Bullies and Saints: An Honest Look at the Good and Evil of Christian History

By John Dickson Zondervan, 2021. 352 pages. $24 (e-book $12.99, audiobook $37)

this book bids us take a long, hard look at how Christian history includes evil and error.

Historian John Dickson, an Australian, presents a straightforward thesis. In His earthly life Jesus taught His followers a beautiful anthem of love and compassion that we are to continue and amplify.

Through the centuries the Church has sung His song in acts of mercy, generosity and self-sacrifice. Yet just as often we have botched the music and even abandoned it for strident chords of suspicion, hatred and oppression.

Dickson’s volume is not a comprehensive primer on Church history. Still, it introduces us to many of the key players – bullies and saints – whose choices have shaped our story. The author rejects simplistic explanations for the Church’s lapses into aggression. Rather he draws attention to the complexities of historical context, and to the ways the world was being converted to the Church – and regrettably, the Church to the world.

He highlights the great irony of how campaigns of bullying and charity frequently unfold simultaneously – and how hostility and compassion often flow from the same individuals and institutions.

This honest and insightful study is a timely call to personal reflection. Are we – am I – being faithful to Christ’s song?