Saints and Sainthood: A Darkly Humorous Journey

This chapter explores the fascinating yet grim tale of Saint Blandina and the trials faced by early Christians under Roman rule, blending historical narratives with humor. It critiques the commercialization of sainthood and the embellishment of martyr stories, while humorously addressing the recent canonization processes and the criteria for becoming a saint. The discussion ranges from the harsh realities of early Christian life to the whimsical aspects of saintly relics and the journey from persecution to acceptance within Roman society.