The Rise of Christianity: A Sociologist Reconsiders History

A sociologist's perspective is used in Rodney Stark's book to explain how a small messianic movement on the edge of the Roman Empire became the dominant faith of Western civilization. He investigates the social background of converts, the mission to the Jews, the status of women in the church, and the role of martyrdom to offer a vivid and unconventional account of early Christianity. Stark proposes the most likely curve of Christian growth from 40 to 300, with growth patterns similar to modern-day successful religious movements. Christianity had a large following among persons seeking to assimilate into the dominant culture, and intermarriages with pagans led to a high fertility rate.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

A groundbreaking reevaluation of the factors that contributed to the ascendancy of Christianity in the West

The prevailing belief that Christianity originated as a covert movement among the underprivileged is a widely held misconception. However, it is just one of numerous myths that must be debunked in order to comprehend the remarkable transformation of a small messianic movement on the periphery of the Roman Empire into the dominant faith of Western civilization. In a concise and engaging book that combines social science reasoning with firsthand observations of conversion and recruitment strategies, Rodney Stark offers a sociologist's perspective on the enigma behind early Christianity's success. Drawing upon his expertise in social science methodology and insights gained through personal encounters with the process of conversion, Stark delves deep into historical evidence on various topics, including the social backgrounds of converts, the mission to Jews, the status of women in the church, and the role of martyrdom. The result is a vivid and unconventional account of early Christianity that challenges prevailing narratives and provides a fresh perspective on this pivotal period in history.

The author charts the most plausible trajectory of Christian growth from the year 40 to 300. By the time of Constantine, Christianity had emerged as a significant force, exhibiting growth patterns akin to modern-day successful religious movements. Notably, a significant proportion of Christian converts hailed from the educated, cosmopolitan classes. Christianity's appeal lay in its ability to offer a novel perspective on familiar concepts and its lack of association with ethnicity, making it attractive to individuals seeking assimilation into the dominant culture, particularly Hellenized Jews. The surplus of women in Christian communities, partly due to their respect and protection, facilitated intermarriages with pagans, leading to further conversions and a high fertility rate. Stark highlights the significance of these factors in shaping the trajectory of Christian growth and its eventual dominance in the West.

In conclusion, Rodney Stark's book offers a groundbreaking reevaluation of the factors that contributed to the ascendancy of Christianity in the West. By challenging prevailing myths and providing a sociologist's perspective on the historical evidence, Stark sheds light on the complex processes that led to the dominance of Christianity in the Western world. His book is a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the origins of Christianity and its impact on world history.

Dimension: 203 x 133 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691248042