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Bezig met laden... Early Christian Martyr Stories: An Evangelical Introduction with New Translationsdoor Bryan M. Litfin
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This introductory text offers easy-to-read translations and expert commentary on early Christian martyrdom accounts. Geen bibliotheekbeschrijvingen gevonden. |
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Google Books — Bezig met laden... GenresDewey Decimale Classificatie (DDC)272.1Religions History, geographic treatment, biography of Christianity Persecutions Apostolic church by imperial Rome (1st-4th century)LC-classificatieWaarderingGemiddelde:
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Litfin begins by examining the pre-Christian Maccabean Martyrs and the literature on the martyrdom of Peter and Paul. While there are elements in each account that seems more legend than historic, LItfin points to the influence of these on later martyrs. The more historic accounts include the writings of condemned bishop Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp, Justin "Not-Just-A-Clever-Name" Martyr, the martyrs of Lyons and Vienne, the Scillitan martyrs, Perpetua and Felicity, and the martyrs of the Great Persecution. Additionally Litfin examines the writings on martyrdom by Tertullian and Origen, the historical account of the Peace of Constantine and the Edict of Milan that put an end to Christian persecution. The book closes with a sermon from Augustine (one hundred years after the Edict of Milan) honoring the memory of the Martyrs (especially Perpetua and Felicity).
Litfin wrote this book both as a work of historical study and as an attempt to inspire Christians toward greater faithfulness (2). In an epilogue on the 'meaning of the martyrs' he praises the martyrs for refusing to make Jesus into just another God (to be worshiped alongside the Roman pantheon of gods), for their witness in counting the cost and giving up everything, and their confidence in their eternal hope in Christ. Further, he argues that the martyrs call us to the unity of the ancient-small-c-catholic faith (173-5).
I appreciate how accessible this book is to the general reader. Litfin is not writing an account of martyrdom, he is sharing their stories in their own words (in translation for our context). While the global church still faces the threat of martyrdom in our age, these ancient accounts offer a compelling critique on modern, western Christianity. These were men and women who counted the cost and willingly faced torture and death for their belief in Jesus. To read is to be challenged and inspired. I give this book four stars.
Notice of material connection: I received this book from Baker Academic in exchange for my honest review. ( )