Martyrdom
I decided to finally (I don't know where my mind was this whole time) add and discuss one of the most important subjects in my life: martyrdom. This has been my focus of study for about five years solid. Friends have called me crazy (some joking, some serious).
Christian martyrdom is still extremely open for study and growth. I personally find a study of the martyrs and persecutions of the Early Church and the Reformation absolutely invigorating and gives my spirit peace and guidance.
(The Martyrdom of Polycarp, in Martyrs Mirror)
Do I have any preferences? Sure! I study the development of Christian martyrdom over the years, through the persecutions and during the peace times. The cult of martyrs is fascinating. Also, the great division in the Church caused by how to treat the lapsi, or those who denied Christ under persecution in whichever form it came. How would you treat someone whom you called a brother or sister in Christ who denies Christ when faced with the choice of life or death? Would you simply accept them back into the Church? If they were a leader, would you just say, "Hey. That's alright. Come on. You're still alive, so teach us the next lesson from Scripture. I think you're on Matthew x.33." Or, would you subscribe some punishment? Simply a fascinating study.
I also delve into the English Reformation and the sixteenth century martyrs. Then there are the Anabaptists. Quite simply the most intriguing and challenging of studies I have undertaken. They are absolutely amazing. Their understanding of Christianity is extrememly beautiful.
What!?! A Calvinist says Anabaptism is beautiful? Yep. Just an amazing story. The tales of their lives and deaths sting the heart and soul. Maybe you can call me a Calvibaptist (huh?).
(Dirk Willems rescuing his pursuer. As the story goes, Dirk saved his drowning pursuer. That pursuer in turn made Dirk a martyr.)
Mayby that is my niche in this world. That's fine. No matter where I go, God always brings me back to the saints.
Christian martyrdom is still extremely open for study and growth. I personally find a study of the martyrs and persecutions of the Early Church and the Reformation absolutely invigorating and gives my spirit peace and guidance.
(The Martyrdom of Polycarp, in Martyrs Mirror)
Do I have any preferences? Sure! I study the development of Christian martyrdom over the years, through the persecutions and during the peace times. The cult of martyrs is fascinating. Also, the great division in the Church caused by how to treat the lapsi, or those who denied Christ under persecution in whichever form it came. How would you treat someone whom you called a brother or sister in Christ who denies Christ when faced with the choice of life or death? Would you simply accept them back into the Church? If they were a leader, would you just say, "Hey. That's alright. Come on. You're still alive, so teach us the next lesson from Scripture. I think you're on Matthew x.33." Or, would you subscribe some punishment? Simply a fascinating study.
I also delve into the English Reformation and the sixteenth century martyrs. Then there are the Anabaptists. Quite simply the most intriguing and challenging of studies I have undertaken. They are absolutely amazing. Their understanding of Christianity is extrememly beautiful.
What!?! A Calvinist says Anabaptism is beautiful? Yep. Just an amazing story. The tales of their lives and deaths sting the heart and soul. Maybe you can call me a Calvibaptist (huh?).
(Dirk Willems rescuing his pursuer. As the story goes, Dirk saved his drowning pursuer. That pursuer in turn made Dirk a martyr.)
Mayby that is my niche in this world. That's fine. No matter where I go, God always brings me back to the saints.
posted by Eddie at
8:16 PM
1 Comments:
A Calvinist says Anabaptism is beautiful? I think not! See Calvin's Treatises Against the Anabaptists. Civil magistrates has authority, and it is his duty, to take order that unity and peace be preserved in the Church, that the truth of God be kept pure and entire, that all blasphemies and heresies be suppressed, all corruptions and abuses in worship and discipline prevented or reformed, and all the ordinances of God duly settled, administrated, and observed. III. Westminster Confession of Faith Of the Civil Magistrat. e
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Anonymous, at 09 November, 2005 16:53
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