Transcript Perpetua, Felicity, and Martrys

Perpetua, Felicity, and Martrys
Martyrs
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Sporadic (not constant!) persecutions of Christians
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Suspected persons asked to offer a sacrifice to the emperor
(wine or grain offering)
If they refused, could be put on trial and executed
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Ironically, fed growth of Christianity
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Radical “witness”
Meaning
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Means of salvation
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Imitation of Christ par excellence
Baptism of blood (faithful unto death)
Model for others
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Encouragement
But not necessarily to be imitated: see editor of Perpetua’s story
Questions
• Do you agree with Perpetua’s actions or not?
Why?
• How would you compare Perpetua’s actions to
those of contemporary martyrs?
– The “tank man”, Tianamen Square, 1989
– Buddhist monk’s self-immolation, 1963
– Archbishop Romero, 1980
• Is it proper for her to rejoice in her immanent
execution? Why or why not?
• Is it better to live or die for one’s beliefs?
Perpetua’s community
• Very mixed: male and female friendships, slaves
and “nobles”
• “Montanist” group
– Open to ongoing work of Holy Spirit (see intro)
– Prophets and leaders could be male and female
– Emphasis on visions, prophecies (speaking
messages from Holy Spirit)
• Editor of Perpetua’s story (wrote intro and
conclusion) shows these themes
Themes
• Family division
– Christians are a new kind of family
• Ideas of discipleship
– Special kind of imitation of Christ
• New kind of Christian literature
– What did it mean to 3rd century audience?
• Gender subversion
– Men and women leaders together
– Perpetua becomes male: athletic, courageous
– “Disobedient” mothers
For next time
• Longer readings, but interesting
• Focus on Norris article
– Electronic reserve: password “kloos
– How does she define virginity?
– Does she make these stories more relevant
today? Why or why not?
• Thecla: How is she feminine? How is she
masculine?