Bullies and Saints by John Dickson

Bullies and Saints was not only an interesting and informative book, I would also say it's important. I believe that one of the biggest questions the Western world nowadays is wondering is whether Christianity is good, not just whether it's true. We are bombarded with news of the failings of the Church, pastors and priests, and those who call themselves Christians. Dickson's book walks through all of church history looking at its "bullies and saints", its high points and its low points, the good its done and the harm its done. He is a Christian, but I think he succeeds at not sugar-coating things and taking an honest look. I came away from the book acknowledging the harm my "spiritual ancestors" have done, but also being proud and thankful for the good that Jesus unleashed in the world and that many of his followers have carried on.

It's also worth noting that there are a couple other books out there with a similar purpose. Check out Who is This Man? by John Ortberg for a bit of an easier and shorter read compared to Bullies and Saints. Or check out Dominion by Tom Holland for a longer read, written by an author who is not a Christian but still makes a similar point.

Also, if you find this topic interesting but don't want to read a book, check out John Dickson's podcast Undeceptions, where he explores many of the same topics that are covered in the book