Glenn M. Penner

A unique and much needed book that should be read by every Christian, especially the American Christian.

This is a thorough discussion of martyrdom as it is presented in the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Also, boxed notes are provided on subjects like "Religious Freedom Under Islam," the question of "Is Healing in the Atonement," and "Guidelines for Christian-Muslim Dialogue," issues that are significantly relevant especially for the days we are now in.

Also, in a few footnotes Penner engages issues quite extensively even if briefly, of theological and practical importance, as the "depravity of mankind and freedom of the will" and "election to salvation."

Every Christian needs to have a firm grasp on the theology of martyrdom, which seems to be a very neglected issue, one handled superficially and with much reluctance if at all, especially in America.

Penner shows how martyrdom is not a footnote in the Bible but a very fundamental and predominant theme throughout the Bible and demonstrates that "most of the passages dealing with suffering in the New Testament had to do with suffering because of righteousness" (p.8). To ignore the issue is to come unprepared before the Cross of Christ and in serious danger of losing faith when most needed, that is, when the end arrives and we are asked to either recant our confession under torture or with threatened death of ourselves or loved ones. That fact that you may think this will not occur in your lifetime and to you just shows how far you have misunderstood the Cross.

If Penner is correct that "God chooses to fulfill His purposes specifically through suffering and self-sacrifice" (p.76), then this is one issue a Christian cannot afford to either be ignorance of or ambivalent with.… (altro)