Being the Bad Guys: How to Live For Jesus in a World That Says You Shouldn't

This easy to read book was a fun one to do as a book club, there are lots of ideas it brings up, dealing with world view, recent media stories, the political landscape, etc. and it had some really valuable insights, such as - the world wants the kingdom that Christianity offers, but without the King - that is why they take our language like faith, love, joy, etc. and change it to mean something completely different. Christians need to be reminded that there is suffering now but glory later, and that should change our mindset and actions.

This Australian book is very practical. It looks at how Christians have now become the """"bad guys"""" in society. McAlpine teaches Christians not to play the victim card, but to living out genuine Christian lives with integrity and love as a witness to the world around them. Highly recommended for Christians in a Western context.

This book is essential reading for Christians living in Australia! \\nIt both encourages the reader to press on in living for Jesus, and provides a stark reminder that we have to get used to being the bad guys if we do so. \\nI came away from reading this book feeling motivated to find ways to show the love of Jesus to my neighbours, to raise up my children to love the Lord, and to keep my eyes fixed on eternity.

It is good to be bad. \\n\\nChristianity has had the privilege of being the good guy a few generations ago. Where many laws were derived from Christians ethics, morals, and values. Where Christianity morality and identity was assumed and was never challenged. Today, however, Christians are increasingly viewed as the bad guy. More and more laws were made that lie outside the morals and values of Christianity. Our views are considered hostile and unloving. Suddenly, we become the bad guy. Our beliefs are not merely seen as wrong but dangerous. \\n\\n""""Christianity is no longer an option; it's a problem. """"\\n\\nThis book is written from the perspective of a Christian writer who lives in 21st century post-Christian western society - in this case, Australia. Which I found to be very helpful. It is an honest and raw look at how Christianity is seen in Australia today. But, instead of telling us to stop being the bad guys; McAlpine outlines how to be the bad guys. How to be the best bad guy we can be. This book is a wake-up call for Christians in Australia. \\n

This book is clear, easy to understand and straight to the point making it a fantastic read for everyone! I found it encouraging and hopeful; the Western world may be turning against us but that does not mean we need to despair or panic. It gives real advice/examples of how to stand firm as a Christian in various circles of life, including in the workplace, which I found very relevant and helpful. Highly recommend and a well deserved 'Australian Christian Book of the Year'!