Candida Moss

Candida Moss, a historian of Christianity and author of The Myth of Persecution, dives into the intriguing question of whether early Christians were truly persecuted by Rome. She explores the complexities of martyrdom, revealing how the concept predates Christianity and how definitions vary. Moss challenges the traditional narrative of the Neronian persecution and examines how local prosecutions differed from systematic targeting. Ultimately, she argues that tales of martyrdom are often embellished, shaping Christian memory and rhetoric over centuries.

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.

The podcast discusses the overlooked role of enslaved individuals in shaping the Bible, challenging misconceptions about ancient slavery. It explores the collaboration between enslaved workers and writers in antiquity, shedding light on their education and contributions. The relationship between Mark and Peter is explored, suggesting Mark served as Peter's enslaved or formerly enslaved interpreter. The discussion delves into the implications of this collaboration on understanding early Christian texts.

New Testament scholar Candida Moss discusses her book on enslaved Christians' role in shaping the Bible. Topics include slaves potentially writing parts of the Bible, Roman slavery's influence on texts, and identifying enslaved figures in the New Testament. The episode explores the intersection of slavery and biblical narratives from a fresh perspective.

Candida Moss, a theology professor and author of "The Myth of Persecution," dives into Donald Trump's narrative of being persecuted amidst his legal troubles. She examines how this rhetoric resonates with his Christian supporters by drawing parallels to historical persecution within the faith. Moss highlights the dangers of conflating political criticism with true persecution and discusses how cultural shifts have influenced evangelical responses. The conversation also reveals how victimhood rhetoric shapes political identities and power dynamics among religious communities.