In Our Time
Early Christian Martyrdom
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.
53:03
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Quick takeaways
- Early Christianity's rapid growth was influenced by the power of storytelling and the appeal of martyrdom as an act of faith.
- Eusebius, an early Christian historian, shaped perceptions of martyrdom and established its significance within the Christian tradition.
Deep dives
Spread of Christianity through storytelling
Christianity spread from being a small group of 12 people to approximately 10% of the population of the Roman Empire, around 6 million individuals, by the year 300. This remarkable growth can be attributed to the power of storytelling. Christians effectively communicated their faith by telling stories about the life of Jesus and the early martyrs. The appeal of these stories resonated with people in a society that valued noble deaths and admired those who were willing to die for a cause.
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