Death in the Name of God

A Historical and Religious Study of Martyrdom from Antiquity to the Present From ancient sacrifices to modern political struggles, martyrdom has shaped religious thought and identity for millennia. Death in the Name of God: Martyrs and Martyrdom in the Western Tradition explores the origins and evolution of martyrdom in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, revealing how historical and cultural contexts have transformed its meaning over time. Rebecca I. Denova traces how different societies have used martyrdom to define faith, authority, and communal identity, offering a comprehensive analysis of one of history's most powerful religious concepts. Blending historical context with multidisciplinary insights, the author examines martyrdom as a function of religious, political, and social change. Reader-friendly chapters explore martyrdom's role in shaping beliefs about the afterlife, religious persecution, and moral authority, drawing on sources from the Greco-Roman period to the modern world. With detailed case studies, excursuses on key topics, and comparative analyses of religious traditions, this textbook provides a balanced, academic approach to a controversial subject. Designed for students, scholars, and general readers alike, Death in the Name of God is an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the historical, theological, and cultural dimensions of martyrdom. Ideal for courses in Religious Studies, History, and Middle Eastern Studies, it provides the foundational knowledge necessary for discussions on religious identity, violence, and sacrifice across time.