Christian Martyrdom: A Brief History with Reflections for Today

Twenty-first-century Christians in the West crave comfort affluence freedom from pain and even power. However the story of global Christianity--from Christ the early church right up to the present day--has been shaped by suffering and even martyrdom. In this short book Edward Smither explores martyrdom both biblically and historically. He defends three claims: in martyrdom we verbally bear witness to Christ we raise a prophetic voice and we worship. Christians today argues Smither especially those in the West should welcome suffering and martyrdom as a normal part of the Christian life.