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Rachel King (13 KP) rated Christians Are Hate-Filled Hypocrites...and Other Lies You've Been Told: A Sociologist Shatters Myths from the Secular and Christian Media in Books

Feb 11, 2019

For a book filled with sociological data, statistics, and charts on nearly every other page, I found this book to be surprisingly engrossing. To be sure, this book is by no means an easy read, and requires a certain amount of intellect to understand the plethora of data that Wright provides on every conceivable topic related to the image of Christianity - whether it be from the perspective of Christians or non-Christians.
Wright also uses the book to teach the reader not only the correct data about many of the misconceptions of the image of Christianity, but also how to respond to the blind faith that many have when quoting others' seemingly statistically-based beliefs. He gives examples of this in conversation and how to enlighten others all throughout the book. He describes how many people, when addressing topics in Christianity, will use embellished or misinterpreted statistics to draw attention to themselves as an author or preacher just like the fear-mongering of the news on television or newspaper. He also discusses how the power of personal prejudices and stereotypes can override the blatant evidence to the contrary for many people.
Without getting into all of the detailed statistical findings that Wright reveals, I can easily say that most claims about the image of Christianity are exaggerated or completely false. But don't take my word for it - read it for yourself.

Kudos

ClareR (5846 KP) rated The Dangerous Kind in Books

Mar 27, 2019 (Updated Mar 27, 2019)

1 in 100 People

This was such an enjoyable book - the subject matter however, was very uncomfortable. The story is set in the present day and 2002. In the present day, a radio presenter for Radio 4 and former newspaper reporter, Jessamine, presents a programme about potentially dangerous people, and whether there had been signs of their violence in the past. In 2002, we follow a 13 year old girl called Rowan, who is in care. She becomes involved with some very disturbing men. Paedophiles. Nothing is described explicitly, but anyone with any kind of imagination will be able to fill in the gaps from the descriptions we’re given.
This was such a well written book - there was an underlying feeling of menace through both timelines that made me feel very uncomfortable (which was no bad thing as it really added to the experience!) and the main characters had me fighting in their corners throughout.
I’m a big fan of the ‘literary twist’, and this certainly delivered. This book is well worth your time and money, I highly recommend it!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and the author for reading along with her readers.
And the 1 in 100 refers to those who are likely to go on to commit some sort of violent criminal act. Not such a nice thought....