Bullies and Saints: An Honest Look at the Good and Evil of Christian History
Bullies and Saints: An Honest Look at the Good and Evil of Christian History
Is religion a pernicious force in the world? Does it poison everything? Would we be better off without religion in general and Christianity in particular? Many skeptics certainly think so.
John Dickson has spent much of the last ten years reflecting on these difficult questions and on why so many doubters see Christianity as a major cause of harm not blessing. The skeptics, he concludes, are right: even a cursory look at the history of Christians reveals dark things therein-violence, bigotry, genocide, war, inquisition, oppression, imperialism, racism, corruption, greed, power, abuse.
For centuries and even today, Christians have been among the worst bullies you could ever imagine. But these skeptics are only partly right: this is not what Christianity was meant to be. When Christians do evil they are out of tune with the teachings of their Lord. Jesus gave the world a beautiful melody-of love, grace, charity, humility, non-violence, equality, human dignity-to which, tragically, his followers have more often than not been tone-deaf. Denying the evils of church history does not do.
John Dickson gives an honest account of the mixed history of Christianity, the evil and the good. He concedes the Christians' complicity for centuries of bullying but also shows the myriad ways the beautiful melody of Christ has enriched our world and the lives of countless individuals. This book asks contemporary skeptics of religion to listen again to the melody of Jesus, despite the discord produced by too many Christians through history and today. It also leads contemporary believers into a sober reflection on and repentance for their own participation in the tragic inconsistencies of Christendom and seeks to inspire them to live in tune with Christ.
Who are the greatest Bullies and Saints of Christian History? Would you get them right?
Especially for the Protestants and sceptics out there: Was it all "Dark" in the Middle Ages?
Did Christianity cause problems from the start?
Or are the often cited bad deeds of Christianity really where it went wrong? And have more popular accounts given it a fair telling? Are there other significant good or evil done, that are not well known? This, and more in a very thorough account which will instruct both believers and sceptics alike. While quite long and with 30 pages of references, is still an easy read.
In a brutally honest account , Bullies and Saints is an in-depth look at good and evil of much of Christian History.
While not an academic work, crucially it cites and uses primary sources and/or the recognised experts in the relevant topics. With commendations which include Professors of History, as well as atheist/agnostic experts, and doesn't make any comments or claims which are controversial in the relevant academic fields.
It's not just a list of random events and people. This is partly where it differs from the shorter "For the love of God", which is more topical in its presentation.
It tracks the story of Christianity primarily in the West from the beginning, including tracking how certain ideas developed and gained traction, including for example the idea of a just war which was later used/abused for "holy wars".
Also great is Dickson's honestly which starts the account, about "The day," he says, "I lost faith in the Church" - it was worse than he had believed.
I've enjoyed this longer read which covers much ground yet still easy to read and enjoyable. Another book for a summer read?
