In Our Time Early Christian Martyrdom
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May 26, 2022 In this discussion, Candida Moss, an expert in early Christianity, James Corke-Webster, a historian specializing in classics, and Kate Cooper, a historian focusing on Christianity's spread, unravel the intricate narratives of early Christian martyrdom. They delve into Eusebius’s influential writings and how they defined martyrdom's meaning post-persecution. The conversation also covers the brave stories of martyrs like Perpetua and Blandina, revealing how these accounts shaped Christian identity and highlight the often-overlooked contributions of women in early martyrdom narratives.
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Christianity's Rapid Growth
- Christianity spread rapidly in the Roman Empire, growing from a small group to about 10% of the population by 300 AD.
- This growth was fueled by storytelling, converting roughly six million people through narratives.
Dying for a Cause
- Dying for a cause was a valued ideal in Roman culture, influenced by Greek philosophy and essential for the Roman army.
- Jews, dispersed beyond Judea, upheld their monotheistic beliefs, resisting Hellenistic rulers' pressure to incorporate Olympian gods.
The Good Death
- High mortality rates in the Roman Empire, with 50% dying before age five, made death a familiar concept.
- Philosophers like Socrates and the Stoics emphasized a good death with self-control, influencing views on dying for a cause.