Conrad Dudziak
Robin Stacey
HSTAM 235
18 October 2015
The Gender of Martyrdom “Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose” (Philippians 4:2). Male authority is a proven constant in the history of Christianity. Men are often considered the spiritual leaders of a Christian community, with the responsibility of providing spiritual sustenance and knowledge. However, these patriarchal traditions are not coincident with the martyrdom of Saint Perpetua and Felicity in 203 C.E. In an extraordinary example of faith, five martyrs, including those of both genders, were executed in the amphitheater by beasts for their pursuits of the Christian belief. Male authority was absent amongst …show more content…
For example, although Perpetua’s father disagreed with her choice to follow the Christian faith, she was adamant to pursue her own beliefs and refused to refer to herself as anything but “which she is, a Christian” (3). In her refusal to succumb to her father’s religious preferences, Perpetua announced her own authority over the spiritual spectrum in her life. By providing this authority to herself as a female, Perpetua’s persecution became a powerful symbol of devotion to Christianity anonymous of gender. Moreover, after Perpetua’s arrest and incarceration into prison, her father desperately attempted to save Perpetua from her own bravery. Having been unsuccessful to waver his daughters beliefs, he looked to her and named her “not daughter, but lady” (5). Perpetua further challenged femaleness as her father witnessed the courage that no singular gender can explain. In this moment of growth, Perpetua’s father also fails to achieve standard maleness as he recognizes his daughter for her fearless pursuit although he does not condone it. Male Authority is thwarted by Perpetua because of her love and passion for Christ, although her purpose is not necessarily to do so. Rather, Perpetua’s drive for God and religion invalidates the complications of
Robin Stacey
HSTAM 235
18 October 2015
The Gender of Martyrdom “Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose” (Philippians 4:2). Male authority is a proven constant in the history of Christianity. Men are often considered the spiritual leaders of a Christian community, with the responsibility of providing spiritual sustenance and knowledge. However, these patriarchal traditions are not coincident with the martyrdom of Saint Perpetua and Felicity in 203 C.E. In an extraordinary example of faith, five martyrs, including those of both genders, were executed in the amphitheater by beasts for their pursuits of the Christian belief. Male authority was absent amongst …show more content…
For example, although Perpetua’s father disagreed with her choice to follow the Christian faith, she was adamant to pursue her own beliefs and refused to refer to herself as anything but “which she is, a Christian” (3). In her refusal to succumb to her father’s religious preferences, Perpetua announced her own authority over the spiritual spectrum in her life. By providing this authority to herself as a female, Perpetua’s persecution became a powerful symbol of devotion to Christianity anonymous of gender. Moreover, after Perpetua’s arrest and incarceration into prison, her father desperately attempted to save Perpetua from her own bravery. Having been unsuccessful to waver his daughters beliefs, he looked to her and named her “not daughter, but lady” (5). Perpetua further challenged femaleness as her father witnessed the courage that no singular gender can explain. In this moment of growth, Perpetua’s father also fails to achieve standard maleness as he recognizes his daughter for her fearless pursuit although he does not condone it. Male Authority is thwarted by Perpetua because of her love and passion for Christ, although her purpose is not necessarily to do so. Rather, Perpetua’s drive for God and religion invalidates the complications of