Cult of the Dead
A Brief History of Christianity
Format:Hardback
Publisher:University of California Press
Published:6th Dec '22
Should be back in stock very soon
This book examines how martyrdom has shaped Christianity over centuries, revealing a deep connection between faith and the stories of those who sacrificed their lives. Cult of the Dead provides a unique perspective.
In Cult of the Dead, Kyle Smith explores the profound impact of martyrdom on the formation and evolution of Christianity. The narrative reveals how the religion, despite its promise of eternal life, was fundamentally shaped by the sacrifices of those who chose death over renunciation of their faith. Through a cultural history lens, Smith examines the legacies of apostles and martyrs, illustrating how their stories of courage and conviction have influenced Christian practices for over two millennia.
The book delves into the ways in which martyrs have been venerated throughout history. From the curation of their deaths as exemplars of holiness to the retelling of their harrowing tales, Smith highlights the powerful connection between martyrdom and the spiritual life of Christians. The fascination with relics and shrines dedicated to these saints continues to attract pilgrims seeking miracles, underscoring the enduring legacy of martyrdom within the faith.
Moreover, Cult of the Dead traces the journey of Christian martyrdom from Roman times through medieval England and into the Protestant Reformation. Each day of the year holds significance as Christians remember the deaths of saints, illustrating how the concept of time itself has been influenced by the remembrance of martyrs. This compelling narrative not only sheds light on the historical context but also invites readers to reflect on the ongoing relevance of these stories in contemporary faith practices.
"Reading this book conveys the feeling of bouncing over bumps at high speed on a sunny day in an all-terrain sports utility vehicle. How can such lugubrious topics provide so much fun? The tale is animated by the telling. With sly wit, subtle humour, agile prose and empathetic imagination, Kyle Smith narrates the growth of one of Christianity’s defining traditions." * Times Literary Supplement *
"Cult of the Dead is the rare academic book that shows empathy; for the martyrs themselves and for those with devotion to them. . . . Smith does our dearly departed the ultimate favor: He allows the dead to speak once more." * National Catholic Reporter *
“For a topic that encompasses millennia of fascinating history, Smith’s digestible book offers a compelling and comprehensive introduction to the role of the lives and afterlives of Christianity’s martyrs in Western society from late antiquity to the present day.” * New Criterion *
"In this beautifully produced book. . . Kyle Smith brings alive devotion to the martyrs over the centuries and demonstrates how it helped to shape Christian devotional life, art, architecture, literature, and spirituality." * Journal of Religious History *
"Carefully researched and accessible." * CHOICE *
"The great accomplishment of Smith’s book is that it manages to both revel in the macabre appeal of the martyrs, and, at the same time, take the Christian cult of the dead sympathetically and seriously." * Reading Religion *
"The book is lavishly illustrated, including more than a dozen color plates, and the careful attention Smith pays to them, turns these illustrations into an integral part of the story he tells The result is an enjoyable and informative read that will hold the interest of novice and experts alike." * Augustiniana *
ISBN: 9780520345164
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
384 pages