The rise of Christianity : how the obscure, marginal Jesus movement became the dominant religious force in the Western world in a few centuries / Rodney Stark.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 223-242) and index.
Contents
Conversion and Christian growth -- The class basis of early Christianity -- The mission to the Jews : why it probably succeeded -- Epidemics, networks, and conversion -- The role of women in Christian growth -- Christianizing the urban empire : a quantitative approach -- Urban chaos and crisis : the case of Antioch -- The martyrs : sacrifice as rational choice -- Opportunity and organization -- A brief reflection on virtue.
Summary
Examines the rise of Christianity from a tiny messianic movement to the dominant faith of Western civilization and explores the elements that contributed to its rapid growth.
