Rise of Christianity - A Sociologist Reconsiders History

"The idea that Christianity started as a clandestine movement among the poor is a widely accepted notion. Yet it is one of many myths that must be discarded if we are to understand just how a tiny messianic movement on the edge of the Roman Empire became the dominant faith of Western civilization. In a fast-paced, highly readable book that addresses beliefs as well as historical facts, Rodney Stark brings a sociologist's perspective to bear on the puzzle behind the success of early Christianity. He comes equipped not only with the logic and methods of social science but also with insights gathered firsthand into why people convert and how new religious groups recruit members. He digs deep into the historical evidence on many issues-such as the social background of converts, the mission to the Jews, the status of women in the church, the role of martyrdom-to provide a vivid and unconventional account of early Christianity"--

About the author

Rodney Stark (1934-2022) was Distinguished Professor of the Social Sciences at Baylor University, where he was former codirector of the Institute for Studies of Religion. His many books include The Churching of America, 1776-1990 (with Roger Finke) and A Theory of Religion (with William Sims Bainbridge).

Summary

The idea that Christianity started as a clandestine movement among the poor is a widely accepted notion. This book addresses beliefs and historical facts, and brings a sociologist's perspective to bear on the puzzle behind the success of early Christianity. It provides insights into why people convert and how new religious groups recruit members.

Product details

• Authors: Rodney Stark, Stark Rodney
• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 01.05.2023, delayed
• EAN: 9780691248042
• ISBN: 978-0-691-24804-2
• No. of pages: 264
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History > General, dictionaries; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Religion: general, reference works; SOCIAL SCIENCE / Sociology / General, PSYCHOLOGY / Social Psychology, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Sociology of Religion, HISTORY / World, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Anthropology / General, RELIGION / Christianity / General, RELIGION / Psychology of Religion, Christianity, General & world history, Social, group or collective psychology, Sociology & anthropology, General and world history, Sociology and anthropology