... All questions concerning the rise of Christianity are one: How was it done? How did a tiny and obscure messianic movement… — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
“By the seventh century, Christianity probably was far stronger and more sophisticated in North Africa and Asia than in Europe.” — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
“What shall we Christians do with this rejected and condemned people, the Jews?’ Luther offered seven actions. First, to set fire to… — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
“Many critics of the Crusades would seem to suppose that after the Muslims had overrun a major portion of Christendom, they should… — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
“Christianity was oriented to the future, while the other major religions asserted the superiority of the past. At least in principle, if… — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
“Slavery ended in medieval Europe only because the church extended its sacraments to all slaves and then managed to impose a ban… — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
The Christian image of God is that of a rational being who believes in human progress. — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
It has been said of many modern Christian theologians that their primary aim is to find ways to express disbelief as belief. — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
“Christianity revitalized life in Greco-Roman cities by providing new norms and new kinds of social relationships able to cope with many urgent… — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
“Because God is a rational being and the universe is his personal creation, it necessarily has a rational, lawful, stable structure, awaiting… — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
Far too long, historians have accepted the claim that the conversion of the Emperor Constantine (ca. 285-337) caused the triumph of Christianity.… — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
“Not only were science and religion compatible, they were inseparable--the rise of science was achieved by deeply religious Christian scholars. ” — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
The Christian image of God is that of a rational being who believes in human progress, more fully revealing himself as humans… — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
The success of the West, including the rise of science, rested entirely on religious foundations, and the people who brought it about… — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
“for many people conversion is simply a matter of aligning their religious life with that of their family, friends, and neighbors who… — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
High testosterone levels have been proven to make men more likely to commit crimes. The tendency in men toward risky behaviour keeps turning up… — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
“Keep in mind that democracy merely gives power to the people; it does not ensure that power will be used wisely or humanely.” — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
“Laws requiring a certain frequency of church attendance, the taking of Communion, and baptism of infants soon appeared all across the Lutheran areas of… — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
“But Christendom was not merely a community of warriors or even a community of the nobility. It was a civilization! Unfortunately, for generations everyone… — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
“No doubt Western modernity has its limitations and discontents. Still, it is far better than the known alternatives—not only, or even primarily, because of… — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
... All questions concerning the rise of Christianity are one: How was it done? How did a tiny and obscure messianic movement from the… — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
“By the seventh century, Christianity probably was far stronger and more sophisticated in North Africa and Asia than in Europe.” — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
There was only one decline in church attendance, and that was in the late 1960s when the Vatican said it was not a sin… — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
“But following these Stone Age discoveries, progress was slow. It is estimated that in terms of the standard of living, things were pretty much… — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
Mormons are an extraordinarily educated and professional population. They have all these virtues: They work hard, don't skip school, have no scandals. Consequently, you… — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
Because God is perfect, his handiwork functions in accord with immutable principles. By the full use of our God-given powers of reason and observation,… — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
Many people who say they have no religion are simply saying they have no official religious affiliation. They may actually have strong personal beliefs. — Rodney Stark Copy Share Image
