Jesus Skeptic

A Journalist Explores the Credibility and Impact of Christianity

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Can we know if Jesus actually lived? How has one figure influenced our world so dramatically? A respected journalist set out to find the answers--not from opinion but from artifacts. The evidence led him to an unexpected conclusion.

A first-of-its-kind book for a new generation, Jesus Skeptic takes nothing for granted as it explores whether Jesus actually lived and how his story has changed our world. In these pages we'll explore how Christianity has impacted and shaped our culture, including how followers of Jesus helped to abolish slavery, establish public education, found modern hospitals, support women's rights, drive racial reconciliation, and fight for justice and progress in a multitude of arenas. In a generation that wants to make the world a better place, we can discover what humanity's greatest champions had in common: a Christian faith.

"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. 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

"This generation isn't simply asking, 'Is Christianity true?' They want to know, 'Is Christianity good?' In Jesus Skeptic, John Dickerson provides a compelling answer to these pressing questions."--Drew Dyck, contributing editor at CTPastors.com and author of Your Future Self Will Thank You


John S. Dickerson is an award-winning journalist, a millennial, and a bestselling author. His writing has appeared in the New York Times and USA Today, among others. Tom Brokaw (NBC News) and Christiane Amanpour (CNN and ABC News) have named him winner of the Livingston Award for Young Journalists. Now convinced that Jesus launched the greatest movement for social good, John has given his life to join the cause. Today he serves as lead pastor at Connection Pointe Christian Church in Indianapolis. Learn more at JohnSDickerson.com.


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, Dickerson's words are extremely insightful and relevant."

Dr. Jim Denison, CEO of Denison Forum and author of How Does God See America?

"This generation isn't 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 Christianity's 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 Christianity's impact on history--then 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.' That's true--but 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 perspective--presented 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 book's intended audience--not 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 facts--not opinions--to answer their most challenging questions about Jesus's 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 John's work to you, knowing that it will surprise you and draw you into the greater narrative of God's unfolding mission within history. If you are a skeptic, this book is especially for you, and John's arguments and research will intrigue you and invite you further into dialogue with history's most significant person, Jesus."

Ed Stetzer, executive director of the Billy Graham Center


The Author

  1. John S. Dickerson
    © Christian Barreno

    John S. Dickerson

    John S. Dickerson is a seminary-trained pastor and bestselling author. A millennial with biblical convictions, he strives to communicate the unchanging truth of Scripture to a new generation. He is the lead pastor of Connection Pointe Christian Church in...

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