John began his writing career in 1993. Since then he has produced numerous bestselling titles. Below is a selection.
John began his writing career in 1993. Since then he has produced numerous bestselling titles. Below is a selection.
How historians know what they know about Jesus
“This is a work soundly based on historical and New Testament scholarship, but presented in a readable way for the enquirer who wants answers to questions about the hot issue of the historical basis of the Christian faith.
Dr Dickson takes us through what we can realistically know about the life of Jesus of Nazareth from (largely hostile) ancient pagan and Jewish writings as well as New Testament and near contemporary Christian sources from the time of Jesus or soon after. The reader will find it hard to escape Dickson’s conclusion that the Gospels deserve to be read seriously.”
From the Foreword by Alanna Nobbs, Professor of Ancient History, Macquarie University, Australia.
Read the Introduction to ‘The Christ Files‘ (pdf)
Sample Chapter 5 of ‘The Christ Files‘. (pdf)
An introduction to the ‘big five’
The award-winning volume outlining the history and beliefs of the world’s five major religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Designed for believers and sceptics alike, this book urges readers to confront the similarities and differences between the great faiths and to work for greater understanding and compassion among all.
Read sample Chapters 1-3 (pdf)
Struggling with Evil, Suffering and Faith
No question has plagued the minds of thinking men and women more than the problem of pain: if there is a Creator, how could so much evil and suffering exist? While freely acknowledging the limitations of philosophy, science and religion to provide ultimate answers, John tentatively points to some ancient ideas that have provided a comfort to millions throughout history.
Read an excerpt (pdf)
This is a book about things that matter – life, death, relationships, sex, science, fashion, meaning and the quest for God. We all have a hunch, a sneaking suspicion, there is more to life than meets the eye. Here, Dickson tries to put into words things we often contemplate but rarely discuss in public.
Read an excerpt (pdf)
This is the published version of John’s doctoral dissertation and offers a wide-ranging historical and philological examination of Second Temple Jewish literature and the epistles of St Paul. It contributes to the vexing historical question, How did early Christianity spread throughout the early Roman empire?
Read the
Introduction (pdf) or Chapter 1 Winning the Gentiles (pdf)
Read an academic review (pdf) in the Journal for the Study of the New Testament.