The a sociologist reconsiders history Stark, Rodney. creator text bibliography nju Princeton, N.J Princeton University Press c1996 1996 monographic eng

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xiv, 246 p. : ill., map ; 24 cm. Summary: 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. Contents: Conversion and Christian growth -- The class basis of early Christianity -- The mission to the Jews: Why it probably succeeded -- Epidemics, networks, and conversion -- The role of women in Christian growth -- Christianizing the urban empire: A quantitative approach -- Urban chaos and crisis: The case of Antioch -- The martyrs: Sacrifice as rational choice -- Opportunity and organization -- A brief reflection on virtue. Rodney Stark. Includes bibliographical references (p. 223-242) and index. aw----- e------ ff----- Church history Primitive and early church, ca. 30-600 Christian sociology History Early church, ca. 30-600 BR 166 .S75 1996 306.6/701 0691027498 (cloth : acidfree paper) 95044197 DLC 950922 20160122130804.0 33243035