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Bearing Witness: Stories of Martyrdom and Costly Discipleship
What does it cost to follow Jesus? For these men and women, the answer was clear. They were ready to give witness to Christ in the face of intense persecution, even if it cost them their lives. From the stoning of Stephen to Nigerian Christians persecuted by Boko Haram today, these stories from around the world and through the ages will inspire greater faithfulness to the way of Jesus, reminding us what costly discipleship looks like in any age.
Since the birth of Christianity, the church has commemorated those who suffered for their faith in Christ. In the Anabaptist tradition especially, stories of the boldness and steadfastness of early Christian and Reformation-era martyrs have been handed down from one generation to the next through books such as Thieleman van Braght’s Martyrs Mirror (1660). Yet the stories of more recent Christian witnesses are often unknown.
Bearing Witness tells the stories of early Christian martyrs Stephen, Polycarp, Justin, Agathonica, Papylus, Carpus, Perpetua, Tharacus, Probus, Andronicus, and Marcellus, followed by radical reformers Jan Hus, Michael and Margaretha Sattler, Weynken Claes, William Tyndale, Jakob and Katharina Hutter, Anna Janz, Dirk Willems. But the bulk of the book focuses on little-known modern witness including Veronika Löhans, Jacob Hochstetler, Gnadenhütten, Joseph and Michael Hofer, Emanuel Swartzendruber, Regina Rosenberg, Eberhard and Emmy Arnold, Johann Kornelius Martens, Ahn Ei Sook, Jakob Rempel, Clarence Jordan, Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, Tulio Pedraza, Stanimir Katanic, Samuel Kakesa, Kasai Kapata, Meserete Kristos Church, Sarah Corson, Alexander Men, José Chuquín, Norman Tattersall, Katherine Wu, and Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria.
This book is part of the Bearing Witness Stories Project, a collaborative story-gathering project involving Anabaptist believers from many different traditions.
Since the birth of Christianity, the church has commemorated those who suffered for their faith in Christ. In the Anabaptist tradition especially, stories of the boldness and steadfastness of early Christian and Reformation-era martyrs have been handed down from one generation to the next through books such as Thieleman van Braght’s Martyrs Mirror (1660). Yet the stories of more recent Christian witnesses are often unknown.
Bearing Witness tells the stories of early Christian martyrs Stephen, Polycarp, Justin, Agathonica, Papylus, Carpus, Perpetua, Tharacus, Probus, Andronicus, and Marcellus, followed by radical reformers Jan Hus, Michael and Margaretha Sattler, Weynken Claes, William Tyndale, Jakob and Katharina Hutter, Anna Janz, Dirk Willems. But the bulk of the book focuses on little-known modern witness including Veronika Löhans, Jacob Hochstetler, Gnadenhütten, Joseph and Michael Hofer, Emanuel Swartzendruber, Regina Rosenberg, Eberhard and Emmy Arnold, Johann Kornelius Martens, Ahn Ei Sook, Jakob Rempel, Clarence Jordan, Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, Tulio Pedraza, Stanimir Katanic, Samuel Kakesa, Kasai Kapata, Meserete Kristos Church, Sarah Corson, Alexander Men, José Chuquín, Norman Tattersall, Katherine Wu, and Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria.
This book is part of the Bearing Witness Stories Project, a collaborative story-gathering project involving Anabaptist believers from many different traditions.
242 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2016
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204 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 22, 2016
I’m not even sure how to describe this book, except that I think everyone should read it. It really gives the reader to reexamine their faith.
I mean do we even know what persecution really is?
Here in America we tend to feel like we’re facing persecution just for being a Christian. While some of it may true, we still have freedom to follow the Lord. We’re lucky to be able to live in a country that allows us to choose our faith. Many countries outside of North America, especially in Asia and Africa, it’s forbidden to be a Christian. The reality of persecution and suffering is a reality. In fact, we hear about this all of the time!
The book explains that North America still needs to hear martyr stories today is because “their stories caution us, as citizens of a powerful “Christian” empire, against the temptation to justify justice in the name of Christ.”
(Page X)
Stories of courageous faith are so important to tell because persecution is not just something that is in the past, but is in fact a reality.
If Christians in the West have tended to domesticate the faith – turning it into something safe or regarding it as an extension of our consumer tastes and preferences – encountering these stories should unsettle us and remind us that something of ultimate significance is at stake in the claim to be a follower of Jesus. Like the martyr’s we need to face life – and death – with the confidence that life is ultimately stronger than death and that history is always is always moving in the kingdom of God.
(Page xiii)
Bearing Witness is filled with story after story of people who have become martyrs for the faith. You’ll find stories from all through history. Some of them we might have heard of. Stephen, William Tyndale, and Wilbur and Sabrina Wumbrand are some examples. There are also many others that I have never even heard of before. They also take place all over the world.
It’s definitely not an easy or fast-paced kind of read, but definitely one worth checking out. It really does show the importance and will change your perspective.
I do have to mention that is book is written from an Anabaptist viewpoint, probably something I should have checked out before I accepted this to review, so I do not agree with all of their teaching. I don’t exactly know what they believe, but I do know that they believe in love over violence. So if you do choose to read this, do so with digression.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Flybyfor my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
I mean do we even know what persecution really is?
Here in America we tend to feel like we’re facing persecution just for being a Christian. While some of it may true, we still have freedom to follow the Lord. We’re lucky to be able to live in a country that allows us to choose our faith. Many countries outside of North America, especially in Asia and Africa, it’s forbidden to be a Christian. The reality of persecution and suffering is a reality. In fact, we hear about this all of the time!
The book explains that North America still needs to hear martyr stories today is because “their stories caution us, as citizens of a powerful “Christian” empire, against the temptation to justify justice in the name of Christ.”
(Page X)
Stories of courageous faith are so important to tell because persecution is not just something that is in the past, but is in fact a reality.
If Christians in the West have tended to domesticate the faith – turning it into something safe or regarding it as an extension of our consumer tastes and preferences – encountering these stories should unsettle us and remind us that something of ultimate significance is at stake in the claim to be a follower of Jesus. Like the martyr’s we need to face life – and death – with the confidence that life is ultimately stronger than death and that history is always is always moving in the kingdom of God.
(Page xiii)
Bearing Witness is filled with story after story of people who have become martyrs for the faith. You’ll find stories from all through history. Some of them we might have heard of. Stephen, William Tyndale, and Wilbur and Sabrina Wumbrand are some examples. There are also many others that I have never even heard of before. They also take place all over the world.
It’s definitely not an easy or fast-paced kind of read, but definitely one worth checking out. It really does show the importance and will change your perspective.
I do have to mention that is book is written from an Anabaptist viewpoint, probably something I should have checked out before I accepted this to review, so I do not agree with all of their teaching. I don’t exactly know what they believe, but I do know that they believe in love over violence. So if you do choose to read this, do so with digression.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Flybyfor my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 1, 2022
Christian persecution through the ages and starting with Stephen in 34 AD. A lovely history book leaving two distinct aftertastes: 1) persecuted Christians are unyieldingly peaceful and accept their persecution with grace, 2) underground churches are actually stronger and more meaningful since smaller, intimate groups require a different level of participation and learning.
The network of five-person groups meant that the church members sharing intimately in their homes with close and trusted friends, flourished. There was no space for grandiose religiosity. And as their neighbors and friends outside the church grew increasingly disillusioned with the Marxist government and began searching for truth, church attendance grew.
This text offers a nice overview of many different Christian martyrs, but more in depth study may be desirable from other sources.
The network of five-person groups meant that the church members sharing intimately in their homes with close and trusted friends, flourished. There was no space for grandiose religiosity. And as their neighbors and friends outside the church grew increasingly disillusioned with the Marxist government and began searching for truth, church attendance grew.
This text offers a nice overview of many different Christian martyrs, but more in depth study may be desirable from other sources.
February 3, 2023
This book provides a range of martyr narratives from the early church through the present day in an accessible and easy-to-read fashion. Each chapter is not a primary source, but the articles draw on primary sources. This is a good book for anyone who is interested in learning about the history of Christian persecution through the lives of people who have suffered for their faith across the globe and throughout time.
September 2, 2024
Highly recommended stories of people who gave their lives or suffered for the cause of Christ. I want my children to learn these stories, though I'm sensitive to scaring them with occasionally horrific descriptions of death.
March 26, 2023
4* A gripping collection - stories of Christians who have been persecuted for their faith, from AD100 to the present day.
May 21, 2016
I’ve always enjoyed tales of Christian history. I find myself edified by hearing the discussions over doctrine, the stories of the spread of the gospel and the stories of those who have suffered or died in Christ’s name. So, when I received the opportunity to review Plough Publishing House’s new book, Bearing Witness: Stories of Martyrdom and Costly Discipleship, I was sure that it would be a book that I would enjoy reading.
I was not to be disappointed. Bearing Witness is a book that traces four periods of Christian history with martyr stories and stories of those who were persecuted for their religious beliefs. Although I wouldn’t classify all the martyrs covered as Anabaptists, the book does focus on martyrs of the Anabaptist tradition.
The book is separated into four sections. The first covers early Christians such as Stephen, Polykarp and Perpetua. The second section deals with martyrs of the reformation such as William Tyndale, Jakob and Katharina Hutter and Dirk Williams. The third section is the early modern witness, including martyrs and persecuted Christians such as Ahn Ei Sook, Gnadenhutten, and Veronica Lohans. The final section covers such people as Clarence Jordan, the Wurmbrands and Sarah Corson. Not all of the people are equally famous, but what is equal is their passion for Christ and willingness to give all in his service.
The stories were not equal in length. Some stories are only a couple of pages, and others are quite lengthy. Some stories are also more engaging than others for me. There were a couple of times with the conscientious objectors that were persecuted where I was literally saying, “Come on, guys. Just go work on the farm and grow the plants or be part of the medical unit.” However, an important cornerstone for much of the Anabaptist movement is nonresistance and pacifism. As such, doing that would have violated their consciences and been a sin for them. However, because I don’t share that conviction, it was so frustrating, even for me as a Christian, to see them suffer what I would feel was needless persecution.
The chapter at the end on Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria and their persecution by Boko Haram discusses how many martyrs there are as a result of the Anabaptist pursuit of nonviolence. Many of us Americans think of martyrs as a thing of the past or as an isolated incident, and yet the evidence of this book and others like it prove that danger in Christian service is a constant danger for many Christians around the world.
This is a book best read over time. I think that one or two of the stories a day would be a great balance from this book so that you have time to digest and think about what you’ve been reading. As a homeschool mom, I intend to put this book on my shelf to share with my children in their high school years as part of their education in church history. It’s a great resource for learning about martyrs of both the past and present.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I was not to be disappointed. Bearing Witness is a book that traces four periods of Christian history with martyr stories and stories of those who were persecuted for their religious beliefs. Although I wouldn’t classify all the martyrs covered as Anabaptists, the book does focus on martyrs of the Anabaptist tradition.
The book is separated into four sections. The first covers early Christians such as Stephen, Polykarp and Perpetua. The second section deals with martyrs of the reformation such as William Tyndale, Jakob and Katharina Hutter and Dirk Williams. The third section is the early modern witness, including martyrs and persecuted Christians such as Ahn Ei Sook, Gnadenhutten, and Veronica Lohans. The final section covers such people as Clarence Jordan, the Wurmbrands and Sarah Corson. Not all of the people are equally famous, but what is equal is their passion for Christ and willingness to give all in his service.
The stories were not equal in length. Some stories are only a couple of pages, and others are quite lengthy. Some stories are also more engaging than others for me. There were a couple of times with the conscientious objectors that were persecuted where I was literally saying, “Come on, guys. Just go work on the farm and grow the plants or be part of the medical unit.” However, an important cornerstone for much of the Anabaptist movement is nonresistance and pacifism. As such, doing that would have violated their consciences and been a sin for them. However, because I don’t share that conviction, it was so frustrating, even for me as a Christian, to see them suffer what I would feel was needless persecution.
The chapter at the end on Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria and their persecution by Boko Haram discusses how many martyrs there are as a result of the Anabaptist pursuit of nonviolence. Many of us Americans think of martyrs as a thing of the past or as an isolated incident, and yet the evidence of this book and others like it prove that danger in Christian service is a constant danger for many Christians around the world.
This is a book best read over time. I think that one or two of the stories a day would be a great balance from this book so that you have time to digest and think about what you’ve been reading. As a homeschool mom, I intend to put this book on my shelf to share with my children in their high school years as part of their education in church history. It’s a great resource for learning about martyrs of both the past and present.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
July 11, 2016
Bearing Witness, edited by Charles E. Moore and Timothy Keiderling, is a collection of 36 stories about different men and women who were persecuted and/or died for their faith in Christ. All through the book I kept thinking, "I don't know if I could do that." One woman, as she watched her fellow Christians die by being burned at the stake, stepped forward to join them!
Agathonica was moved by the devotion of the two martyrs. She
recognized God's glory in their actions and, though she was the
mother of a young child, she felt called to step forward and join
them. From the midst of the crowd she shouted, "This meal has
been prepared for me. I must partake in it. I must receive the meal
of glory."
She willing volunteered to die! I do not think I could or would ever do that. It is incredible.
Another story that really stood out to me was that of Sarah Corson. She told her persecutor that she would die loving him, because God loved him. The man could not believe it and Sarah said:
"You can prove it, sir. I know you came here to kill us. So just kill
me slowly if you want to prove it. Cut me to pieces little by little,
and you will see you cannot make me hate you. I will die praying
for you, because God love you and we love you too."
It is not humanly possible to make such a statement. That was God. It blew me away! All the stories, from Stephen to Christians in Nigeria, are an incredible testimony to what people are willing to endure for Jesus. They really make you think and hope that, if faced with the same situation, you would do the same thing.
Although the book was complied as an Anabaptist project, and many of the people in the book were Anabaptists, there is almost no theology brought up. When I started reading the forward and realized that it was from the Anabaptist heritage, I was a little worried. Would there be a lot of theology that I would disagree with? But no, the only time anything is mentioned is when the people would be questioned by others and accused of heresies and were defending themselves. All this to say that you don't have to be Anabaptist to appreciate this book.
It's inspiring to read about so many people, all throughout history and all over the world, who withstood unimaginable pain and suffering in the name of Christ.
Agathonica was moved by the devotion of the two martyrs. She
recognized God's glory in their actions and, though she was the
mother of a young child, she felt called to step forward and join
them. From the midst of the crowd she shouted, "This meal has
been prepared for me. I must partake in it. I must receive the meal
of glory."
She willing volunteered to die! I do not think I could or would ever do that. It is incredible.
Another story that really stood out to me was that of Sarah Corson. She told her persecutor that she would die loving him, because God loved him. The man could not believe it and Sarah said:
"You can prove it, sir. I know you came here to kill us. So just kill
me slowly if you want to prove it. Cut me to pieces little by little,
and you will see you cannot make me hate you. I will die praying
for you, because God love you and we love you too."
It is not humanly possible to make such a statement. That was God. It blew me away! All the stories, from Stephen to Christians in Nigeria, are an incredible testimony to what people are willing to endure for Jesus. They really make you think and hope that, if faced with the same situation, you would do the same thing.
Although the book was complied as an Anabaptist project, and many of the people in the book were Anabaptists, there is almost no theology brought up. When I started reading the forward and realized that it was from the Anabaptist heritage, I was a little worried. Would there be a lot of theology that I would disagree with? But no, the only time anything is mentioned is when the people would be questioned by others and accused of heresies and were defending themselves. All this to say that you don't have to be Anabaptist to appreciate this book.
It's inspiring to read about so many people, all throughout history and all over the world, who withstood unimaginable pain and suffering in the name of Christ.
May 25, 2016
I'd like to be able to say that I would claim my faith with the grace and quiet strength of the witnesses and martyrs described in Bearing Witness, even in the face of death. Most of us are not called upon to make the 'ultimate sacrifice' in the name of our faith.
My own first 'crisis of faith' came one Sunday when I was 12 or so. I chose not to give the answer to a question the Sunday School teacher had asked, even though I knew what he was expecting to hear, because I was not sure what I believed at that point, and felt it better to be quiet than to say the expected words by rote. Then I received a very vocal, very public dressing down (at least it seemed so to me at the time). After that, when I went to church it was because my mother wanted us to go, not because of what I could get out of attendance.
I had, of course, heard the term "Anabaptist" before, but did not really know what it meant until I read this book.
Despite some of the descriptions of the persecution and executions described in Bearing Witness, it is a profound and engrossing read. And it was surprising to me how much of (at least) the (early) confrontations were Christian on Christian. And it makes me wonder if other religions face the same issue - a significant portion of disagreement on religious beliefs occurring within factions of the same religion vs between one religion and another.
The stories of these martyrs and disciples is a call to action. Our faith should be so much more than our petty concerns about how we are dressed or what kind of car we drive. We need to focus on others more than we focus on ourselves. We need to consider how we can serve others rather than figure out the best outcome for us personally.
I was in a church nursery when I was three days old. I have been 'saved' as use of the term goes. But reading Bearing Witness has brought another dimension to my discipleship and worship.
My own first 'crisis of faith' came one Sunday when I was 12 or so. I chose not to give the answer to a question the Sunday School teacher had asked, even though I knew what he was expecting to hear, because I was not sure what I believed at that point, and felt it better to be quiet than to say the expected words by rote. Then I received a very vocal, very public dressing down (at least it seemed so to me at the time). After that, when I went to church it was because my mother wanted us to go, not because of what I could get out of attendance.
I had, of course, heard the term "Anabaptist" before, but did not really know what it meant until I read this book.
Despite some of the descriptions of the persecution and executions described in Bearing Witness, it is a profound and engrossing read. And it was surprising to me how much of (at least) the (early) confrontations were Christian on Christian. And it makes me wonder if other religions face the same issue - a significant portion of disagreement on religious beliefs occurring within factions of the same religion vs between one religion and another.
The stories of these martyrs and disciples is a call to action. Our faith should be so much more than our petty concerns about how we are dressed or what kind of car we drive. We need to focus on others more than we focus on ourselves. We need to consider how we can serve others rather than figure out the best outcome for us personally.
I was in a church nursery when I was three days old. I have been 'saved' as use of the term goes. But reading Bearing Witness has brought another dimension to my discipleship and worship.
December 29, 2016
“If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.” -Jesus of Nazareth
This quote is an appropriate one to begin a collection of stories featuring those who were persecuted because of their faith. And not talking about the elected public official who cried persecution when they refused to do their job. Nor the company that cries persecution because the law requires them to provide services to a gay couple. Nor do I mean the white man who cries persecution when a woman chooses to get an abortion.
Editors Charles Moore and Timothy Keiderling have collected thirty-six stories spanning two millennia of Christianity. From the stoning of Stephen in Acts to Nigerian girls kidnapped by Boko Haram, these stories stir in us a desire to experience justice, while inspiring us to a greater faithfulness in our own Christian living. Bearing Witness provides a glimpse of what persecution and religious oppression really looks like.
A project of the Bearing Witness Stories Project, an initiative of the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism at Goshen College, Bearing Witness is written in a light, conversational-style, appealing to readers of various kinds.
This quote is an appropriate one to begin a collection of stories featuring those who were persecuted because of their faith. And not talking about the elected public official who cried persecution when they refused to do their job. Nor the company that cries persecution because the law requires them to provide services to a gay couple. Nor do I mean the white man who cries persecution when a woman chooses to get an abortion.
Editors Charles Moore and Timothy Keiderling have collected thirty-six stories spanning two millennia of Christianity. From the stoning of Stephen in Acts to Nigerian girls kidnapped by Boko Haram, these stories stir in us a desire to experience justice, while inspiring us to a greater faithfulness in our own Christian living. Bearing Witness provides a glimpse of what persecution and religious oppression really looks like.
A project of the Bearing Witness Stories Project, an initiative of the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism at Goshen College, Bearing Witness is written in a light, conversational-style, appealing to readers of various kinds.
April 1, 2016
A fascinating biblical romp through famous early Christians, radical reformists, & modern/recent witnesses.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this historical biblical book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors,
I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great historical biblical movie, college PP presentation, or a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; MakingConnections; Plough Publishing House; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this historical biblical book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors,
I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great historical biblical movie, college PP presentation, or a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; MakingConnections; Plough Publishing House; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
April 15, 2016
Throughout the years men and women have suffered persecution for their witness of Christ. Bearing Witness is a look at 36 men and women ready to give their all, including their very lives to witness for Christ. Most tragic are the stories of brave souls standing for Christ only to be slain by others claiming to be Christians.
The book begins with the stoning of Stephen, the first to give his all for Christ, and the bystander, Saul who held the coats of those who stoned him. There are stories from around the world up to the most recent, the stories of those who died at the hands of Boko Haram.
These are important stories for us to remember and teach our children. Although we have had in the past an easy life of religious freedom in the United States, those days are gradually coming to a close. We need to be cautious as our country sets out to work against those of faith and we experience a political movement disguised as a religion creeping into the U.S.
The book begins with the stoning of Stephen, the first to give his all for Christ, and the bystander, Saul who held the coats of those who stoned him. There are stories from around the world up to the most recent, the stories of those who died at the hands of Boko Haram.
These are important stories for us to remember and teach our children. Although we have had in the past an easy life of religious freedom in the United States, those days are gradually coming to a close. We need to be cautious as our country sets out to work against those of faith and we experience a political movement disguised as a religion creeping into the U.S.
May 12, 2016
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. This book is just what you expect it to be... Stories of Christian martyrs from the early days of the Church to modern times. The stories of the early martyrs are well-known, but the stories of the 20th century martyrs are far less so and shocking and moving. The stories of the modern martyrs are restricted to those in the Anabaptist tradition. Sadly, 16th-19th century persecution involved Christian upon Christian violence and this section is particularly difficult reading for that reason. Today's martyrs are suffering throughout the Communist and Islamic-controlled areas of the world and their stories should be a wake-up call for those of us who live in comfort and relative safety with regard to freedom to practice the Christian faith. So many risk all each day to follow Jesus. How does my faith measure up?
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May 24, 2016 Occasionally I run across a book that I believe all Christians should read; and this is one such book. The book is very well written and goes from martyrs in the early church to modern day Christians and the persecution they face.
This is a fascinating, convicting, and a bit scary of a read. I am familiar with some of these stories, but it was still amazing to me what these Christians went through instead of denying Christ, and what the Catholic Church did to those who dared read the Bible in English or teach adult Baptism. As I read these stories, I found myself wondering how well myself and other American Christians would do in the face of true persecution and threats of loss of life. The idea scares me a bit. I was also convicted of my shallowness and felt a new resolve to deepen my walk with Christ,
This is a fascinating, convicting, and a bit scary of a read. I am familiar with some of these stories, but it was still amazing to me what these Christians went through instead of denying Christ, and what the Catholic Church did to those who dared read the Bible in English or teach adult Baptism. As I read these stories, I found myself wondering how well myself and other American Christians would do in the face of true persecution and threats of loss of life. The idea scares me a bit. I was also convicted of my shallowness and felt a new resolve to deepen my walk with Christ,
June 5, 2016
Bearing Witness is a collection of true stories of men and women who gave witness to Jesus Christ and His teachings. Each account tells of an individual that spread the Word of Jesus’s teachings in the face of persecution and death. This book is powerful and will break your heart. The descriptions of these brave individuals and what transpires in their lives can be quite graphic. However, their stories are inspirational in that they show us how to live faithful lives; lives dedicated to Christ.
While I read this book, I found myself truly inspired to know that there were Christians who made it their mission to live like Christ and be guided by that love and faith to reach out to others. Their lives embody what it means to be a true follower of Christ and to love others more than oneself.
While I read this book, I found myself truly inspired to know that there were Christians who made it their mission to live like Christ and be guided by that love and faith to reach out to others. Their lives embody what it means to be a true follower of Christ and to love others more than oneself.
March 1, 2016
This book of martyrdom is different fromothers in that it takes mainly the Anabaptist martyrs, though it does start with Stephen in the New Testament. I was extremely interested to read about one which relates to SIFAT, a campus which I have visited a couple of days which a group from our United Methodist Church. by telling the stories of old and modern martyrs it made them even more compelling that even in our age some people have to die for Christ.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" "To Whom It May Concern" and "Tell Me About the United Methodist Church"
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" "To Whom It May Concern" and "Tell Me About the United Methodist Church"
May 20, 2016
I really found this book very interesting and learned a lot some of the martyrs I had never heard of. Many have suffered through the years taking a stand for Christ. I know personally a fiends husband was killed while serving the Lord. I know of another couple who gave there lives to be a witness for the Lord her husband also was killed she made it out and is still serving. I know she has books out telling their story. Saddens me looking at your Country now how many people are falling away from Christianity. How the morals have changed so much. This book is a eye opener. Well written and very educational. This book is a great inspiration. I believe it will inspire many no matter the age.
May 18, 2016
As I read through this book, I found myself thinking about those who were persecuted for giving witness to their faith and what it cost them. In the past and what we see happening now, so heartbreaking yet inspiring. This continuing persecution many Christians are facing today.. anyone wanting to learn more about the history of Christianity and about those who died for their faith will want this in their library. I was gifted a copy for review, thanks to Propeller Consulting.
March 26, 2016
I received a copy of this through Goodreads giveaways.
Simultaneously inspiring and heart wrenching.
Simultaneously inspiring and heart wrenching.
April 2, 2017
Brief, but emotionally moving accounts of persecution and martyrdom from the Biblical account of Stephen's martyr to Anabaptist persecutions and martyrdoms in Nigeria under Boko Haram. Included are five accounts, out of 36 stories, of persecution and martyrdom in the United States from the late 1700's to the mid-1900's.
This book is a good introduction the the reality of Christian suffering and bear witness not only to the depths of cruel violence men will inflict upon others, but the courage that graces those under persecution committed to their Christian faith and, especially in many stories involving Anabaptists, the depth and strength of conviction to non-violence as taught and exemplified by Christ in the Gospels.
I found that the introduction to this book was honest in dealing with the complexity of human nature in the face of persecution and martyrdom. Especially insightful is where we read, "At their best, martyr stories help communities validate their own cultural identity. At their worst, these memories can serve to justify resentment of one group against another and even lead to retribution."
An excellent read that will not only cause you to examine your faith but question the nature of your love for enemies.
This book is a good introduction the the reality of Christian suffering and bear witness not only to the depths of cruel violence men will inflict upon others, but the courage that graces those under persecution committed to their Christian faith and, especially in many stories involving Anabaptists, the depth and strength of conviction to non-violence as taught and exemplified by Christ in the Gospels.
I found that the introduction to this book was honest in dealing with the complexity of human nature in the face of persecution and martyrdom. Especially insightful is where we read, "At their best, martyr stories help communities validate their own cultural identity. At their worst, these memories can serve to justify resentment of one group against another and even lead to retribution."
An excellent read that will not only cause you to examine your faith but question the nature of your love for enemies.
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