Endorsements
Jesus Skeptic is a different kind of book. It examines the positive social impact of those who believe in Jesus. That impact is widespread and far greater than most people realize. Moving from one area to another, Dickerson documents that influence and then looks deeper into what and who is behind it. This is a fascinating read that may just surprise you.
Dr. Darrell L. Bock , New York Times bestselling author and senior research professor of New Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary
My hometown of Portland, Oregon, is filled with wonderful people, especially millennials, who gravely misunderstand who Jesus is and have little understanding of the ways his followers are making our city and the world a better place. My friend John S. Dickerson has written a much-needed book to help alleviate that! The story of the church, of the community of people filled by the Spirit of Jesus for more than two thousand years, is a story of radical love and justice that has shaped education and healthcare, catapulted scientific inquiry, helped to abolish slavery, and led the way in protecting human rights. Understanding this impact can encourage wavering believers and soften the hearts of many skeptics.
Kevin Palau , president of the Luis Palau Association
As with his other work, Dickersons words are extremely insightful and relevant.
Dr. Jim Denison , CEO of Denison Forum and author of How Does God See America?
This generation isnt simply asking, Is Christianity true? They want to know, Is Christianity good ? Does the faith actually promote human rights, alleviate suffering, and enable humanity to flourish? In Jesus Skeptic , John Dickerson provides a compelling answer to these pressing questions. He leads readers on a lively tour through the ancient world, demonstrating Christianitys positive impact at key moments in history. This book is a remarkable accomplishment. It is sweeping in scope yet deeply personal. Dickerson, a reporter and pastor, reveals Christianitys impact on historythen zooms in to explore what Christ means for each person. The evidence Dickerson offers will enlighten believers and non-believers alike. In the introduction, he writes that skeptics are safe here. Thats truebut their skepticism is definitely in danger.
Drew Dyck , contributing editor at CTPastors.com and author of Your Future Self Will Thank You
Only John Dickerson could so artfully weave history, politics, pop culture, and personal stories in a way that is both educational and entertaining. As a devout agnostic, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about a different perspectivepresented in a thoughtful, engaging, and enlightening way.
Amy Silverman , award-winning journalist, editor, and author of My Heart Can t Even Believe It
Many scholarly works make points and arguments for Christ and Christianity similar to those John Dickerson makes here; however, his book seems more readable and engaging than most. The length seems ideal for the books intended audiencenot so short as to appear inconsequential, yet not so lengthy as to be uninviting. It is well worth reading!
Dr. Hugh Ross , astronomer, pastor, and president of Reasons to Believe
My good friend John S. Dickerson has unearthed his biggest story ever as an investigative reporter. Jesus Skeptic is an eye-opening and desperately needed resource in a world of revisionist history. Honest skeptics as well as parents and pastors will find factsnot opinionsto answer their most challenging questions about Jesuss life, teaching, and impact in history. I highly recommend this book.
Chip Ingram , author of Why I Believe and teaching pastor at Living on the Edge
More than ever we need an articulate and detailed study of the importance and impact of the Christian faith that is not charged with emotions but is loaded with evidence. I am pleased to recommend Johns work to you, knowing that it will surprise you and draw you into the greater narrative of Gods unfolding mission within history. If you are a skeptic, this book is especially for you, and Johns arguments and research will intrigue you and invite you further into dialogue with historys most significant person, Jesus.
Ed Stetzer , executive director of the Billy Graham Center
Praise for John Dickerson
Few writers can gather, process, distill, and apply a host of facts with the precision of John S. Dickerson.
John McCandlish Phillips , former New York Times journalist
I am a believer in Johns ability to hold readers in his thrall, to tell simple and uplifting human stories, and to share his eloquent hopes.
Ken Auletta , New Yorker media critic, Pulitzer Prize judge, and bestselling author
Half Title Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
2019 by John S. Dickerson
Published by Baker Books
a division of Baker Publishing Group
PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
www.bakerbooks.com
Ebook edition created 2019
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
ISBN 978-1-4934-1920-3
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.
Scripture quotations labeled KJV are from the King James Version of the Bible.
Scripture quotations labeled NLT are from the Holy Bible , New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations labeled RSV are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1946, 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Dedication
To all who seek to find
meaning, identity, and significance.
May you find what you seek.
Contents
Cover
Endorsements
Half Title Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Preface
Introduction
Part 1: Skeptics Welcome
1. A Dead Body
2. Suspicions about Christianity
3. Keystone Species
Part 2: Measuring Christianitys Impact on Society
4. The Scientific Revolution
5. Life before Jesuss Influence
6. Seeds, Trees and Fruit
7. Universities
8. Hospitals and Modern Medicine
9. The Evil of Slavery
10. The End of Open Slavery
11. Literacy and Public Education
12. Summary Thoughts on Christian Influence
13. Did Jesus Actually Exist?
14. What Is the Actual Impact of Jesuss Life?
15. The Surprising Influence of Jesus
16. What Does Jesuss Influence Mean for Me?
17. Empirically Measuring Jesuss Claims
Conclusion
Appendix A: For Further Reading
Appendix B: Baselining in Investigations
Appendix C: Anchor-Point Research Methodology
Acknowledgments
Notes
About the Author
Back Ads
Back Cover
Preface
Y ou and I have something in common. We are both searching for the same things in life. We seek to answer basic questions about ourselves.