Bullies and Saints

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

By John Dickson | Paperback

A brutally honest, deeply hopeful journey through the history of the Church.

In Bullies and Saints, historian and author John Dickson takes readers on a sweeping tour of Christian history—its brightest triumphs and its darkest failures. From the beautiful music of cathedrals to the brutality of the Crusades, from world-changing charity to moments of corruption and scandal, this book doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable truths of the past.

But in facing these realities, Dickson helps us see the full picture of a faith that, despite its flaws, has shaped the world for the better. With clarity, humility, and wit, he invites us to wrestle with the tension of a Church that has at times looked nothing like Jesus—and yet, through the centuries, has also revealed Him in powerful and redemptive ways.

Why We Love It:
This is not your typical church history book. Bullies and Saints is accessible, readable, and compelling. It gives language to the hard questions many are asking and points us toward grace, redemption, and a deeper understanding of what it truly means to follow Christ.

Perfect For:

• Curious readers exploring church history honestly
• Believers grappling with the Church’s past and present
• Thoughtful discussion in small groups or book clubs
• Those seeking clarity in an age of cultural criticism of Christianity

What You'll Find Inside:

• A balanced and engaging historical account—from Jesus to today
• Personal stories and modern-day application
• A fresh look at how Jesus continues to shape His Church
• A hopeful call to embody Christ more authentically

Come face-to-face with the truth of Christian history—and let it stir a deeper hunger to live as saints in a world that still longs for light.