Being the Bad Guys

Collin Hansen

Stephen McAlpine doesn’t just describe the chilling change in our Western cultural climate. He also shows the way to follow Jesus through the storms.

Tim Challies

It’s undoubtedly a fallacy to think that any period of history has been static, free from any significant societal change. But it’s undoubtedly equally true that in our particular period of history we are witnessing change that is both swift and seismic. One of the most jarring changes for Christians has been our transformation from being good guys to bad guys. At a time like this we need guidance on how to live for Jesus, and that’s exactly the guidance Stephen McAlpine so aptly provides in this excellent book.

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

“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.

“BEING THE BAD GUYS-Stephen McAlpine”

Up to the minute cultural analysis (Philip Schofield, J K Rowling, the BBC’s 100
genders for children… films you may never have heard of…); applied Biblical
exegesis (from Haggai – yes, Haggai! – 1 Peter, the Lord’s call to deny ourselves
and to carry our cross…); recognition of the pickle we’re now in as BAD GUYS
(but we’re NOT [yet?] being persecuted…); plus strategy for Christians/the
Church to witness effectively in the contemporary world… It’s great!

All on the cultural front line, in the trenches of the workplace, and in the thick of
the spiritual battle in community, society and denomination will find inspiration,
guidance and encouragement here. McAlpine has written a tract for the times…
Encourage your fellow believers and buy a copy for them too… They will thank you!

“Punchy, needed, and hopeful reading for the Church today”

A more relevant, needed, and punchy book, I haven't read for some time. I couldn't put it down, and finished it within an evening. It is engagingly written, with a graspable main thesis that will provoke thought about our current cultural situation, but crucially will give some helpful pointers in how Christ followers and the wider gospel community can respond. Our generation need to deal with much of this, and reclaim the gospel DNA of self-denial....which is good news. Encouraging and exciting stuff.