Rodney Stark is an American sociologist and a prominent figure in the study of religion and social science. He is best known for his work on the sociology of religion, particularly his theories on the growth of religious movements and the role of religion in society. Stark has authored several influential books, including The Rise of Christianity, where he explores the factors that contributed to the spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire. In addition to his work on religion, Stark has also contributed to the fields of sociology and history. He has served as a professor at various universities, including Baylor University and University of Washington. His research often emphasizes empirical data and challenges conventional wisdom about religious beliefs and practices.