# Saints Behaving Badly
## Introduction: The Making of Saints
- Overview of sainthood and how saints are canonized.
- Historical context of sanitized vs. candid portrayals of saints in literature.
- Purpose of the book: Highlighting unsaintly pasts to show transformation.
## Part I: Sinners Turned Saints
### Chapter 1: Thieves, Extortionists, and Criminals
- St. Moses the Black
- From violent thief to peaceful monk.
- His acts of repentance and dedication to God.
- St. Dismas (The Good Thief)
- Crucified alongside Jesus; his act of faith on the cross.
- Redemption through humility.
### Chapter 2: Murderers and Warmongers
- St. Olga of Kiev
- Revenge massacre after her husband’s assassination.
- Conversion to Christianity and advocacy for peace.
- St. Vladimir of Russia
- Brutal ruler turned evangelist who spread Christianity across Eastern Europe.
### Chapter 3: Sexual Sinners and Prodigals
- St. Mary of Egypt
- Life as a prostitute and temptress.
- Pilgrimage to Jerusalem and miraculous conversion.
- Years of penance in the desert.
- St. Pelagia
- Renowned actress and courtesan.
- Baptism and life as a recluse devoted to prayer.
### Chapter 4: Greedy and Power-Hungry Figures
- St. Thomas Becket
- Conflict with King Henry II over wealth and power.
- Martyrdom and posthumous veneration.
- St. Camillus de Lellis
- Gambler and soldier turned healer and founder of an order dedicated to caring for the sick.
## Part II: Lessons from Their Lives
### Chapter 5: Transformation Through Faith
- Common themes among their conversions.
- Divine intervention and personal epiphanies.
- Influence of mentors or spiritual guides.
- Role of suffering and penance in redemption.
### Chapter 6: Humility and Repentance
- Importance of humility in overcoming pride and arrogance.
- Examples of saints seeking forgiveness and making amends.
- Stories of public confessions and restitution.
### Chapter 7: Inspiring Modern Readers
- How these stories resonate today.
- Practical lessons for contemporary believers.
- Encouragement to embrace imperfection and strive for holiness.
## Conclusion: The Journey to Sainthood
- Recap of the diverse backgrounds of the saints profiled.
- Reflection on the universality of sin and redemption.
- Final thoughts on finding hope and inspiration in unlikely places.