From Charlie Kirk to Martin Luther King, martyrs are powerful tools for political movements, democratic and authoritarian.
Articles on Martyrs
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Some have even called Kirk a patron saint of MAGA. Stories of his status as a ‘martyr’ are uniting America’s Christian right.
The Chinese state is attempting to build a new ‘spirit’ of heroism and sacrifice.
Francis’ papacy honored Latin American Catholics killed for their social justice work, a theologian explains – and Leo may continue that legacy.
To early Christians, ancient gladiators were potent symbols of martyrdom, embodying virtue and bravery despite being enslaved.
Iran’s government have declared their former president is a martyr, and this is forming part of the political campaign ahead of the election.
Saints are recognized for exceptional virtue and faith. But some also are commemorated for their scholarship.
Italian teenager Carlo Acutis, who died at the age of 15, is on the path to becoming a saint. A scholar explains the long history of child saints in the Catholic Church.
The virgin martyrs were slaughtered to stop them speaking out, and yet their stories have prevailed.
Top contributors
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Professor Emerita of Religious Studies, College of the Holy Cross
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Lecturer in Law and Socio-legal Studies, Royal Holloway, University of London
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Professor of Religion and Classics, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
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Associate Professor of Catholic and Latin American Studies, School of Divinity, Wake Forest University
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Assistant Professor of the History and International Relations of Modern China, Leiden University
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Associate Professor, Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry, Australian Catholic University
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Lecturer English Literature, Swansea University
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Professor in the Department of Government, University of Essex