RISE OF CHRISTIANITY

PAPERBACK - HARPERONE

"This book is an exciting and important addition to the literature on early Christianity. . . It is a book of fascinating detail, yet its broad sociological assumptions will intrigue any person interested in church growth. It will challenge common theological assumptions. But, its creative and persuasive insights also will engage the thoughtful person. It is a very significant book."

• Choice

"Stark provides compelling reading, adding depth and coherence to the often nebulous hyperbole of historical hypotheses."

• Library Journal

". . . likely to generate spirited argument."

• Publishers Weekly. 272 pages, from Harper San Francisco.
  - Publisher.

Publisher Description

This "fresh, blunt, and highly persuasive account of how the West was won-for Jesus" (Newsweek) is now available in paperback. Stark's provocative report 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.

"Compelling reading" (Library Journal) that is sure to "generate spirited argument" (Publishers Weekly), 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 The Rise of Christianity makes a compelling case for startling conclusions. Combining 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).