the triumph of christianity by rodney stark

Stark demonstrates why this renowned scientist was actually censured by the Church … and it wasn’t because of his scientific theories, but rather how he presented them. Galileo becomes a topic for our discussion as Prof. We discuss the Church’s role in ending slavery as well as its support for scientific inquiry. Rod argues that Europe actually flourished after the collapse of the Roman Empire and Christianity was a big part of economic and moral progress during the millenium stretching from the 5th century to the 15th century. We then examing whether or not the “Dark Ages” were really that “unenlightened” or merely a caricature imposed upon that time by thinkers such as Voltaire.

We also note how the level of religious practice among the European peasantry has been exaggerated during this period and what implications that holds for secularization theory. Both elements were in play during the medieval era. A discussion of the downside of becoming an official state religion brings us to a discussion about the Church of Power, where clerical offices were often held for personal gain, and the Church of Piety (e.g., monasticism) that pushed back against institutional corruption. We begin by looking at what effects the Edict of Milan had on Christianity, including both the benefits and drawbacks. Stark’s book, The Triumph of Christianity.

This interview is the second in our three part series examining Prof. Rodney Stark, co-founder and co-director of Baylor University’s Institute for Studies of Religion.

What path did Christianity take following Emperor Constantine’s Edict of Milan in 313? We address this question with Prof.

The triumph of christianity by rodney stark