The Lopsided Spread of Christianity
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Table of Contents

Preface Introduction Between the Empires The Nearest Empire to the East The Great Civilization of South Asia Central Asia and China The Rise of a New Order A Comparative Analysis Religious Pluralism: Past, Present, and Future Appendix: Social Scientific Concepts and Theories and the Spread of Religions References Index

About the Author

ROBERT L. MONTGOMERY is a retired missionary, teacher, and minister. He has published numerous journal articles, and his books include The Diffusion of Religions: A Sociological Perspective, and Introduction to the Sociology of Missions (Praeger 1999).

Reviews

.,."sociology is a discipline with which missiology must learn to relate and this book is a good beginning."-The Princeton Seminary Bulletin

?...sociology is a discipline with which missiology must learn to relate and this book is a good beginning.?-The Princeton Seminary Bulletin

?Christianity originated in the eastern Mediterranean but is identified with the Western world. Facts about its spread to the East in the first millennium of its existence are not generally known. Montgomery (a retired missionary) seeks to explain the successes and failures of the Eastern missionary drives as compared to the Western efforts. In this sociological work, he applies diffusion theory to historical data. His analysis is also guided by rational choice theory, social identity theory, and network concepts. The theoretical framework is outlined early and is used very clearly throughout. Some variables (e.g., missionary drive, geographical access) are viewed as necessary but not sufficient to explain the directional spread of Christianity. Other variables (e.g., intersocietal relationships, sociocultural characteristics of the "receiving" societies, and perceptions of "rewards" gained by those who adopt the new religion) are more complex and difficult to analyze from historical data, but yield persuasive results. The writing and analysis is very clear and appears to be faithful to the data. Problematic areas are duly noted, and directions for further research are suggested. Highly recommended for historical sociologists, historians of Christianity or of new religions in general, and others at the graduate student level or higher who are interested in the topic.?-Choice

?The study of religious pluralism is a vital topic for the sociology of religion, and Montgomery contributes greatly to the discussion.?-Sociology of Religion

..."sociology is a discipline with which missiology must learn to relate and this book is a good beginning."-The Princeton Seminary Bulletin

"The study of religious pluralism is a vital topic for the sociology of religion, and Montgomery contributes greatly to the discussion."-Sociology of Religion

"Christianity originated in the eastern Mediterranean but is identified with the Western world. Facts about its spread to the East in the first millennium of its existence are not generally known. Montgomery (a retired missionary) seeks to explain the successes and failures of the Eastern missionary drives as compared to the Western efforts. In this sociological work, he applies diffusion theory to historical data. His analysis is also guided by rational choice theory, social identity theory, and network concepts. The theoretical framework is outlined early and is used very clearly throughout. Some variables (e.g., missionary drive, geographical access) are viewed as necessary but not sufficient to explain the directional spread of Christianity. Other variables (e.g., intersocietal relationships, sociocultural characteristics of the "receiving" societies, and perceptions of "rewards" gained by those who adopt the new religion) are more complex and difficult to analyze from historical data, but yield persuasive results. The writing and analysis is very clear and appears to be faithful to the data. Problematic areas are duly noted, and directions for further research are suggested. Highly recommended for historical sociologists, historians of Christianity or of new religions in general, and others at the graduate student level or higher who are interested in the topic."-Choice

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