Bullies and Saints
An Honest Look at the Good and Evil of Christian History
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Bullies and Saints
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Narrated by:
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John Dickson
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By:
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John Dickson
About this listen
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.
What listeners say about Bullies and Saints
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mrs. B C Murrill
- 26-08-2021
Great insights into historic Christianity
Well researched and insightful overview of the good the bad and the ugly parts of Christianity. Really worth getting to understand that no generation of Christians gave it right and we must keep going back to the source to express true faith in Jesus
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Peter Spring
- 05-07-2023
Fair and Balanced Account
A very Fair and Balanced account of Christianity and it’s impact on human history and culture.
Exhaustively researched and very engagingly presented by the author.
Extremely insightful and informative.
Thank you John Dickson.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 29-08-2021
An honest account of Church history
I enjoyed but was challenged by John's account of Christian action in history. I found myself resonating with those who sought the good of others - singing the melody of Christ. At the same time I was saddened by those who abused their power to achieve what might have been considered good outcomes. Yet, I was challenged, have I done this myself? This book challenged my humility and made me want to ensure I wasn't caught up in my own view that thinks I know better than others and will forcefully put my view across.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Kirsten Anstey
- 15-11-2022
such a good listen
so helpful in understanding the realities of the past and buy us of many in a world today, without dodging the unchristian ways that many have lived
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Zak F.
- 17-07-2021
Heartbreaking and Hopeful
John did a fantastic job at outlining the tragic and terrific history of the church. It seemed to me to be a reasonably balanced view considering his own convictions. The audio version was great too, very engaging.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Soph
- 23-10-2023
Balanced, well resourced
Great overview of the harms associated with Christianity. The author, as an ancient historian, is sincere and draws on sources from or close to that time. I recognise its not possible to “cover everything”. Would have liked a bit more on Christians and Judaism. Very brief on modern period - to be expected given author’s credentials.
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- J-Dug
- 25-03-2022
a frank, honest account
Brought me close to tears of despair at times, but the beautiful melody plays on.
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- Steven Davis
- 24-01-2022
Jesus’ Humility and Integrity - Fundamentals for God’s people and Institutions
An excellent and fruitful read presented with real humility and integrity! I am very grateful to John Dickson who has sort to critically and helpfully with outstanding research to give us an exceptional contribution in this area. I found his summaries of great tracts of history really engaging and informative. I would also have urged John to include briefly a section about the contribution of the Irish, assuming there was some, to the the continuation of Western Christianity in the midst of upheaval following ‘the fall of Rome’. What ‘bullies and saints’ were present in this part of the world at that time. I recommend this readable and wonderful resource to the everyday thoughtful believer as well as Pastors, Priests, Church and Youth Workers and really anyone who wants to seriously know some truth in our world full of misnomer and falsehood. Again a special for me.
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- Anonymous User
- 20-07-2021
Insight for all
Dr John Dickson has written a brilliant book here. It’s historically accurate, even handed and unflinching its look at historic Christianity’s influence and practice. Christian’s will find pause and cause for humility and a powerful reminder of the need to live more in accord with the “beautiful melody” of their beliefs. Atheists will be presented with a more accurate rendering of Church history where the author doesn’t pull punches in presenting the worst of Christianity. Overall it’s restored my faith in Christianity’s message while reminding me of how tragically the church has failed at times to live it out.
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- Anonymous User
- 16-03-2024
No punches pulled! John doesn’t shy away from calling out bad behaviour
This is a brief but very interesting and informative history of the good, the bad, and the context of the church and some of its significant figures through the ages.
It’s quite blind ignorance to assume that the church has always had a clean history.
John doesn’t shy away from the ugly, but instead wisely exposes it in its context not to excuse or dismiss these sins, but so that we can learn from history.
I’m keen to listen again for the gold I missed on my first reading.
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