In 'One True God', Rodney Stark challenges the reader to explore the profound impact of monotheism on human history and society. Through compelling narratives, he traces the evolution of belief in a single deity and its revolutionary effects on culture, ethics, and governance. Stark argues that this shift not only shaped civilizations but also influenced modern thoughts and practices. With thought-provoking insights and bold claims, he invites readers to reconsider the importance and influence of religion in the contemporary world. Will you uncover the truths behind our shared spiritual heritage?
By Rodney Stark
Published: 2003
"In the quest for meaning, humanity is united by the search for the one true God, whose existence transcends the boundaries of culture and time."
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. With his customary clarity and vigor, 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 examines 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.
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“In the quest for meaning, humanity is united by the search for the one true God, whose existence transcends the boundaries of culture and time.”
One True God
By Rodney Stark
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Rodney Stark is a prominent sociologist and author renowned for his contributions to the fields of sociology and religion. He is best known for his notable works including "The Rise of Christianity," "The Victory of Reason," and "God's Battalions: The Case for the Crusades," which explore the intersections of belief, culture, and society throughout history. Stark's writing style is characterized by its engaging and accessible prose, often combining rigorous research with compelling narratives that challenge conventional wisdom. His interdisciplinary approach incorporates insights from history, sociology, and economics, making his works influential among both academic and general audiences.
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