Death in the Name of God

Explores the evolution of martyrdom across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

Martyrdom has long been a defining concept in religious traditions, shaping the identities of faith communities and influencing theological thought across centuries. Death in the Name of God: Martyrs and Martyrdom traces the historical development of this powerful idea within Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, examining how cultural, social, and political contexts have influenced evolving interpretations of martyrdom. Through a multidisciplinary lens, noted scholar Rebecca I. Denova provides a comprehensive analysis of how each tradition adapted and redefined martyrdom in response to changing historical circumstances. By offering historical depth and critical examination, the author helps readers understand how martyrdom has been utilized to define faith, legitimacy, and religious authority in different eras.

An accessible yet rigorous study of the roots and transformations of martyrdom, Death in the Name of God features detailed historical context, primary source discussions, and thematic analyses. The book's three-tiered methodological framework—descriptive, comparative, and critical—guides readers through the role of martyrdom in shaping religious belief systems, including its origins in ancient traditions, its role in theological and political developments, and its continued significance in modern religious and social discourse.

An essential resource for understanding the enduring impact of martyrdom in Western religious thought, Death in the Name of God:

• Provides a multidisciplinary analysis of martyrdom through history, incorporating anthropology, sociology, philosophy, and religious studies
• Explores how martyrdom developed in response to shifting historical and cultural contexts
• Features sections that offer deeper insight into key topics such as the evolution of Satan and distinctions in martyrdom between Sunni and Shi′a Islam
• Examines how martyrdom transitioned from an act of deliberate sacrifice to a modern concept of victimhood and social struggle
• Includes timelines, figures, and archaeological findings to provide visual and historical context

Offering a non-theological, academic perspective that fosters objective discussion on a historically and politically charged topic, Death in the Name of God: Martyrs and Martyrdom is perfect for courses in Religious Studies, History, Theology, and Middle Eastern Studies. It is particularly well-suited for degree programs in the liberal arts and social sciences, offering foundational knowledge for courses on the history of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as broader discussions on religious violence and martyrdom in contemporary society.

REBECCA I. DENOVA is Emeritus Instructor in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Pittsburgh, where she taught for over thirty years. Specializing in the religions of the ancient Mediterranean, she has published extensively on early Christianity, ancient Judaism, and Greco-Roman religious traditions. Her works include Greek and Roman Religions and The Origins of Christianity and the New Testament.