Is the world better off without Christianity?
Combining narrative with keen critique of contemporary debates, author
and historian John Dickson gives an honest account of 2,000 years of
Christian history that helps us understand what Christianity is and what
it's meant to be.
To say that the Christian Church has an "image problem" doesn't quite
capture it. From the Crusades and the Inquisition to the racism and
abuse present in today's Church--both in Catholic and Protestant
traditions--the institution that Christ established on earth has a lot
to answer for. But the Church has also had moments throughout history
when it has been in tune with Jesus' teachings--from the rise of charity
to the invention of hospitals.
For defenders of the faith, it's important to be able to recognize the
good and bad in the church's history and be inspired to live aligned
with Christ. For skeptics, this book is a thought-provoking introduction
to the idea that Christianity is, despite all, an essential foundation
of our civilization.
Bullies and Saints will take you on a big-picture journey from the
Sermon on the Mount to the modern church:
- Giving contextual accounts of infamous chapters of Christian history,
such as the Crusades, and acknowledging their darkness.
- Outlining the great movements of the faith and defending its heroes
and saints, some of whom are not commonly recognized.
- Examining the Church beside the teachings and life of Jesus and how it
has succeeded in its mission to imitate Christ.
