One True God Historical Consequences of Monotheism

Books have varying amounts of wear and highlighting. Usually ships within 24 hours in quality packaging. Satisfaction guaranteed. This item may not include any CDs, Infotracs, [more]

Books have varying amounts of wear and highlighting. Usually ships within 24 hours in quality packaging. Satisfaction guaranteed. This item may not include any CDs, Infotracs, Access cards or other supplementary material. [less]

Ships same day or next business day! Expedited shipping available. Used sticker and some writing and/or highlighting. Used books may not include working access code or dust ja [more]

Ships same day or next business day! Expedited shipping available. Used sticker and some writing and/or highlighting. Used books may not include working access code or dust jacket. [less]

Rodney Stark is puzzled. His fellow sociologists of religion don't seem to notice that the rise of monotheism is just about the most powerful motive force in recorded history [more]

Rodney Stark is puzzled. His fellow sociologists of religion don't seem to notice that the rise of monotheism is just about the most powerful motive force in recorded history. ''What could be more obvious? '' he wonders. ''Well, one thing more obvious is that writing about the social effects of Gods just isn't done these days. Of course, many who hold these views are the same ones who continue to express their certainty that religion is rapidly dying out, while shielding their eyes and ears against the obvious signs of religious vigor all around them. '' Stark proceeds to examine why monotheisms arose and rapidly spread, why religious repression is a recurrent danger specific to them and why Jewish communities survived despite frequent repression. He concludes with a discussion of the unique American experiment of pluralism, with its fascinating tension between religious conviction within traditions and tolerant discretion in relations between them. Stark is a brilliant disturber of the academic peace, personally agnostic but open to letting historical evidence speak for itself.[less]