Friday, March 20, 2015
"Martyrdom covers a multitude of sins" -Mark Twain
The following words are all synonyms for MARTYRDOM. The discussion on martyrdom came up appropriately and beautifully in our seminar on Tale of Two Cities. Choose a martyr from the bible and tell his or her story. Then, compare your martyr to a character from a classic piece of literature.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
The first martyr in the Bible is known to be Abel. We all probably know the story of Cain and Abel. Cain and Abel were the first two children of Adam and Eve. Cain was the "first-born" of all humanity, Abel was the first to die of all humanity, and Cain was was the first to seal his own fate as the first murderer to dwell in hell with Lucifer. When they were grown, the two were out harvesting sacrifices for God from their respective areas. They presented their offerings, Cain with his crops cultivated from the land and Abel with his livestock. God "did not have regard for Cain and his offering," (Gen. 4:4). Cain became furious because his brother's offering was preferred over his. God reprimanded him, saying that he should have put more thought into his offering like his brother.
ReplyDeleteThis established the first feelings of jealousy, anger, and wrath which Cain harbor end against his brother Abel. Later, when they were out in the fields, Cain slaughters Abel, violently endowing the title of "Martyr" on Abel. Not much is known of Abel. The Bible passage containing any mention of him is only eight verses long. Yet, it is known that he was innocent, worked hard for God, and was a herdsman. He worked hard for his sacrifice, knowing that he could rely on God to provide for him if he failed. He trusted and put Gods wishes before his own need for recognition and praise. He believed that the promised Messiah would bring him salvation so there was no need for praise of himself.
It's not really easy to think of figures in literature who resemble Abel, at least not at first. It took me quite a few walks through my brain before I made the connection I wanted. Who are the two brothers who represent Cain and Abel in that one book we read this year... Oh right! Claudius and the Late King Hamlet. There are obvious ties to the two stories, one of the most obvious being that they are brothers and one killed the other. Yet there are deeper representations of the Biblical connection in that story. Abel and Hamlet were both fairly innocent people, from what is told in the play, Hamlet the King was an excellent husband and father, much beloved by his wife and son. There is never any mention of heinous enacts that he committed with his power as king. Instead, the author, good ol' Shakespeare himself, leaves his audience believing that Hamlet Sr. was a pretty stand up guy. And, of course, Shakespeare living in England during the time that he did would have had many Protestant influences which would have brought out Biblical influences in his works.
When Hamlet visits his son, he mentions his “foul and most unnatural murder” (I.v.25). The word "unnatural" brings the reader back to the murder of Abel, a most unusual thing because it never should have been possible. Yes, there was evil in the world at that time, but why did Cain feel that murder was the right answer. It is an especially unnatural thing for someone to be able to kill another human bring, yet it is even more so when it is your own sibling. While Hamlet may not have been killed in the name of religion, there is definitely a parallel between the two situations because Claudius and Cain were both jealous of the accomplishments of their brother who was an innocent, hard working, loving individual. I think this blog was really a great topic because it allowed me to realize that Abel was actually a martyr and that Hamlet and his brother had Biblical influences in their story. Hopefully you all had good revelations like I did.
Hannah,
DeleteThank you for the connection to Hamlet, my personal favorite! And what a good one, too. When I saw "Hamlet" in your blog I did not know what connection you hoped to make, but what you did was impressive. Much like the relationship between Claudius and King Hamlet, there is not much to be said about the relationship between Cain and Abel. We known equally little about both other than that one brother killed the other out of jealousy. The connection you made here blew my mind because the relationships were so obscure and yet so similar.
But, and don't hate me for this, I do not really see Abel as a martyr. Did he die for his faith? He died because God played favorites and Cain became jealous. Plus, Jesus had not been promised yet so he obviously did not die hoping for him. However, I can definitely see how you attached the word "martyr" to him, and whether he is or not I don't care because your statement "Abel was the first to die of all humanity" was so beautiful. Also, Abel's death can be seen as a catalyst for the violence of man just as the death of King Hamlet was a catalyst for the events of "Hamlet." I loved the creative parallel you constructed between Cain and Abel and Claudius and King Hamlet. I thought your blog this week was well thought out and reflected on both your religious beliefs and analytical skills. Great job!
Hannah,
DeleteI LOVE THIS CONNECTION! It takes me back to Children of Eden days. Anyways, this was beautiful. Cain and Abel are Claudius and King Hamlet. I see how Shakespeare could have been influenced by his religion to write such a story. He almost wrote the after effects of Cain's decision to kill Abel. He was tormented and miserable and wanted others to feel the same. Dude, I'm seriously mind blown and I don't know why. Haha. It made me really excited to read this blog. Great job!
Hannah,
DeleteI almost write my blog on Abel! I had never known that he was a martyr, but I truly do love his story. You did a good job explaining it for those who did not already know. Previous to reading your blog, I never would have thought to make the connection between Abel and the Late King Hamlet. It is so perfect though!... Almost too perfect? I wonder if Shakespeare had based any of Hamlet off of Cain and Abel's story. Its known that the Bible is alluded to more than anything else, so I would say it is a definite possibility! Excellent job, Hannah, you certainly provided some thought provoking insight as well as being extremely informative.
When I was twelve, my grandmother gave me a small booklet of Saints and I vividly remember the picture of Saint Stephen that was in it. He was sprawled on the ground in a pool of blood and stones, gazing up to Heaven. So I chose to focus my blog on Saint Stephen because, while I am familiar with the image of him, I knew nothing about him besides his stoning before I researched him this morning. Saint Stephen is known as the protomartyr, which means the first martyr. He was one of the seven deacons ordained by the original apostles of Jesus, and he was known for being a great speaker. However, the people of the Jewish faith were enraged by his ability to convert their followers to Catholicism so they sent him to trial under the false pretenses that he had committed blasphemy against God. While on trial, Saint Stephen proclaimed his belief in Jesus and was dragged out of Jerusalem and stoned to death. I found this interesting because in our senior theology class we have learned that Judaism and Catholicism are similar in many ways, and yet the Jewish people murdered Saint Stephen for professing his faith in Jesus.
ReplyDeleteI related Saint Stephen to Charles Darnay because of the lies that were told to bring Saint Stephen to court. He was falsely accused and then killed for his beliefs while Darnay was convicted for the sins of his predecessors and condemned to death, although Carton took his place. But what separates Darnay from a martyr such as Saint Stephen? Saint Stephen willingly died for his faith – he proclaimed his belief in Jesus Christ unwaveringly. However, Darnay did not die for something he did or believed in, he died for the exact opposite reasons which were the sins of the family he denounced years before. In this way, though Saint Stephen and Darnay appear different, they are similar because Saint Stephen was born Jewish and converted to the Christian faith just as Darnay was born a noble and renounced his family name to earn a meager living as a teacher.
So what makes a martyr? We discussed this during our seminar and we came to the general consensus that Carton was not a martyr. Why? Because of what he died for. A martyr, by definition, is someone who is killed for their religious beliefs. We compared Carton to Jesus because of the way he sacrificed himself, but Carton did not sacrifice himself for the sins of man; he died for the innocence of man. I think this is an important fact to recognize because I feel as if “A Tale of Two Cities,” like “Crime and Punishment,” is making a statement that man is not God. We cannot play God by taking lives or by sacrificing our own. All we can do, as we learned from the play “Everyman,” is take Good Deeds with us when we go. In this way, Carton and Saint Stephen are similar because they died knowing that their faith and good deeds would resurrect them in Heaven.
Ann,
DeleteI really like how you choose Saint Stephen as your martyr as his story is just so awesomely sad yet reaffirming. Yes, it is odd that the Jews killed him, yet it was during the time when the ahead were still reeling from the impact that Jesus had. The people who killed Jesus weren't only the Romans, the Jews had a hand in it to. So, for years after, the Jewish people were angry because they didn't believe Jesus was the real Messiah and that he was a blasphemer. So, anyone who stated their belief in Jesus was pretty much automatically persecuted. Now, it's not the same, but that was how many of the martyrs became martyrs originally.
Ahhhh Charles Darnay, a universal man. The connection you made there was so crystal clearly explained that there can be little confusion with how they are connected. Darnay and At. Stephen are definitely closely related despite the fact that Darnay was never actually killed. This was a really great blog with some ice insights that deepened my thinking, so thanks for that! Great work Ann!
Ann,
DeleteYour choice to use Saint Stephen, and compare him to Darnay was truly ideal. I agree with you one hundred percent . Stephen and Darnay can be related by the lies that were told to bring them both to court. However, that's where the similarities end, and the differences begin. I don't quite see your last point about Darnay. Darnay did renounce his noble name, and all perks that came with it. Then he did take up peasant life for a more modest life but he did it to escape from the revolutionaries who would come for him.
My absolute favorite part is your ending paragraph about "what makes a martyr?" I must admit that was one of my favorite points of our last seminar. Neither Darnay or Carton can even be considered to be any type of martyr. Carton did die for the innocence of man, but I had at one point actually saw him as a martyr for France's progression. I realize now that I am actually wrong, but before I saw him as giving his life for the progression of France into a better future.
The ultimate martyr is Jesus Christ. He immediately popped into my head when I read the list of words that are synonyms for "martyr." His story begins before he is even born. The Virgin Mary is conceives her son whom she knows is the Son of God. His birth was big news, even though she is turned away by various hotels to have her child. She is finally allowed to bring her baby into the world in a barn. That is not the most sanitary location for a baby to take their first breath. Jesus grows up in Jerusalem and out Mary through a loop. Mary and Joseph forgot Jesus as they were leaving town when he was twelve. How do they leave Him in the town blows my mind, but that is the story. They find him in a temple preaching to preachers. How crazy that a twelve year old boy knows more about God then they do.
ReplyDeleteJesus performs so many miracles during his life time. People followed him and held him on a pedestal. It did not take them long to begin to become jealous and hate him. He was the holiest man to walk on the earth and water. Who would not be jealous of someone who could defy science? Yes, that is one of the Ten Commandments, but we're all only humans doing our best to please God. Jesus was a ethereal human being, but he knew what it felt like to be tempted. Not everyone saw that he was just like every man. I like to view him as some kind of superhero. Anyways, jealousy and hatred took over and Jesus was crucified. He willingly died for all of us and our sins. I am sure he was terrified because who is not terrified to die. It is a huge change from life to death; it is unpredictable. Ultimately, Jesus died out of love.
Call me cliché, but Romeo from "Romeo and Juliet" killed himself for the same reason. His life was perfect, and he is royalty. Romeo and Juliet's families despised each other. They did not care because they were so in love, over like two days. Weird. Juliet was heaven for Romeo and his family had become hell. He was tempted by his family because that was all he knew, but ever since Juliet waltzed into his life he knew her innocence was what he needed in his life. Romeo could not perform miracles like Jesus or come close to who He was as a human. However, Romeo killed himself to be with truth. Juliet was not really dead, just like the human race was not dead. Jesus knew that His death would be better for all of us. Romeo knew that his death would be the best thing for himself and Juliet. Romeo's motives are much more selfish than Jesus's, but they died for love. Different types of love but still the same. Jesus knew His life would be mean nothing if He did not for our sins. Romeo knew that his life would mean nothing if Juliet was not there beside him. This is a very round-a-bout way to view this but sins are like Juliet. They are there alive but cold and seemingly dead. Without innocent people (and Juliet) then what is there to live for. Both of their missions were done, or thought to be in Romeo's case. Therefore, they had to die in hopes for a better world.
I understand that Romeo is no comparison to Jesus, but there deaths were for something bigger than all of us. Love is something that people lack these days. Would you die for someone you "loved?" That is how you know someone truly loves another person. Jesus's life and Romeo's life are nothing alike, but their deaths (one a religious martyr, the other a martyr of their beliefs) made them feel their life meant something. A neat bonus is that they were heading to a place where temptation is nonexistent.
Kaitlyn oh Kaitlyn,
DeleteWhat an awesome perspective you have on things. Jesus is a martyr. Wow. Never really thought of it that way. Never really thought of Him and Romeo having anything in common either, yet, you showed me there was. While it was an obscure reference and maybe not something I would have picked up on, you made the connection between their sacrifices of each other and their different types of love. What a beautiful thing love is. It makes people do crazy things like die to be with their wife or to save all of humanity. This was such an awesome take on two stories that we all know explicitly, and I am really happy that you showed us your opinions on this subject because they were truly enlightening. Great work!
Kaitlyn,
DeleteWhy, why did you have to pick Romeo and Juliet! I am so prejudice against their idiotic infatuation. But, never the less, you impressed me with your comparisons. I actually ended up liking the parallel you drew between Juliet and mankind more than the one between Romeo and Jesus, although they both had so much to offer for this blog. I started thinking about Romeo in relation to Jesus in relation to Carton. What types of love do we have here? Jesus is totally unselfish but slightly afraid to die, Carton is a little selfish but mostly faithful and prepared to die, Romeo is just flat out melodramatic (sorry Romeo, but I do have a vendetta against your ability to switch from one girl to another in under five minutes). But this goes to show that anyone can be a "martyr" in the terms of dying for love rather than faith. Jesus died for love of man, Carton died for the love others had for him and each other, Romeo died for...Juliet? Himself? Something to do because he had no life? My point is that your blog made a really universal idea out of martyrdom for the sake of love because, in a way, we must all "die" for someone who is "dead" to "live," meaning that we must all sacrifice for the greater good of someone we love. Despite my on going hate of Romeo and Juliet you did an excellent job with this blog and I enjoyed the ideas that your thoughts aroused. Keep it up!
Kaitlin,
DeleteJesus Christ. Why didn’t I think of that?! It was brilliant. When people think about martyrs I think they often forget about him because when they’re taught the story of his life, he’s always mentioned as the One, the Son of God, the Christ. We’re taught that he died for our sins and was killed, but I think he is overlooked as a martyr. I like that you chose “Romeo and Juliet” as your piece of literature although I don’t know if I necessarily agree. Jesus died, no was killed, so that the rest of the world could be saved while Romeo drank the poison and killed himself simply because he thought it would be better for himself and Juliet. Kind of selfish and stupid if you ask me, but that opinion could be biased because I wasn’t really all that found of the play. Anyway, I see what you did concerning the two and how you compared them and I was able to make the connection myself. As I continued to read down, I see that you altered what you were saying and explained the how the two were martyrs for different things. I think it’s weird to think someone can be considered a martyr for something other than God, but just look at Sydney Carton I guess. Good work!
Kaitlin,
DeleteI never even thought about Jesus as being a martyr, but I'm sure glad you did! I love your thinking: it is original and thought provoking. Your comparison between Jesus and Romeo and Juliet was really interesting. It was something I was not expecting, and I think that is why I like it so much. I wasn't sure how well you would be able to draw parallels between the two, but well done! I especially liked that you mentioned they both died for love. Jesus died for his love for us, God's children. Romeo died for his love for Juliet as he could not live without her. They both died for the one thing they love the most. Some would not agree with this comparison that you made, but I definitely see it. I thought it was important that you added in your final paragraph. I don't know if I would be able to die for someone that I love, but I don't know.
Overall, this was a fantastic blog. Keep up the great work, Kailtin!
I had to look up martyrs in the Bible online because I honestly didn't know any. I do have to say, that I still don't visualize Sydney Carton as a martyr in "A Tale of Two Cities," but I do think it is good to recognize martyrs of our religion.
ReplyDeleteI came across the Apostle James, a man who was martyred for his faith in Jesus Christ after proclaiming the gospel after his Resurrection. Remember that song Fish With Me that we sing at Church sometimes? James, his brother, and their friend left the fishing boat and his father to follow Jesus without even questioning him. He ended up being one of the men in Jesus' so called inner circle, and he was invited by Jesus to witness some of his most famous miracles that no one else was able to view, like raising the daughter of Jairus from the dead. Yet despite his love and faith for Jesus, James did make several mistakes. For instance, at one point he wanted to call up to the heavens and request a rain of fire to be sent down on a village that persecuted Jesus and what he brought to the table. Even James' mother encouraged his mistakes when she thought that James and his brother John both deserved special positions in his kingdom. Lucky for him, these misjudgments led him to be the first of the twelve apostles to be named a martyr. James was able to realize his wrongs and build up his faith in Jesus. James was killed under the sword by King Herod Agrippa I of Judea, about 44 A.D., in a general persecution of the Catholic Church.
I struggled finding a literary character that shared qualities with James, but I started thinking of everything we read this year. And that is when it hit me: Horatio, Hamlet's best friend. In the play, Horatio remains loyal to Hamlet. Although he doesn't make a few mistakes like James did, his faith in Hamlet reminds me of the faith James has in Jesus. James continued to preach the word of God after Jesus' death and Resurrection, and Horatio was willing to die with Hamlet, but instead lived to remind everyone the truth about Hamlet and his deeds. Both men wanted the legacy of their leader to remain true and alive in a world filled with people refusing to accept the truth.
I think it is important to keep the stories of martyrs alive as well. Although I did not really know of any martyrs from the Bible, I'm glad I now know of James and the trust he put in Jesus. I think we can all learn from our mistakes like he did, and use these mistakes to strengthen our love for God and our faith in what we believe in.
Natalie,
DeleteI can understand where you are coming from with the whole thing concerning not seeing Carton as a martyr. Although I don’t fully agree with you, I respect your opinion and like how you continue to stick by it even though it seems as if most of the class has other ideas. You were not alone in finding a piece of literature that had a character to fit your martyr. I struggled a lot too. You used Hamlet! I love that. I kind of forgot about that play until I read your blog. It’s weird how things just kind of hit us sometimes. You’re right though, James remained loyal to Jesus just as Horatio stayed loyal to Hamlet. The idea that both individuals, James and Horatio, wanted to stay behind to tell of the good things the person they were so loyal to did, was an excellent point. Good job this week!
First things first, I agree with you. I didn't quite picture Sydney Carton as a martyr. You are not alone in that!
DeleteI think we may have picked the same martyr?! It's weird though because our stories are a little bit different, so I can't be sure. Regardless, I loved your blog and how you tied in Hamlet. He is such an interesting character to focus on, and I am glad you did! I also love how you wrote a little in the beginning and end on how it really is important to remember our martyrs and keep them alive through their stories. It is very sentimental and relevant given the topic of the blog as well as the lenten season we are in. Great blog!
Natalie,
DeleteI too agree that Carton was no martyr. He died for others benefit but he did not do it specifically for others. Instead he died I order to find himself.
I'm so happy you brought back Hamlet to this blog. I had completely forgotten about Horatio in the play. I always remember the characters Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, Claudius, and Ophelia when I look back at that specific play. I don't remember him being willing to die with Hamlet, but I do remember him living on to tell Hamlet's story after Fortinbrass comes in and takes over. Then your last statement in your in your third paragraph ties everything together, "Both men wanted the legacy of their leader to remain true and alive in a world filled with people refusing to accept the truth." Apostle James jus wanted Jesus's legacy to live on, while Hoartio also wanted Hamlet's legacy to carry on. Well done Natalie, I look forward to the next.
Joan of Arc was born in 1412 on an unknown date in Domrémy Bar, Fance. She is one of the individuals responsible for leading the French army to win the battle at Orleans over the British. She was only eighteen at the time. She was burned by the English and French collaborators a year later. Her death was considered a heretic. Her cannizionation did not occur until nearly 500 years later on May 16th, 1920. At the age of twelve, Joan began to hear the voices of St. Catherine, St. Margaret, and St. Michael. These voices made her into the strong, capable women she ended up becoming. She was physically strong as well as mentally. Her courage was great and seemed to never end.
ReplyDeleteThe battle between the dauphin, Charles and England’s Henry VI was in full swing. The village which Joan presided in was the middle village between the two places. With assistance from the saints’ voices, she continually returned to the dauphin to try and fight to help support his cause. She ended up leading a group of people that succeeded in winning that part of war. This reminded me of A Tale of Two Cities. There was a war going on between two divided groups of people: the French aristocracy and the revolutionaries of France. Although the war in Dickens novel was not divided by different countries and specific battle were not led by individuals who heard saints’ voices, Joan of Arc was determined to do anything she could to accomplish what she thought was right. This is exactly what Charles Darnay did in Tale of Two Cities.
Charles Darnay did everything in his power to save Dr. Manette, Gabelle, Lucie, and even others. He fought for what he believed in even though he did not agree with fighting in the first place. Joan of Arc was turned away from helping to fight for the dauphin because of her young age, the fact that she was a girl, and that she said she could hear voices. Darnay left his family because they were fighting a battle opposite of what he believed in. He continued to fight though and because of this, saved many people. The biggest difference I found between Darnay and Joan of Arc was the fact that he didn’t die. Darnay was almost killed, but instead Sydney Carton took his place. Joan wasn’t so lucky.
Darnay was imprisoned for various reasons. Joan of Arc was also in prisoned after she led the battle at Orléans. These two, although different, are very similar in multiple ways. They both fought for a cause they strongly believed would help not only themselves but many other people. This blog wasn’t as difficult when I actually sat down to write it. I thought for a while about which Saint to choose and suddenly Joan of Arc, who was burned at the steak because of her beliefs, came to mind. She is one of my favorite martyrs. Comparing a martyr to classic literature was the hardest part. I’m sure there’s other characters out there in various stories that could also be easily related to Joan of Arc, but I could only see Charles Darnay. Maybe it was because outside of my literary specialist project, I’ve been living, eating, and breathing A Tale of Two Cities.
Jessica,
DeleteI would have never compared Joan of Arc to Charles Darnay. I'm so happy you did! I'm glad you didn't use someone else who had died for their beliefs because people can socially martyr themselves. The thing is Darnay gave up his royal life for something much simple since the Marquis was ruining France. Joan of Arc gave up her life to prove that God is stronger. However, she had to endure a much higher pain than Darnay. Darnay slipped away unnoticed and silent, and I picture Joan doing the same thing as she died. I'm sure she was screaming because of the pain, but I always pictured her dying silently with a determined face. Great blog this week!
Whenever I think of a Saint of who I could relate a literary character to I always think of Joan of Arc, or the Maid of Orleans. Joan of Arc was/ is a nationally resound French martyr, saint, and military leader. She was born Jeanne d’Arc in 1412 in Domrémy, France. At the age of eighteen she led the French army against the British at Orleans, and since then has been known simply as Joan of Arc. She was captured and tried a year later for being a heretic, one who dissents from an accepted belief or doctrine. In her specific case she was considered a heretic who disregarded the belief of “Thou shalt not kill…” in order to protect her other French country man. She was then sentenced to death by fire; she was tied to a post in the middle of town and set on fire. Thus ending her life on earth, and becoming an inspiration for those wishing to enter into the military. The character that I can easily relate her too is Hector from the Iliad.
ReplyDeleteHector in the Iliad is considered to be the one of the strongest, and one of the youngest warriors on the Trojan side. This plays to the tale of Joan of Arc because she was also considered one of the youngest and strongest during the Battle of Orleans. Furthermore Hector was not always a warrior on the battlefield we see him in the Iliad return home so we the readers can see his more domesticated side. During this small episode of this epic we see that he is a loving/caring husband and father to his wife and two young boys. Although we know Joan of Arc for her courageous deeds in battle, for her faith, and for her martyrdom; she too was a daughter and domestic figure in her hometown of Orleans. The largest difference, and perhaps the only difference, is the way in which the two characters were persecuted for their actions. As we know Joan of Arc was tried and found guilty of being a heretic for her faith. Hector was tried, and executed by Achilles the strongest Greek warrior. In this small area of the Iliad Achilles is infused extreme prejudice for the death of Petrochlous, his closest friend. During this enraged fury he kills Hector and disregards his body by tying it to the back of his chariot and dragging it behind his chariot for three days and nights around Troy and Petrochlous’s burial mound. Both of these characters were killed defending things they loved and believed in. Joan believed and defended her religion as she burned, and Hector defended his home, family, and comrades till his last breath.
For this blog, I wanted to try and find a “new” martyr. Not necessarily new in the sense that they were more recent, but “new” as in new to you all. So, have any of you heard of “James of Jerusalem,” sometimes referred to as “James the Just?” Maybe some of you might recognize him as “the brother of Our Lord Jesus Christ,” thats what he was referred to as in the New Testament. Regardless, I know I have never heard of him before. James was a bishop, and he died a martyr. I am excited to share what I have learned about him.
ReplyDeleteJames was born in Nazareth. Due to it being such a long time ago, most of the dates are unclear. The date of his birth is unknown, and he is believed to have died in either 62 AD or 69 AD. Although, they do know that he had died in Jerusalem. His siblings included Jude and Simon. Earlier I had mentioned saying that James was Jesus’s brother, but this is hard to explain. Technically, Jesus parents were Joseph and Mary, but we all know that Jesus was born of the virgin Mary, so really, Joseph wasn't his “real” dad. James was the son of Mary and Joseph as well, but both parents were responsible for this birth. So, James and Jesus shared the same mother, but not the same father- kind of. It’s confusing to explain, so I hope you understand what I’m saying. It was just as confusing for James, and he didn't necessarily “believe” until he became older. It was only after Jesus’s resurrection that James himself began to believe. There was no doubt left in his mind. In the Bible it is said that Jesus had made a special visit to his bother (or half-brother?) James. This undeniably was played a large part in James change of mind. In the Bible, James 1:1 specifically, James revealed how he viewed himself in regards to God’s plan, "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
It wasn't long after James became a believer that he had died for his new found faith. After an accusation from the high priest, James had suffered a brutal death. He was sentenced to be stoned. He was thrown off a large structure of some sort. The impact didn't kill him, so the stoning started. This didn't kill him either. He eventually died by being beaten to death by a club, being struck in the head. All of this happened because he didn't renounce his faith in Christ in front of everyone like instructed. Rather, he "declared himself fully before the whole multitude, and confessed that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, our Savior and Lord.”
Now, honestly, I just don't even see how someone could begin to compare this man to Sydney Carton, of “A Tale of Two Cities.” I realize I started a bit of an argument during our group discussion on the topic of Martyrdom, but I really didn't mean to. I don’t view Sydney Cartons act as one of suicide.The definition of suicide is “the act of killing oneself intentionally.” Although I don’t view his death as an act of Martyrdom either, being someone who is “killed for their religious beliefs.” Doesn’t that sound just a bit sacrilegious? It is obvious that Sydney died for Lucie, so if his death was an act of martyrdom than wouldn't that mean he viewed Lucie as somewhat of a “god?” “Thou shall not put false gods before me.” I don't know. It just seems a bit off to me, and honestly I think its a bit disrespectful. I am not saying anything about Sydney’s death other than i do not think it was an act of Martyrdom. I know the majority of you disagree with me, but I just had to say it.
Felicia,
DeleteGirl, I'm glad you still don't think Carton was a martyr for what he did. I loved that you made a point of discussing that at the end of your blog. You commented on my blog that we may have picked the same martyr, but I don't think we did. I read that there were actually three James that were martyred in the Bible, but I don't know. Anyway, I found the story of your martyr to be quite interesting. I never knew that Mary and Joseph had a child of their own beside Jesus, who wasn't really Joseph's when you think about it. And he is definitely not like Sydney Carton. I just have a difficult time seeing how people view Carton as a martyr. It just doesn't make sense to me either.
Good job on this blog, Felicia! Keep up the good work!