Being the Bad Guys

John Anderson

This is a must-read for anyone grappling to understand the staggering changes in our society as all the old certainties—and notions of how we relate to each other—are suddenly swept out to sea and replaced by a strident new authoritism that seeks to drown out all dissent. McAlpine is deeply perceptive and writes with the simple clarity that only a master of complex issues can provide. At last we can find a neat and accessible explanation of what is happening in our culture.

Linda Allcock

With piercing insight, McAlpine skilfully draws parallels between the battles we face today in our culture and familiar Bible stories, impelling us to stand up courageously for the truth of the gospel against a tide of opposition. Through this book I have been forewarned and forearmed by the gospel, which he applies in a clear, radical, inspiring and relevant way. A timely wake-up call that has already proved invaluable in my personal witness.

How To Represent Jesus In A Secular World

Are we, as people who love and follow Jesus, ready to answer the questions of a hostile, secular culture, focused on determining their own identity. What about to answer those who are confused and uncertain, looking for a meaningful answer about who they are. Are we ready to engage with the suffering and struggling around us with the truth of life’s meaning, purpose and restoration through the gospel?... continue reading

"Stephen McAlpine brilliantly analyzes the culture we live in"

Welcome to post-Christian reality! We are now seeing a new religion built on individual autonomy and personal fulfilment. And it’s a religion that’s hostile to the gospel of Jesus Christ. But we shouldn’t be surprised at such hostility if we know our Bibles well. Why? Because Jesus guaranteed such hostility.... continue reading

“Knowing where we are in Western culture”

Worth reading just for the first two chapters. The premise of the book is spot on for Christians in the West. The 'solutions' are a bit generic. The real strength of the book is helping us realise where we are.

“Being the Bad Guys”

To say I enjoyed this book is not really accurate. I appreciated it and was daunted challenged and the ultimately encouraged by it. Daunted by the fairly bleak outlook on non-believing society; challenged by the need to respond more to the call of the gospel, but ultimately encouraged by the thought from the Bible that greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.
A book that is almost surely a must read for all evangelically based Christians.

“Excellent and timely book”

This is an excellent book. It addresses the culture wars we find ourselves in and then looks at how a follower of Jesus should respond. From my perspective the book asks the right questions and points in the right direction for answers. There are questions posed that are (unfortunately) not answered, and some that might even be answered incorrectly. But the focus and emphasis are good, positive and (I believe) correct. This is a book that I would like anyone who claims to follow Jesus to read.

“2021 Australian Christian Book of the Year”

No longer just quaint or irrelevant, Christians in Western society are once again regarded as “haters of humankind”. After exploring the ways a Christian worldview is unacceptable in contemporary culture and the complex situations in which this places orthodox believers, Stephen McAlpine gets down to business. There is neither reason nor time for indulging in despair or victimhood. Being the Bad Guys calls on Christians to admit our failures and embrace life as a creative minority. As a community on the margins, we can welcome the actual victims of contemporary culture as they look for grace and solace from its bruising brutality. McAlpine is fearless, feisty and fluent. This book is an overdue reset for Christians who have not yet realised that they are more like Daniel in Babylon than Solomon in the land of milk and honey.

“The challenge and encouragement the church needs today”

If you, like me, have felt weary in recent times of engaging with culture and wider society, this book is a punchy, hearty reminder of how unbelievably good it is to know and follow Jesus. I’m so grateful for Stephen McAlpine’s winsome, heartfelt call to stick with Jesus even when the going is tough in the current climate.

But praise God that the book doesn’t then just send us back into our holy huddles - Stephen includes really practical suggestions for how we might (and should!) boldly respond to the cultural gauntlet that’s been thrown.

The two things together - encouragement and challenge - make this book such a helpful and timely read.

“Much needed wake-up call and encouragement for Christians”

Stephen McAlpine rings a timely wake-up call for Christians today. A sobering reality is honestly and wisely presented: Bible-believing Christians are becoming the bad guys in a post-Christian culture that calls for looking within oneself and living autonomously to find meaning and purpose. The biblical belief of a God-given identity is increasingly being viewed as dangerous to living a life that flourishes. It has so helpfully showed me what it looks like, in the context of the current cultural tide, to live in accordance with Jesus’ teaching that ‘if the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first’ (John 15:18).

Wonderfully, the author gives Christians going against this tide reasons to hope and persevere with joy. Examples in the Bible where God’s people lived in severe hostility are used to model for us the way to live a life in integrity towards men and faithful to God, through which others can be drawn to the true Gospel. It grounds its readers in the certain hope of future glory promised by Jesus that gives joy in the present. It’s so inspiring and encouraging to know that, as God’s people throughout history did, I can live as ‘the best bad guy’ in this world.

Much in-depth thought and Biblical wisdom is put to paper simply and succinctly. It engages its readers so well that it can be finished in one go (almost what I did)! A must read for all Christians.

“Absolutely brilliant”

Quite the best book I've read this year. With penetrating analysis Stephen McAlpine understands our culture and shows us how to live as "bad guys". A MUST read.

“A superb commentary on contemporary issues”

Much of what I hear and read about being a believer in today's world often leaves me reeling and feeling despondent, helpless and hopeless. "Being the Bad Guys" (with its gender-inclusive use of 'Guys'!) not only provides a very helpful analysis of modern Western culture, it also proclaims the true truth as to who rules over all He has created, thus lifting our eyes to the One seated on the throne. McAlpine is a great communicator, using language and illustrations which are easily accessible. I was able to read his book in an evening, and his down-to-earthiness, warm pastoral heart and honest encouragement have remained in my own mind and heart as a result.

“A must read”

Couldn’t put this book down ! It answered so many questions .