Using perspectives on death from ancient Greek, Roman and Jewish traditions, a theology professor discusses the history of Christian martyrdom and challenges the traditional understanding of the spread of Christianity.

Utilising a wide range of early sources, this title identifies the roots of the concept of Christian martyrdom, as lloking at how it has been expressed in events such as the shootings at Columbine High School in 1999.

The first systematic study of suffering, martyrdom, and rewards in heaven, this book offers a comprehensive survey of these ideas through biblical and historical investigation from the time of the writing of the book of Job to the present. Suffering and martyrdom for the faith are always accompanied in the biblical literature with the promise of great rewards in heaven. However, the Christian theology has never presented a comprehsensive treatment of this subject. For the Protestant ideology especially, it was always difficult if not impossible to integrate logically the concept of rewards into a system of grace and faith alone. This book, for the first time, presents a biblical and reasonable interpretation of the rewards in heaven and advocates close attention to God's original purpose for the creation of man as explanation for the complex issue of suffering and martyrdom.

"This text examines the psychological effects of martyrdom and martyrs across the world. The authors discuss martyrdom and martyrs through the lens of current events, iconic historical figures, and popular culture"--

Adam Lankford looks at the motivation of suicide bombers and other rampage killers.

Searing, troubling, and funny, these revolutionary, linked stories flit and dart among the shadows of small town life, and the touching and heartbreaking characters that occupy it. Employees use roadkill instead of faux pelts during a build-a-critter battle for mall supremacy. Former band geeks are harassed with mutilated musical instruments and then murdered. The collection is haunted by allusions to a fatal cannonball jump that crescendos in the explosive final story. An extraordinary addition to the canon of gonzo fiction, Congratulations on Your Martyrdom! introduces Zachary Tyler Vickers as an exciting new author whose unflinching prose grabs you and won't let go.

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