Why are faiths now so associated with violent conflict? Why has communications revolution had a deeper impact on Islam than on Christianity? Why is there a tendency to associate Christianity with West, and with overt/covert forms of colonialism? This book counters weight of column inches being spent on perceived, and actual, persecution of Islam.

Celebrated religious and social historian Rodney Stark traces the extraordinary rise of Christianity through its most pivotal and controversial moments to offer fresh perspective on the history of the world's largest religion. In "The Triumph of Christianity," the author of "God's Battalions "and "The Rise of Christianity "gathers and refines decades of powerful research and discovery into one ...(view full description)

A timely introduction exploring the significance of the Islamic veil in today's world

Where does humanity end and something else begin?

There has been a bad-tempered quarrel between defenders and critics of religion in recent years. Both sides have expressed themselves acerbically because there is a very great deal at stake in the debate. This book thoroughly and calmly examines all the arguments and associated considerations offered in support of religious belief, and does so in full consciousness of the reasons people ha...(view full description)

"I am in Birmingham because injustice is here," declared Martin Luther King, Jr. He had come to that city of racist terror convinced that massive protest could topple Jim Crow. But the insurgency faltered. To revive it, King made a sacrificial act on Good Friday, April 12, 1963: he was arrested. Alone in his cell, reading a newspaper, he found a statement from eight "moderate" clergymen who bra...(view full description)