and provocative moments. He has angles on things I'd never encountered before. Though it seems a bit scattered and broad at first, Bercot knows what he's aiming at, and it all comes together for his argument by the end. He traverses Mammon, nonviolence, easy-believism, Constantine, Augustine, the Waldensian compromises, and more. It's not from my theological tradition, and many readers will find it infuriating, but I appreciate Bercot's fresh provocation. Quite intriguing, but you can't give up halfway through. It's a quick read anyway.
February 5, 2016
I found a few insightful nuggets in Section 1 (chapters 1-5). However, in Section 2 and 3 I decided the the prospects of finding more were not going to be worth the expense of time of extracting the rest~ lots of dross! Actually gave up the mining process before finishing Section 3.
PS. I had recommended this book to my Goodread friends. However, my recommendation was during my reading, and I no longer recommend this book. In my defense, chapters 1-5 were really good! Now, I do not know how to UNRECOMMEND books on Goodreads! LOL...[I will never again recommend a book before finishing it.]
PS. I had recommended this book to my Goodread friends. However, my recommendation was during my reading, and I no longer recommend this book. In my defense, chapters 1-5 were really good! Now, I do not know how to UNRECOMMEND books on Goodreads! LOL...[I will never again recommend a book before finishing it.]
January 29, 2017
This was a great book... Jesus spoke often of the Kingdom of God and the meaning has been obscured through time. Being born again is what leads to entrance into this kingdom...so understanding what it truly means is of utmost importance.
Great Quote - "It's human nature to believe we're on the right track when we are popular and people speak well of us. But it's not that way in the kingdom. Something is wrong when the world speaks well of us and wants to be our friend. Sadly the fourth century Christiansz seemed to have completely forgotten Jesus' warning."
Great Quote - "It's human nature to believe we're on the right track when we are popular and people speak well of us. But it's not that way in the kingdom. Something is wrong when the world speaks well of us and wants to be our friend. Sadly the fourth century Christiansz seemed to have completely forgotten Jesus' warning."
February 21, 2009
I agree with most of what Bercot says. He makes some points that are at least illogical. he does as other non-theologieans do in his assertion that what he says is irrefutable, when in the end there can be other (and sometimes better) ways of interpreting the same scripture. He and I part company when he suggests that Christ called His disciples to sin (p. 90). I also think his understanding of the money changers in the temple is very weak. Oh well...
August 15, 2014
Bercot's beliefs are fundamentally Mennonite, however, except for a few bits here and there, this book explains quite wonderfully what the church should be. He relates Jesus' mission on Earth, along with the purpose of His purpose for salvation in a way that many of probably ignore or overlook. This book really shook up my cultural Christianity for the good. I recommend it to any Christian seeking a better understanding of their faith and of a relationship with God.
June 21, 2011
Book was an awesome look at the condition of the church as well as a reminder of the direction we should be in. I have read this book multiple times and I see myself coming back to it at least every couple of years.
January 26, 2011
Some things that I did not agree with, but all in all this was a pretty good read. I would recommend this read.
August 4, 2014
Food for thought about the "constantinian hybrid of institutional christianity"
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