I read that during the Roman persecution of Christians that it was the duty of every Christian to be as Christlike as they could. And part of that was to experience his passion (suffering). Therefore early Christians wanted to be arrested and charged so they could admit that it was true and refuse to recant, thus guarenteeing a trip to the arena for a public execution after excrutiating torture. This was expected of all Christians. If that's true, they would have had a difficult time converting me, to say the least.
2007-12-13 12:28:25 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
This shows that even early Christians made doctrinal and lifestyle errors.
Jesus showed us the correct way when he was goaded by the devil to throw himself off the tower... Jesus replied "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord Thy God (that is, put him to the test)"
Looking for martyrdom is wrong. Accepting martyrdom when it is inevitable is something else.
god bless
2007-12-13 12:39:33 · answer #1 · answered by happy pilgrim 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think if you read "Fox's Book of Martyrs" you will find that many did face death rather than recant, but that it was not something solicited.
Incidentally, far more have suffered martyrdom for the faith in this last century than in all the previous centuries combined.
http://www.asiaharvest.org/
2007-12-13 20:37:34 · answer #2 · answered by wefmeister 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There definitely were some Christians who taught and felt that way. Origen was one notable example in his early years - his mother had to tie him up an hide him away when he tried to have himself martyred. They felt that martyrdom was the only assurance of salvation. Of course there were other views or Christianity wouldn't have survived, would it?
Peace to you.
2007-12-13 20:33:34 · answer #3 · answered by Orpheus Rising 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actions speak louder than words. Christ taught that there is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends. The early Catholic martyrdom converted many, becuase the pagans saw the Catholics great faith in Christ and their willingless to die for him. The pagans saw Christ in the Christians and many converted. The Christians emptied themselves and lived in and for Christ.
2007-12-13 20:35:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well it is not about us suffering to pay for our sins, but there was a lot of persecution of the Christians and you had to decide whether you were or weren't a Christian.
They did not want to be killed, but were truly Christians and that was the price in that era.
2007-12-13 20:32:16 · answer #5 · answered by † PRAY † 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
TRAIL of BLOOD will tell you all!
Early christians
I'll give you one
John the Baptist = Beheaded (because the HARLOT ask the king for John's head)
I wonder if how many catholics will be offended if i tell you that.
Many christians were killed for not accepting INFANT BAPTISM..
2007-12-13 20:33:12 · answer #6 · answered by ♠ jhun ♠ 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Without Jesus martyrdom is impossible.
2007-12-13 20:32:40 · answer #7 · answered by ۞ JønaŦhan ۞ 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Compelled?
No, they were Believers by CHOICE!
2007-12-13 20:32:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋