"Why do the Christians - male and femails, well-born and common, slave and free -in extremis, just before being killed, exchange the kiss of peace (Passio Perpetuae 21)? How different were they from the rest of the population" - Krieder
There was one disturbing trait in the early church that is vacant in Christianity in North America. Their beliefs carred them to death. Some will say that we do not have the opportunity to demonstrate that we would do the same, for we live in peace and freedom. However, it has been said (although I don't know by who), and well-said, that if you can't live for Christ, you certainly shouldn't expect to find the strength and courage to die for him. The argument of spiritual fervency in martyrdom must therefore be tightly related to the argument for spiritual fervency in the Christian life. Those who sacrifice much to follow Christ are better prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice. Those who carry many attachements into the Christian life, be they relationships, ambitions, materials, etc. often are just that: attached. One may wonder at what the big deal is with martyrdom and being willing to die for what one believes. To that I'll just quote Christ: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me . . . ." (Mt. 16:24)
Luke 14:2626 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters-- yes, even his own life-- he cannot be my disciple.(NIV)
Strong words. Can we live up to them? Or better yet, if we cannot, what does that mean for us? Obviously, there are many examples of Christians who could. What does that mean for us? Are we a different breed? Perhaps we should find the personal answer to that question.
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