The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast CNLP 311 | John S. Dickerson On The Bias Against Christianity, How Christianity Has Made a Surprisingly Positive Contribution to History, and Why Christianity is the Opposite of Anti-Intellectual
Dec 24, 2019
John S. Dickerson, an award-winning investigative journalist turned pastor and author of 'Jesus Skeptic', shares his profound journey from doubt to faith. He explores why younger generations are skeptical of Christianity, pointing out shared values like social justice. Dickerson highlights the positive historical impacts of Christians, from advancing women's rights to founding universities and hospitals. He argues that the scientific revolution was rooted in a Christian context while addressing the need for authentic discipleship in today's culture.
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Christianity's Surprising Social Legacy
- John S. Dickerson argues many cultural critics misrepresent Christianity's historic social contributions.
- He documents that abolition, universities, and hospitals were often advanced by committed Christians.
Lead With Shared Values
- Find shared values with the people you want to reach, such as making the world better.
- Use historical examples to connect skeptics to Christianity rather than arguing theology abstractly.
Abolitionist Pastor Driven From His Church
- John tells of Reverend John Rankin who preached against slavery and was driven out of Tennessee.
- Rankin then operated an Underground Railroad stop and endured attacks for his convictions.
