Imitating Christ: Suffering and Death in Christianity

Explores the diverse ways Christians have responded throughout history to Christ’s call to take up their cross and follow him, focusing on those who have suffered and died for their Lord, literally or figuratively. Students will examine the history of Christian persecutions, martyrdoms, asceticism, monasticism, missions, pilgrimage, and wars as models of imitating Christ’s sacrificial act. Examples from diverse historical contexts and ecclesiastical traditions will be considered. Prerequisite: HIST 0561.