Castelli writes about Paul and his interpretation on the death of Jesus, how his persecution has been looked to as a archetype for martyrdom. Castelli also further explains how martyrdom throughout the Bible is used to illustrate a model of what a martyred drama should look like. The historical context of Diocletian as a Roman ruler has also shaped the way people consider the roles of those who are martyred. Castelli writes, “The persecution under Diocletian had roots in broader conflicts over competing notions of religious obligation, political responsibility, and the nature of Roman society’s relationship to the divine” (pg. 37). She is attempting to illustrate how much the Roman Empire shaped society and, in particular, it’s way of thinking. Roman rule established what was thought to be punishable and the proper punishment of such acts, much like Foucault stating that the trial and punishment of the accused was a drama meant to keep established social structures in place.
Christianity was also used as a way to separate people in society, giving them a ‘proper’ place. Rulers also used stories of justice to exemplify themselves from questioning of their own authority, which seems to be a fancy way of keeping people in fear of the government. Using Christian ideology, Roman rulers were able to establish laws based off of what other Christians considered righteous, after all, it was modeled after Godly teachings.
I think Castelli makes a really good point in talking about how Roman law, society and Christianity have shaped ideas of martyrdom. Additionally, I like what Foucault has had to say about martyrdom and it being a spectacle for society. As we have talked about in class, I don’t think we have strayed very far from this idea in general. The theories seem very similar, keeping the public in line and using punishment of criminals as an example. However, in all of those ideas, I also find it challenging because I don’t often attribute some of these ideas to martyrdom. For me, the connection to religion has always been strong. In some of the cases we have talked about, such as the hangings in Iran, are more political statements. So, while I agree with Foucault and Castelli especially, I find it more challenging to widen my range and understanding of what exactly martyrdom is.
Lyndsey Goforth
Christianity was also used as a way to separate people in society, giving them a ‘proper’ place. Rulers also used stories of justice to exemplify themselves from questioning of their own authority, which seems to be a fancy way of keeping people in fear of the government. Using Christian ideology, Roman rulers were able to establish laws based off of what other Christians considered righteous, after all, it was modeled after Godly teachings.
I think Castelli makes a really good point in talking about how Roman law, society and Christianity have shaped ideas of martyrdom. Additionally, I like what Foucault has had to say about martyrdom and it being a spectacle for society. As we have talked about in class, I don’t think we have strayed very far from this idea in general. The theories seem very similar, keeping the public in line and using punishment of criminals as an example. However, in all of those ideas, I also find it challenging because I don’t often attribute some of these ideas to martyrdom. For me, the connection to religion has always been strong. In some of the cases we have talked about, such as the hangings in Iran, are more political statements. So, while I agree with Foucault and Castelli especially, I find it more challenging to widen my range and understanding of what exactly martyrdom is.
Lyndsey Goforth