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9781725253810

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The subject of martyrdom is an essential one for the twenty-first-century church, and Ed Smither is just the man to address it in a theological, historical, and pastoral way. Combining expertise in church history with missiology, Smither offers a history of Christian persecution, then reminds us why it matters today: because our brothers and sisters are still suffering as they bear witness to the Lord. Grounded in Christology, this book calls Christians to a life of cruciform suffering and spiritual oneness with those whose imitation of Christ may require the ultimate sacrifice. --Bryan Litfin, Moody Publishers Many Western Christians do not know that we live in an age of widespread Christian martyrdom. There is also confusion about what martyrdom is. Theologians and sociologists of religion often use notably different definitions. In this situation, Edward Smither has done us a very valuable service by providing a simple and short, but comprehensive, clear, and balanced overview of the nature and history of Christian martyrdom. --Paul Marshall, Baylor University Is persecution and suffering an integral part of the Christian life? Why does God allow martyrdom? What is the biblical basis? What do we learn from history and even present-day persecution of Christians? Dr. Edward Smither, with whom I have had the privilege to serve for two decades in Muslim countries, where Christians are persecuted, has masterfully outlined answers to these questions in the book you hold in your hands. You will certainly enjoy exploring this important subject and learn church history and about countless Christian leaders who gave their lives for their faith in Jesus Christ. --Henri Aoun, Life Agape International

The subject of martyrdom is an essential one for the twenty-first-century church, and Ed Smither is just the man to address it in a theological, historical, and pastoral way. Combining expertise in church history with missiology, Smither offers a history of Christian persecution, then reminds us why it matters today: because our brothers and sisters are still suffering as they bear witness to the Lord. Grounded in Christology, this book calls Christians to a life of cruciform suffering and spiritual oneness with those whose imitation of Christ may require the ultimate sacrifice. --Bryan Litfin, Moody Publishers Many Western Christians do not know that we live in an age of widespread Christian martyrdom. There is also confusion about what martyrdom is. Theologians and sociologists of religion often use notably different definitions. In this situation, Edward Smither has done us a very valuable service by providing a simple and short, but comprehensive, clear, and balanced overview of the nature and history of Christian martyrdom. --Paul Marshall, Baylor University Is persecution and suffering an integral part of the Christian life? Why does God allow martyrdom? What is the biblical basis? What do we learn from history and even present-day persecution of Christians? Dr. Edward Smither, with whom I have had the privilege to serve for two decades in Muslim countries, where Christians are persecuted, has masterfully outlined answers to these questions in the book you hold in your hands. You will certainly enjoy exploring this important subject and learn church history and about countless Christian leaders who gave their lives for their faith in Jesus Christ. --Henri Aoun, Life Agape International

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Edward L. Smither is Professor of Intercultural Studies and History of Global Christianity and Dean of the College of Intercultural Studies at Columbia International University. His books include Christian Mission: A Concise Global History (2019) and Mission in the Early Church (2014).

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