As we all know and as many of our well established textbooks have argued for decades, the Inquisition was one of the most frightening and bloody chapters in Western history, Pope Pius XII was anti-Semitic and rightfully called Hitler s Pope, the Dark Ages were a stunting of the progress of knowledge to be redeemed only by the secular spirit of the Enlightenment, and the religious Crusades were an early example of the rapacious Western thirst for riches and power. But what if these long held beliefs were all wrong? In this stunning, powerful, and ultimately persuasive book, Rodney Stark,...
As we all know and as many of our well established textbooks have argued for decades, the Inquisition was one of the most frightening and bloody chapt...
What is the state of Christianity in China, really? Some scholars say that China is invulnerable to religion. Some say that past efforts of missionaries have failed, writing off those who were converted as nothing more than rice Christians, or cynical souls who had frequented the missions for the benefits they provided. Some wonder if the Cultural Revolution extinguished any chances of Christianity in China. Rodney Stark and Xiuhua Wang offer a different perspective, arguing that Christianity is alive, well, and even on the rise. Stark approaches the topic from an extensive research...
What is the state of Christianity in China, really? Some scholars say that China is invulnerable to religion. Some say that past efforts of missionari...
In the last century, some professional theorists, and large chunks of the culture with them, have begun to claim that religion boils down to no more than society s self-worship, self-delusion, and desire to control others. But in Why God?, renowned sociologist of religion Rodney Stark reveals the complete lack of evidence behind these popular theories. Drawing from a fascinating array of historical data, he offers a compelling argument showing why almost all people, in all places and all times, have been religious and why, contra these theorists, you can t explain religion without...
In the last century, some professional theorists, and large chunks of the culture with them, have begun to claim that religion boils down to no more t...