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Quote by Rodney Stark

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One True God: Historical Consequences of Monotheism

One True God: Historical Consequences of Monotheism delves into the origins and evolution of monotheistic belief systems, examining their influence on cultural, political, and social developments across various eras and regions. more

Author

Rodney Stark
Rodney Stark

Rodney Stark, born on July 8, 1934, is an esteemed American sociologist and scholar of religious studies. His research focuses on the sociology of religion, particularly the relationship between religion and modern society. Professor Stark is renowned in the academic community for his in-depth research and unique insights. more

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“... All questions concerning the rise of Christianity are one: How was it done? How did a tiny and obscure messianic movement from the edge of the Roman Empire dislodge classical paganism and become the dominant faith of Western civilization? Although this is the only question, it requires many answers - no one thing led to the triumph of Christianity.”

DoneAnswersChristianityOne ThingAtheismMovementCivilizationWesternEdgesPositive AtheismTinyTriumphEmpiresDominantObscurePaganismRoman EmpireWestern Civilization
Book:The Rise of Christianity: A Sociologist Reconsiders History
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“That's true that I'm "not religious as that term is conventionally understood," though I've never been an atheist. Atheism is an active faith; it says, "I believe there is no God." But I don't know what I believe. I was brought up a Lutheran in Jamestown, North Dakota. I have trouble with faith. I'm not proud of this. I don't think it makes me an intellectual. I would believe if I could, and I may be able to before it's over. I would welcome that.”

IfsThinkingKnowsBelieveMayAbleI BelieveTermReligiousTroubleAtheismProudIntellectualUnderstoodAtheistPositive AtheismActiveWelcomeIf I CouldThere Is No GodDakotaLutheransNorth DakotaJamestown
Author:Rodney Stark
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“Obviously, if theism is a belief in a God and atheism is a lack of a belief in a God, no third position or middle ground is possible. A person can either believe or not believe in a God. Therefore, our previous definition of atheism has made an impossibility out of the common usage of agnosticism to mean "neither affirming nor denying a belief in God."”

IfsBelieveMeanPersonsMadeBeliefCommonAtheismMiddlePositionThirdsDefinitionsPositive AtheismImpossibilityAgnosticismBelief In GodUsageTheismAffirmingMiddle Ground
Book:An Anthology of Atheism and Rationalism
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“Because of the confusion surrounding the term "agnosticism," it would seem better to use the very similar term "rationalism" in its place when referring to the original Huxleyan meaning of the term. The use of "rationalist" for "agnostic" would also seem to be less ambiguous.”

UseSeemsTermAtheismOriginalsPositive AtheismConfusionAgnosticAgnosticismReferringAmbiguousRationalism
Book:An Anthology of Atheism and Rationalism
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