TRS 758 The Formation of Christian Martyrdom
The early Christian understanding of martyrdom appeared in the second century and deepened quickly in nascent Christian communities. This course examines the earliest works - from the first through the early fourth century, and in differing cultures - to portray the sufferings and triumphs of Christian "witnesses" in conflict with the imperial regime of Rome. It considers the influence of earlier literary genres (letters, biographies, and other documentary sources) in the development of an ideal Christian spiritual life and death in imitation of the passion of Christ, visible in accounts of women and men alike. The class will read primary sources and recent scholarly discussions.