The recent book, Dominion, by Tom Holland, is a thought-provoking history of Christianity. For me, it comes in the back door of secular journalism toward an unusual defense of the religion. I saw Dominion not as the work of an apologist but of a bare-knuckled but admiring observer.

I gained a sense of the revolutionary teachings of Jesus and the very human capabilities of those attempting to follow those teachings.

We are right to condemn atrocities in the name of any religion, including Christianity. Give Christianity its due, however. It’s difficult to find a religion having more influence toward the uplifting of women or the abolishment of slavery.

In the name of Christ, despite the failings of some who go by that name, the hungry are fed, the thirsty have wells built for them, the homeless are given shelter, hospitals are built for the sick, clothes are gathered for the raggedly clothed, and ministries are begun for those in prison.

One of the miracles of Christianity is its call to the weak, its raising of hope that we, though sinners, can change and become healers.