Witness of the Body: The Past, Present, and Future of Christian Martyrdom (Eerdmans Ekklesia)

In an age of suicide bombers and paranoid political rhetoric, the concept of martyrdom can make ordinary Christians uncomfortable, filled at once with fascination and with dread. Christian martyrdom may seem like something far removed from common experience—something only from long ago (in gruesome stories of ancient saints and Roman lions) or far away (in troubled Africa or Central Asia or the war-torn Middle East). In this volume, however, twelve scholars from across academic disciplines demystify Christian martyrdom and resituate it within the everyday practices of the church.

Beginning with the persecution of early Christians by the Roman Empire, Witness of the Body explores the place of martyrdom in the church through all ages and into the future. Combining expert historical studies with clear-headed analysis, these chapters will help Christians better understand Christian martyrdom not as a quick ticket to heaven or a cheap political ploy — not as something mystically distant from everyday life — but, rather, as the firm and faithful witness of Christ’s church in a hostile world.