Bobzammel

I've noticed that is a common theme in many religions. It's also used to justify the "reliability" of each religion: "If people were willing to die for it, it must be true!" Martyrdom is perhaps most prevelant in Christianity, of whom the founder is in a sense a martyr(It is also rumored that the two post-Jesus fathers-Paul, Peter, and others-were likewise martyred.
Martyrdom apparentally seems to be the ultimate test of faith--Jesus even threathens his disciples with denial if they deny their faith to save their necks, and hell in Revelation is apparentally filled with "Cowards".
Likewise, Islam also has it's martyrs. Jewish Martyrdom also has occurred many times, although it's importance is not stressed in the OT as much as the NT. Buddhists and Hindus have also martyred themselves--either in protest, or when facing-ironically-the armies of invading Christian or Islamic armies, who couldn't stand their idol worship.
Any thoughts on this?

philechat

Martyrdom is the ultimate "proof" of an individual's willingness to submit under the values and beliefs of his own community. Therefore there are many instances of secular martyrdom (as of Japanese or Roman suicide) as well as religious ones.

Those who are not "martyred" are often shunned and punished by the collective. They are labelled traitors by their own community, and become dishonored for life (which for many is worse than death). On the other hand, they and their family's reputations are preserved by an act of suicide, which leads to many instances of supposed "martyrdom".

The most radical example of martyrdom is actually found among the Japanese feudal culture. The sumerai class thrives on the service of their lord, and any defeat warrants suicide on the sumerai's part. The sumerai who did not commit suicide would be disgraced for life, and be treated as a pariah in the Japanese feudal society.

j ford

I think that martyrdom is a good example of how religion can be used by leaders to further their cause. Think about how powerful a leader is that leads an army of people so involved in their faith that they are willing to do whatever is asked, because their deity says it will further it's cause.

No matter what the circumstance, some can be convinced that no matter how life threatening, or even the promise of death, they are doing the right thing by their god.

The funny thing about Jesus being a martyr for Christianity, is that in some views of history, the teachings of Jesus were actually snuffed out and crushed by the leaders of Christianity during the inquisition. I honestly have only read a little of this, so I'm not going to go to far into it. Just something to think about.

Thieving Magpie

Martyrdom also says something about the relative unimportance of one's life as well - which is an important concept for many causes that believe that what they are fighting for is above and beyond any single person.. it's definately not a 'humanist' approach, but it is a common enough one.