{"title":"Rodney Stark","description":"\u003cp\u003eRodney Stark's works offer a thoughtful exploration of religious history and the social forces shaping spirituality throughout the ages. His writing delves deeply into the emergence and development of Christianity, providing readers with insights that bridge sociology and theology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith a focus on historical analysis and cultural impact, Stark’s books invite readers to consider the complex interplay between faith and society. Those drawn to understanding religion from a scholarly yet accessible perspective will find his studies both engaging and enlightening.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-rise-of-christianity-by-rodney-stark-9780060677015","title":"The Rise of Christianity","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRodney Stark's \u003cem\u003efresh, blunt, and highly persuasive account of how the West was won—for Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eNewsweek\u003c\/em\u003e)—a provocative report that challenges conventional wisdom and finds that Christianity's astounding dominance of the Western world arose from its offer of a better, more secure way of life.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCompelling reading\u003c\/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eLibrary Journal\u003c\/em\u003e) that is sure to \u003cem\u003egenerate spirited argument\u003c\/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/em\u003e), this account of Christianity's remarkable growth within the Roman Empire is the subject of much fanfare. \"Anyone who has puzzled over Christianity's rise to dominance ... must read it,\" says Yale University's Wayne A. Meeks, for \u003cem\u003eThe Rise of Christianity\u003c\/em\u003e makes a compelling case for startling conclusions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCombining his expertise in social science with historical evidence, and his insight into contemporary religion's appeal, Stark finds that early Christianity attracted the privileged rather than the poor, that most early converts were women or marginalized Jews—and ultimately \"that Christianity was a success because it proved those who joined it with a more appealing, more assuring, happier, and perhaps longer life\" (Andrew M. Greeley, University of Chicago).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47417735446764,"sku":"9780060677015","price":32.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/61tbwrwp3iL._SL1500.jpg?v=1774307755"},{"product_id":"the-rise-of-christianity-by-rodney-stark-9780691248042","title":"The Rise of Christianity","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 civilisation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn 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 first-hand into why people convert and how new religious groups recruit members.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe author plots the most plausible curve of Christian growth from the year 40 to 300. By the time of Constantine, Christianity had become a considerable force, with growth patterns very similar to those of modern-day successful religious movements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Rise of Christianity\u003c\/em\u003e by Rodney Stark offers an unusual and insightful exploration of how early Christian communities grew and flourished, challenging entrenched historical myths with fresh analysis and perspective.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47461630181612,"sku":"9780691248042","price":39.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780691248042-the-rise-of-christianity.jpg?v=1774973651"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/rodney-stark.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}