Christian Martyrdom and Christian Violence

The debate about violence in Christian ethics has become repetitious, stale, boring, and something of a dead end. But then Christian Martyrdom and Christian Violence appears out of nowhere. What a refreshing angle from which to tackle a hackneyed set of issues. Lundberg opens up a whole new field of investigation and we are drawn into a clear, substantive discussion that gets us back on board. More still, he opens up a further set of issues related to sanctity that cries out for follow-up treatment. This is a volume rich in argument and in felicitous expression that is a delight to ponder. * William J. Abraham, D.Phil. (Oxon), Director of the Wesley House of Studies, Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University, Waco, Texas *
Lundberg achieves an intelligent, careful, and honest probing of the core problem of Christian just war theory: justifying killing in the name of Jesus Christ. To analogize from martyrdom is ingenious and illuminating. Lundberg never avoids or dissembles regarding the realities and perplexities of war. Wherever you stand on the just war to pacifism spectrum, whatever your erudition on the subject, you will learn from Lundberg's fascinating tour de force. * Lisa Sowle Cahill, J. Donald Monan, S.J. Professor of Theology, Boston College *
This is an important book. The author brings rigorous scholarship and profound insight to his analysis of Christian martyrdom, just war ethics, and the general problem of violence in the experience of people of faith. That this work was partly seeded in theological dialogue at the Faith and Order table should give readers confidence, not only in its comprehensive reading of historical and contemporary sources and examples, but also in its ecumenical sensitivities. For all of these reasons, the value of this book is undeniable. * Dr. Antonios Kireopoulos, Associate General Secretary, National Council of Churches USA *