Poster | Thread |
| What is a theology of martyrdom? | | Saints I have never seen this topic addressed to the forum before. But what is a theology of martyrdom? Are we called to be martyrs? Is there such a thing as a martyr's crown awaiting those who have been slain for Christ? Did the early church really value martyrdom? Do martyrs really have a special place in heaven?
Blaine |
|
2014/8/16 15:51 | |
Oracio Member
Joined: 2007/6/26 Posts: 2094 Whittier CA USA
| Re: What is a theology of martyrdom? | | In answer to the question, "Are we all called to martyrdom?", I'd say yes and no. Yes in a spiritual sense and no in a physical sense. This passage came to mind,
"Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. 21 Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it. 22 For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord's freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ's slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called."-1Cor.7:20-24
Another question that came to mind is, is there such a thing as an unhealthy and unbiblical obsession with martyrdom as with other aspects of theology? _________________ Oracio
|
|
2014/8/16 17:00 | Profile |
| Re: | | Oracio,
Brother good post with good insights. Also you pose a good question. I suppose as with anything in theology there can be an unhealthy obsession with martyrdom.
Moslems evidently have an unhealthy obsession with martyrdom. So I suppose Christians could have the same with it being considered a cult. Remember the Branch Davidians?
Any way good thoughts bro.
Blaine
|
|
2014/8/16 17:18 | |
InTheLight Member
Joined: 2003/7/31 Posts: 2850 Phoenix, Arizona USA
| Re: What is a theology of martyrdom? | | Josef Tson preached a sermon on his experience of suffering for Christ in Romania and his understanding of the "theology of martyrdom". The sermon is available for download here on SI, highly recommended;
https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/singlefile.php?lid=24156&commentView=itemComments
Mr. Tson also wrote a book that goes into systematic study of the topic of the theology of martyrdom; the book is titled "Suffering, Martyrdom and Rewards in Heaven."
In Christ,
Ron _________________ Ron Halverson
|
|
2014/8/16 17:29 | Profile |
sermonindex Moderator
Joined: 2002/12/11 Posts: 39795 Canada
Online! | |
2014/8/16 18:01 | Profile |
Oracio Member
Joined: 2007/6/26 Posts: 2094 Whittier CA USA
| Re: | | by bearmaster Quote:
Oracio,
Brother good post with good insights. Also you pose a good question. I suppose as with anything in theology there can be an unhealthy obsession with martyrdom.
Moslems evidently have an unhealthy obsession with martyrdom. So I suppose Christians could have the same with it being considered a cult. Remember the Branch Davidians?
Any way good thoughts bro.
Blaine
Thanks bro. I agree it's a good study because the Word is filled with examples of brave martyrdom and there is special mention of those who die as martyrs. _________________ Oracio
|
|
2014/8/16 20:26 | Profile |
havok20x Member
Joined: 2008/9/14 Posts: 980 Pineville, LA
| Re: | | Hebrews 11:1-12:2 is an excellent example of true martyrdom and what it looks like.
The writer of Hebrews did not parade a group of men and women in front of us to make us feel inferior. They are our examples. And after exclaiming the faithfulness, passion, and devotion of these men and women it turns to us and says thus:
Quote:
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Our eyes are moved from them to Christ who is our supreme example.
The reason why I chose this particular passage was because the word "witnesses" is μάρτυς (martoos) and is where we get the word "martyr".
We are all called to bear witness of Jesus Christ and die to this world. Like them, we look for a city not made with hands and a kingdom who's King is eternal. This is true martyrdom. And if physical death is threatened then it will be the natural reaction to not deny our blessed hope, because our hope is not placed in this world and it's temporary things.. |
|
2014/8/16 20:54 | Profile |
| Re: | | Havok, Greg shared some thing similar in his post. That we are called to martyrdom on a daily basis to die to the flesh..
Blaine |
|
2014/8/16 23:45 | |
narrowpath Member
Joined: 2005/1/9 Posts: 1522 Germany NRW
| Re: What is a theology of martyrdom? | | When you look up the word for martyr in the Greek "μάρτυς" you will find that it means "witness" in most places and "martyr" in 3 other places"
Act 22:20 Rev 2:13 17:6
|
|
2014/8/17 13:14 | Profile |
| Re: | | Is the same Greek word for martyr used on Acts 1:8?
Blaine |
|
2014/8/17 13:30 | |