Will the Real Heretics Please Stand Up
About five months ago, I began researching what it took to start a church. This research, of course, opened up many questions, concerns, and insights into the Christian faith (particularly in regards to 21st century americans).
Part way into my studies I stumbled upon this book, by David Bercot, which was written as a way to correct and educate the Christians of this era. I must say, after reading the book’s descriptions, I had a number of reservations while getting into the text. My first thoughts were that David Bercot was just some other guy out there writing about his angry feelings with the church, and he wasn’t capable of saying much of anything that had biblical truth.
After much study and a thorough read through, however, almost all of these reservations were completely lifted. If I had to sum up how I felt in one sentence I would say: This book is exactly what I have been waiting for since the start of my theological studies. It took no more than the few pages of this book, before I was hooked on what was being said. The stories and statements made were so intense and so drastically different than the ‘church way’ I, and many others, grew up in.
Despite my total interest, I will admit that I took nothing in this book to heart until I thoroughly researched and read the early christian texts cited in this book. After my studies, I went through and read the book a second time. By the time I was finished, it was as if God himself had dared me to change and to become a person worthy of being called a Christian.
From a strictly literary standpoint, the book was extremely well crafted and versed in many areas. The author insistently refused to hold back on early church citations as proof and tellings of the stories and truths he brought forth. The author was also capable of writing in a manner that was both intellectual and easily comprehensible. All in all I was very pleased with this book and after two read throughs, I have not walked away without learning and changing myself for the better. As far as Christian literature is concerned, this book is by far one of the best reads.
Funny I should run across this blog.
I started a church with David Bercot in 1992. We gave up after only a few months when he couldn’t handle the conflict that some of our members brought in. Rather than deal with the problems, he wanted to join an ancient church with apostolic succession so he could have “authority” to get people under control. I couldn’t stomach such an approach, and we went our separate ways.
The church we started became the Society of the Good Shepherd, and David joined the Anglican church. I looked for others willing to walk in the things that Will the Real Heretics Please Stand Up talks about, and I am now part of a Christian community called Rose Creek Village in Tennessee.
I’d love to hear more about your thoughts on starting a church. Maybe I’ll find more in your other posts. I commented before reading any others than this one.
Well, that’s very interesting. I’m glad you found your way to blog and I hope you keep reading. I have just begun my blogging experience and will be posting more about my thoughts.
That is somewhat surprising that he would rather join a church to have control than to teach one to learn to be in control. I believe he joined an Anabaptist group, yes? Which in itself is not truly from an apostolic line but is merely like the apostolic churches.
I agree with you that such is an approach is wrong. However there should be definite authority in a church, but this authority must come about through consistent proof of wise and godly living over time. This is giving me some thoughts for my next post.
It was nice to hear from you and I would love to talk with you more. I took a look around your site and was intrigued. I will have to give it a more through exploration and I hope you don’t mind if I link to it.
Cheers,
Brian