UNITED STATES AUTHOR · HISTORY · CHURCH HISTORY
Rodney Stark
All religions involve conceptions of the supernatural.
— from One True God, 2001
Most acclaimed
Sociology
"Sociology is truly a classic introductory text which introduces students to the methods and theories of sociology using Rodney Stark's hallmark 'Over the Shoulder of a professional sociologist' approach, presenting sociology on a personal level. Stark describes what sociologists do and how they do it, focusing first on the questions they pose and how they search for and formulate their answers, and then moving on to study their answers and conclusions. In this way, he effectively explores themes, raising issues in a straightforward manner with historical accuracy and solid research. The text employs a unique feature titled 'A Closer View,' which illustrates seminal research studies to introduce students to the sociological imagination and the world around them." -- Publisher's description.
One True God
2001
"Western history would be unrecognizable had it not been for people who believed in One True God. There would have been wars, but no religious wars. There would have been moral codes, but no Commandments. Had the Jews been polytheists, they would today be only another barely remembered people, less important, but just as extinct as the Babylonians. Had Christians presented Jesus to the Greco-Roman world as "another" God, their faith would long since have gone the way of Mithraism. And surely Islam would never have made it out of the desert had Muhammad not removed Allah from the context of Arab paganism and proclaimed him as the only God.". "The three great monotheisms changed everything. Rodney Stark explains how and why monotheism has such immense power both to unite and to divide. Why and how did Jews, Christians, and Muslims missionize, and when and why did their efforts falter? Why did both Christianity and Islam suddenly become less tolerant of Jews late in the eleventh century, prompting outbursts of mass murder? Why were the Jewish massacres by Christians concentrated in the cities along the Rhine River, and why did the pogroms by Muslims take place mainly in Granada? How could the Jews persist so long as a minority faith, able to withstand intense pressures to convert? Why did they sometimes assimilate? In the final chapter, Stark also exmaines the American experience to show that it is possible for committed monotheists to sustain norms of civility toward one another.". "A sweeping social history of religion, One True God shows how the great monotheisms shaped the past and created the modern world."--BOOK JACKET.
Acts of Faith
"The Acts of Faith trilogy is a sweeping saga set in Israel and beyond during the months and years immediately following the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Authors Davis Bunn and Janette Oke have woven an intriguing story featuring compelling fictional characters who interact with the men and women who were central to the rise of Christianity. Amid religious, political, and cultural persecution, these courageous few must shape and preserve a faith that will stand the test of time."--Amazon.com Centurion's wife (2009): Facing the prospect of an arranged marriage to Alban, a Roman soldier assigned to uncover the truth behind rumors of a political execution gone awry, Leah is secretly commissioned by the governor's wife to also discover what really has become of this man -- Hidden flame (2010): In first-century Judea, Abigail together with her fellow followers of the Way face a gathering storm of persecution they never could have foreseen but find a glimmer of hope through their faith and courage to survive -- Damascus way (2011): Jacob is hired by Julia's father to protect a wealthy merchant's caravans on the "Frankincense Trail" and pass secret messages between communities of believers now dispersed across the land, forcing him and Julia to put aside their initial mistrust.