Martyrdom – The Very Short Introductions Podcast – Episode 72
Oct 19, 2023
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Exploring the different aspects and interpretations of martyrdom, types and motivations of martyrdom, visual representations of martyrdom, contested nature of martyrdom in historical and contemporary contexts, the popularity and politicization of martyrdom throughout history, examples of martyrdom and their impact on shaping public opinion.
The podcast explores the various debates surrounding martyrdom, including the different types of martyrdom, the motivations behind martyrdom, and the role of religion and belief in martyrdom.
The podcast highlights the politicization of martyrdom in different contexts, such as the celebration of war martyrs and the cult of the suicide bomber, and how it affects perceptions and memories of historical figures.
Deep dives
Debates Around Martyrdom
The podcast explores the various debates surrounding martyrdom. It delves into questions such as why some deaths are described as martyrdoms and what different types of martyrdom exist. It also examines who creates martyrdom and why some individuals are drawn towards martyrdom. Additionally, the podcast discusses the role of religion and belief in martyrdom and why certain martyrs and martyrdoms are remembered while others are forgotten.
Portrayal and Representation of Martyrdom
The podcast highlights how martyrdom is portrayed in various mediums, focusing on visual representations of martyrdom. It discusses different artistic depictions of martyrdom throughout history, including famous paintings depicting the deaths of Socrates and Christian martyrs. The podcast emphasizes how these portrayals not only reflect historical events but also the concerns and interests of the time in which they were created.
Politicization and Questioning of Martyrdom
The podcast explores how martyrdom is politicized and contested in different contexts. It discusses examples such as the celebration of Iranian war martyrs or the cult of the suicide bomber. The podcast also touches upon the reformation of martyrdom during the 16th and 17th centuries, highlighting the significance of books like Fox's Book of Martyrs. Furthermore, it examines how the politicization of martyrdom affects perceptions and memories of historical figures, such as Thomas Beckett or Joan of Arc.
In this episode, Jolyon Mitchell introduces martyrdom and explores why we view historical martyrdom differently than acts of martyrdom in today’s world.
Jolyon Mitchell is Principal of St John’s College, Durham University and a Professor specialising in Religion, Violence and Peacebuilding. He is author or editor of many books, articles, and essays, including War and Religion: A Very Short Introduction.