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
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).
.,."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
 |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
