The Victory of Reason: How Christianity Led to Freedom, Capitalism, and Western Success (First Edition)
New York: Random House, 2005. First Edition. Hardcover. A provocative sociological and historical argument that attributes the rise of Western scientific, economic, and political success primarily to distinctive features of Christian theology rather than geography, technology alone, secularism, or the Protestant Reformation.
Stark contends that Christianity uniquely embraced reason as a path to understanding God and creation, fostered a belief in progress, and promoted individualism and moral equality. These elements, he argues, produced the conditions for technological innovation, capitalism, and political freedom centuries before the modern era. He rejects the view that the “Dark Ages” were a period of stagnation overcome only by the Renaissance or Enlightenment, and he directly challenges Max Weber’s claim that the Protestant work ethic drove capitalism. Stark maintains that the West was already advanced by the 13th century and that Christian ideas were foundational.
ABOUT THIS COPY: First edition hardcover. Bound in two-toned dark burgundy and tan paper. Covers are plain with gilt lettering on the spine. Contents are divided into two parts: 1) Foundations, and 2) Fulfillment. Also includes acknowledgements, notes, and a bibliography. Indexed. xvi, 281 pp. Illustrated dust jacket in full color with black and white lettering. A light tan lettering against a black textblock on the spine with full color illustration. Both book and dust jacket are in very nice, fine condition. Full refund if not satisfied. Fine / Fine.
Item #082183
Price: $20.00