ePub Pennsylvania Hall: A 'Legal Lynching' in the Shadow of the Liberty Bell (Critical Historical Encounters Series) by Beverly C. Tomek in History

Description

Through groundbreaking analysis of early Christian texts; Candida Moss reveals that the words; actions; and deaths of martyrs are modeled on those of Christ. Moss traces this imitation through the literature of the Jesus movement and early church; then examines interpretations of the martyr's death and afterlife. Arguing against the dominant theory that the martyr's death was seen as a sacrifice; Moss finds that beyond death martyrs continue to be assimilated to Christ as intercessors; judges; enthroned monarchs; and banqueters. Though characterization of the martyr as "another Christ" ultimately conflicted with theological commitments to Christ's uniqueness; Moss shows that; for a brief period; the martyr's imitation was viewed as sharing in the status of the exalted Christ.