The Rise of Christianity
how the obscure, marginal Jesus movement became the dominant religious force in the Western world in a few centuries
by Rodney Stark
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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 picture of early Christianity.
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Subjects
Christian sociology, Church history, History, Primitive and early church, Sociologie, Vroege kerk, Histoire, Religion and sociology, Sociale aspecten, Sociologie religieuse, Early church, Église, Église catholique, Christianisme, Christianity, Church history, primitive and early church, ca. 30-600, Christian sociology, history, EgliseShowing 2 featured editions. View all 2 editions?
| Edition | Availability |
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1
The Rise of Christianity: how the obscure, marginal Jesus movement became the dominant religious force in the Western world in a few centuries
1997, HarperSanFrancisco
in English
- 1st HarperCollins pbk. ed.
0060677015 9780060677015
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2
The rise of Christianity: a sociologist reconsiders history
1996, Princeton University Press
in English
0691027498 9780691027494
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Book Details
Edition Notes
Includes bibliographical references (p. 223-242) and index.
Originally published: Princeton, N.J. : Princeton University Press, c1996.
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