Printable Session 7

Background information on a few Christian martyrs throughout church history including some modern day Christian martyrs (see below)

*Oscar Romero is a great contemporary example of martyr

* From Death in the Arena to Control of an Empire - contains information on the persecution of Christians in the early Church.
* The Christian Catacombs of Rome is a beautifully made web site with a large amount of information.
* By Robert Ellsberg in a The Mystery of Holiness: Taking saints seriously for the needs of our time offers a thought-provoking reflection on martyrdom, holiness, and sainthood.
* You can also find information on individual saints/martyrs at Catholic Online Saints & Angels

Our faith was created by and sustained by people who martyred themselves for our faith. This chapter deals with the 'well knowns' of the life of Jesus. But many of the kids don't understand the role of martyrdom.

Ask the kids about what they know about the Suicide bombings in Palestine. A tragic example can be found here.

I recently interviewed the Professor of Islamic studies at Marquette University and specifically asked him about the suicide bombing by Palestinians. This was his response.

1] It is forbidden by Islamic Law to commit suicide

2] It is forbidden by Islamic Law to kill innocent life.

3] It is also required by Islamic Law that the rights of Muslim persons and the Islamic faith.

Because the Palestinians have are not allowed to have weapons to defend themselves or their faith, suicide bombing becomes their 'only means' of defending themselves.

Get a discussion going with the kids see what they think.

1. Using the text of Acts 6-7 as a source, point out to the students that martyrdom was a reality of Christian life from the very early day of the Church and that it was seen as the ultimate way to follow (imitate) Jesus. Point out the similarities between Jesus' and Stephen's life, trial and death as you present the text.

2. Provide background information on the history of martyrdom from the Early Church to our own time. Use some of the resources suggested on the left to research and present this background information - or have the students do part of it themselves.

3. Ask the students to take a few minutes to write down their answers to the following questions:

Is there anything in your life that is so important that you would accept to die for it if that were the only way to protect it? Why would you make that decision?

4. Invite the students to share their answers with at least one other student in class. Once they have done this, you could also invite them to share with the rest of the class if they feel comfortable doing so.

5. Ask the students to reflect quietly on the following questions: "If you were in a country were Christians are persecuted for their faith, how would you react? What would you do if you were faced with choosing between your faith and death? Ask them to write down their answers in "A letter to Jesus".