John Dickson

This book takes the form of intellectual histories of eight major representative figures of the twentieth century, who inherited and responded to the spiritual problematic left by Nietzsche. With each figure offering very different ethical and spiritual positions, all shed light on what we mean when we talk confusedly around the topics of politics and religion. With portraits of Max Weber, Georg Lukács, T. S. Eliot, W. H. Auden, Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, George Orwell and Hannah Arendt, the author explores the "latent" content of their worldview—the moral (or immoral) intention of their intellectual project. In each of the case studies, the aim is to move toward an understanding of their ultimate values, to get at their particular picture of the soul, as well as the implications of this vision for religion and politics. As such, The Politics of the Soul will appeal to scholars of sociology and social theory, religion, philosophy, political theory and cultural studies.

Is the world better off without Christianity? Combining narrative with keen critique of contemporary debates, author and historian John Dickson gives an honest account of 2,000 years of Christian history that helps us understand what Christianity is and what it's meant to be. To say that the Christian Church has an "image problem" doesn't quite capture it. From the Crusades and the Inquisition to the racism and abuse present in today's Church--both in Catholic and Protestant traditions--the institution that Christ established on earth has a lot to answer for. But the Church has also had moments throughout history when it has been in tune with Jesus' teachings--from the rise of charity to the invention of hospitals. For defenders of the faith, it's important to be able to recognize the good and bad in the church's history and be inspired to live aligned with Christ. For skeptics, this book is a thought-provoking introduction to the idea that Christianity is, despite all, an essential foundation of our civilization. Now in softcover, this new edition provides a new chapter on the conversion of the Vikings. Bullies and Saints will take you on a big-picture journey from the Sermon on the Mount to the modern church:Giving contextual accounts of infamous chapters of Christian history, such as the Crusades, and acknowledging their darkness. Outlining the great movements of the faith and defending its heroes and saints, some of whom are not commonly recognized. Examining the Church beside the teachings and life of Jesus and how it has succeeded in its mission to imitate Christ.

This book takes the form of intellectual histories of eight major representative figures of the twentieth century, who inherited and responded to the spiritual problematic left by Nietzsche. With each figure offering very different ethical and spiritual positions, all shed light on what we mean when we talk confusedly around the topics of politics and religion. With portraits of Max Weber, Georg Lukács, T. S. Eliot, W. H. Auden, Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, George Orwell and Hannah Arendt, the author explores the "latent" content of their worldview—the moral (or immoral) intention of their intellectual project. In each of the case studies, the aim is to move toward an understanding of their ultimate values, to get at their particular picture of the soul, as well as the implications of this vision for religion and politics. As such, The Politics of the Soul will appeal to scholars of sociology and social theory, religion, philosophy, political theory and cultural studies.

For believers and skeptics alike, A Doubter's Guide to World Religions introduces the five major world religions so that you can explore their similarities and differences in a fair and engaging way. The world is a very religious place. Wherever you look, people are worshipping, praying, believing, following, even dying for their faith. But what does it mean to be religious? Are all religions the same? Do they all call on the same God simply using different names? Are their beliefs and practices simply cultural expressions of the same spiritual longings? Written by historian and theologian John Dickson in his characteristically engaging style, this book presents each of the world's five major systems of faith, carefully outlining the history, doctrines, beliefs, and spiritual practices of:Hinduism ("The Way of Release")Buddhism ("The Way of Enlightenment")Judaism ("The Way of the Torah")Christianity ("The Way of the Christ")Islam ("The Way of Submission")In his own words, Dickson acts as an art curator in a gallery, presenting each of these "works of art" in their best light and letting each have their say. Along the way, he demonstrates the importance of religion in general—to society and to individual believers—and addresses many of the universal questions that all of these serious and ancient religions ask:Who are we? What is our worth? How should we live? Are we alone? At the end of each section is a bibliography of helpful books and websites for those who are interested in learning even more.

John Dickson pregunta: Qu podemos saber con certeza sobre el pasado? Se puede considerar algo de la historia antigua como "hecho"? En particular, con qu seriedad podemos tomar las fuentes hist ricas para la vida, muerte y resurrecci n de Jes s de Nazaret? Realmente vivi en Galilea y Judea del primer siglo, o es una figura legendaria? En este oportuno libro, el historiador Dr. John Dickson revela c mo funciona el campo de la historia, brindando a los lectores las herramientas para evaluar por s mismos lo que podemos decir con confianza sobre figuras como el emperador Tiberio, Alejandro Magno, Poncio Pilato y, por supuesto, Jes s de Nazaret. Presenta la evidencia, los m todos y las conclusiones de los acad micos convencionales, tanto cristianos como no, y hace algunas preguntas contempor neas pertinentes, sin ofrecer respuestas insistentes: si Jes s realmente existi , qu debemos hacer con sus propias afirmaciones y las de sus seguidores, y qu significar a algo para nosotros hoy? Con la caracter stica claridad y excelencia de la erudici n, John Dickson examina las evidencias hist ricas de Jes s. Su estilo accesible y fuentes actualizadas hacen que sea una lectura obligada para cualquiera que se tome en serio la investigaci n de Jes s. Is Jesus History? (Questioning Faith) What can we really know for sure about the past? Can anything be trusted as reliable historical fact? In particular, are the historical sources for the life, death and resurrection of Jesus trustworthy? Did a man called Jesus really live in first-century Palestine, or is he a figure of legend or a made-up story? In this timely book, historian John Dickson unpacks how history works so that we have the tools to evaluate what we can confidently say about figures like Emperor Tiberius, Pontius Pilate, High Priest Caiaphas, and, of course, Jesus of Nazareth. He presents the evidence and the conclusions of the vast majority of scholars both Christian and not in this area. But more than that, he asks some more pertinent questions: If Jesus really did exist, was he who he claimed to be and if so, what does that mean for you today?

Is the world better off without Christianity? Combining narrative with keen critique of contemporary debates, author and historian John Dickson gives an honest account of 2,000 years of Christian history that helps us understand what Christianity is and what it's meant to be. To say that the Christian Church has an "image problem" doesn't quite capture it. From the Crusades and the Inquisition to the racism and abuse present in today's Church--both in Catholic and Protestant traditions--the institution that Christ established on earth has a lot to answer for. But the Church has also had moments throughout history when it has been in tune with Jesus' teachings--from the rise of charity to the invention of hospitals. For defenders of the faith, it's important to be able to recognize the good and bad in the church's history and be inspired to live aligned with Christ. For skeptics, this book is a thought-provoking introduction to the idea that Christianity is, despite all, an essential foundation of our civilization. Bullies and Saints will take you on a big-picture journey from the Sermon on the Mount to the modern church:Giving contextual accounts of infamous chapters of Christian history, such as the Crusades, and acknowledging their darkness. Outlining the great movements of the faith and defending its heroes and saints, some of whom are not commonly recognized. Examining the Church beside the teachings and life of Jesus and how it has succeeded in its mission to imitate Christ.

For over twenty-five years John Dickson served the United States as a Foreign Service officer in North America, South America, the Caribbean, and Africa. In History Shock: When History Collides with Foreign Relations Dickson offers valuable insights into the daily life of a Foreign Service officer and the work of representing the United States. Dickson organizes History Shock around a country-by-country series of lively personal experience vignettes followed by compelling historical analysis of the ways in which his inadequate understanding of the host country's history, particularly its prior history with the United States, combined with his lack of knowledge of his own nation's history lead to history shock: where dramatically different interpretations of history blocked diplomatic understanding and cooperation. John Dickson offers these 'stories with a history' to highlight the interaction between history and foreign relations and to underscore the costs of not knowing the history of our partners and adversaries, much less our own. In both Mexico and Canada in particular our lack of knowledge and understanding of how our long history of military interventions continues to complicate our efforts at developing mutually beneficial relationships with our two closest neighbors. In Nigeria and South Africa, Dickson experienced firsthand how the history of racism in the United States plays out on a world stage and clouds our ability to effectively work with key African nations. Perhaps the starkest example of history shock, of two nations with deeply conflicted views of their own histories and their shared history, is another country near at hand, Cuba. Not all of the gaps are too wide for bridge building; in Peru, Dickson provides an example of how history can be deployed to mutual advantage. The Foreign Service has long sought to improve its training, to provide some form of 'playbook' or 'operating manual' with systematic case studies for its officers. In History Shock Dickson provides not only a model for such case studies but also a unique contribution of an interpretive framework for how to remedy this deficit, including recommendations for strengthening historical literacy in the Foreign Service.

'For the Love of God: Small-Group Study Guide' consists of eight 60-minute sessions designed for small groups, based on the acclaimed documentary of the same name. Each session explores the achievements and failures of the Christian church throughout its history, so that you can make up your own mind about the ongoing impact of Christianity in the modern world. Through watching video excerpts and reading key biblical texts, participants will together explore the question: How faithful has the church been to Jesus and his message?

What can we really know for sure about the past? Can anything be trusted as reliable historical fact? What can we really know for sure about the past? Can anything from ancient history be regarded as 'fact'? In particular, how seriously can we take the historical sources for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth? Did he really even live in first-century Galilee and Judaea, or is he a figure of legend? In this timely book, historian Dr John Dickson unpacks how the field of history works, giving readers the tools to evaluate for themselves what we can confidently say about figures like the Emperor Tiberius, Alexander the Great, Pontius Pilate, and, of course, Jesus of Nazareth. He presents the evidence, methods, and conclusions of mainstream scholars--both Christian and not--and asks some pertinent contemporary questions, without offering any pushy answers: If Jesus really did exist, what are we to make of his own claims and those of his followers, and what would any of it mean for us today?

Humility, or holding power loosely for the sake of others, is sorely lacking in today's world. Without it, many people fail to develop their true leadership potential and miss out on genuine fulfillment in their lives and their relationships. Humilitas: A Lost Key to Life, Love, and Leadership shows how the virtue of humility can turn your strengths into true greatness in all areas of life. Through the lessons of history, business, and the social sciences, author John Dickson shows that humility is not low self-esteem, groveling, or losing our distinct gifts. Instead, humility both recognizes our inherent worth and seeks to use whatever power we have at our disposal on behalf of others. Some of the world's most inspiring and influential players have been people of immense humility. The more we learn about humility, the more we understand how essential it is to a satisfying career and personal life. By embracing this virtue, we will transform for good the unique contributions we each make to the world.

En kortfattet fremstilling av hele den bibelske fortellingen og av Bibelens veiledning for livet. Boken gir et nyttig utgangspunkt for den som betrakter kristendommen fra utsiden og kanskje tenker at det finnes gode grunner til ikke å tro. På en lettfattelig måte oppsummerer forfatteren Skriftens viktigste temaer og løfter opp relevante og vanskelige spørsmål. Dickson presenterer hele Bibelen som løftene om hvordan Gud vil gjenopprette sitt skaperverk og forsone menneskene med seg selv, hverandre og skaperverket. Slik hjelper han skeptikere så vel som troende å forstå hvorfor Bibelen har fascinert, overbevist og forvandlet mennesker opp gjennom århundrene.

A child catches a rare brain virus and is affected for life. A father dies in a plane crash. A dictator murders millions. Why doesn't God do something about things like this? Why does he allow them to happen? In fact, can we still believe in God in the face of all the suffering and pain in the world? In this short book, John Dickson looks honestly at these questions, and provides some compelling answers. He looks briefly at the alternative explanations for suffering provided by Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Atheism, before turning to what the Bible itself says about God, justice and suffering.

The inside story of life with the KraysJohn Dickson arrived in London from Edinburgh in 1964, looking for work...and adventure. He soon found it in the pubs and card clubs of the East End, where he met and go to know the twins and the members of the 'firm'. He was, for many years, a close and trusted henchman of the Krays, and was the man who drove Ronnie to the Blind Beggar pub the night that George Cornell was shot. In this explosive book, Dickson tells the inside story of Ronnie and Reggie's gangland underworld. He recounts the increasingly erratic and senselessly violent behaviour of the twins, and their final arrest, which came at a time when they had thought they were invincible. The Secrets of the Krays is an illuminating and thrilling journey into the world of the East End's most notorious sons.*Previously published as Murder without Conviction*

"Who has not been afraid—at least once—of monsters under the bed? Dickson sets up this classic fear and gives it a new twist when the monsters leave a note! Guridi's rich illustrations give the sense of foreboding dark at first but then quickly shifts to hilarity with the snaggle-toothed grins of quite likable monsters."--Art of the Picture Book How many children have been kept awake wondering “what’s under my bed?” Under My Bed explores this fascination, as a sleepy young boy’s racing imagination wonders what’s really going on beneath his bed. Under My Bed is a fun, sharp and quirky book that demonstrates a valuable lesson: when confronted by our fears and anxieties, sometimes it’s much more fun to just join in.

Who was Jesus? Historical sources portray a person who was complex, multi-layered, and often contradictory to the tidy portrait that much of modern Christianity paints him as. Even the gospel accounts render him as both judge and healer, teacher and temple, servant and savior. A Doubter's Guide to Jesus is a persuasive and often challenging investigation into the historical figure found in the earliest sources. These sources, which include references both direct and indirect—from Roman, Jewish, and Christian accounts—offer us more than simple evidence that Jesus existed; they begin to form a picture that is both deeply credible and profoundly counterintuitive. Each chapter explores the evidence for a different aspect of the most influential figure in human history, exploring:His words and their impact. The scandal of his social life. His preference for the poor and lowly. The meaning of his death and influence of his promises. The goal is not to turn Jesus into something neater, more systematic and digestible; but to see him more clearly as someone who stretches our imaginations, confronts our beliefs, and challenges our lifestyles. After two millennia of spiritual devotion and more than two centuries of modern critical research, we still cannot fit Jesus into a box—and this is as challenging as it is deeply compelling.