How Christianity Became the Dominant Religion in the West

One of the most significant books I have ever read on history of Christianity is Rodney Stark's The Rise of Christianity. When I first read the review, I was doubtful if modern sociological method could provide insight to ancient religious movement. But as I picked up the book for myself, I found the arguments of Stark very compelling. And if anyone would bother to read how Christianity became the dominant religion of the West, and also some core teaching of Christianity, this is the book I would suggest. N.T. Wright's The Resurrection of the Son of God and Rodney Stark's The Rise of Christianity are probably the most significant books written on history of Christianity so far.

Stark underscored that an epidemic struck the Roman empire in 165 AD. And almost a century later, another epidemic struck the empire. From ancient sources, he recounted people's experience about the epidemic. So many people died. Many escaped to distant places leaving behind sick relatives to die. In the midst of such terrible situation, Christians stayed back to take care of each other and also those outside their fold. Taking care of each other during such times increased the chance of survival than being left alone. Stark's statistics is convincing. Here is just a small quote: “ In chapter I, I calculated that Christians made up about 0.4 percent of the empire's polulation at this time (160 AD), so let us suppose that 40 of this city's inhabitants are Christians, while 9960 are pagans – a ratio of 1 Christian to 249 pagans. Now, let us assume an epidemic generating mortality rates of 30 percent over its course in a population left without nursing. Modern medical experts cut the mortality rate by two-thirds or even more. So let us assume a Christian mortality rate of 10 percent. Imposing these mortality rates results in 36 Christians and 6972 pagans survivors in 170, after the epidemic. Now the ratio of Christians to Pagans is 1 to 197, a substantial shift.” And if we include those who would have converted during and after the crisis, the ratio could yield 1:134.

Another point Stark argued for was that Christians did not practice female infanticide and abortion, two very common practice in ancient Greco-Roman world. And over the years Christian women increased in number. And these Christian women, whenever they married Pagan men, often brought their husband to the Christian faith. And in almost all cases raised their children as Christian. And over the years, Christian population grew.

Earthquakes, fires, plagues, riots, invasion and other problems occurred at various points of history. And when such things did happen, the homeless and impoverished, the orphans and widows would fill the city. And considering that filth, insects and hygienic system were poorly maintained people did have short span then. Christian belief about charity for the poor, hope for the homeless, sense of family for the widows and orphans, shelter for the stranger etc revitalized the Greco-Roman social relationships.

The book is about 350 pages, and is published by HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCollins publisher. For Indian readers, you can order it from Flipkart at Rs. 682. I bought it from ebay and paid $14.95. But that was before Flipkart came into picture.