The Martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicity

Martyrs Contemporary examples? Contemporary examples? In Roman Empire: Sporadic persecutions of Christians In Roman Empire: Sporadic persecutions of Christians Suspected persons asked to make sacrifice to the emperor Suspected persons asked to make sacrifice to the emperor If they refused, could be put on trial and executed If they refused, could be put on trial and executed Ironically, fed growth of Christianity. Why? Ironically, fed growth of Christianity. Why? Meaning Meaning For self For self For others For others Other meanings? Other meanings?

Perpetua’s community Very mixed: male and female friendships, slaves and “nobles” Very mixed: male and female friendships, slaves and “nobles” Why/how are they able to overcome these social divisions? Why/how are they able to overcome these social divisions? “Montanist” group “Montanist” group Open to ongoing work of Holy Spirit (see intro) Open to ongoing work of Holy Spirit (see intro) Prophets and leaders could be male and female Prophets and leaders could be male and female Emphasis on visions, prophecies (speaking messages from Holy Spirit) Emphasis on visions, prophecies (speaking messages from Holy Spirit) Editor of Perpetua’s story (wrote intro and conclusion) shows these themes Editor of Perpetua’s story (wrote intro and conclusion) shows these themes

Themes Family division Family division How does Perpetua’s relation with her birth family shape her Christian identity? How does Perpetua’s relation with her birth family shape her Christian identity? Ideas of discipleship Ideas of discipleship How do Perpetua, Felicity, and others connect themselves to Christ? How do Perpetua, Felicity, and others connect themselves to Christ? New kind of Christian literature New kind of Christian literature What did it mean to 3 rd century audience? What did it mean to 3 rd century audience? Gender role subversion Gender role subversion What leadership do we see in this group? What leadership do we see in this group? How is Perpetua masculine? How is she feminine (cultural norms)? How is Perpetua masculine? How is she feminine (cultural norms)? Martyrdom and faith Martyrdom and faith What is accomplished for Christianity by martyrdom? What is accomplished for Christianity by martyrdom? Could this be accomplished in other ways? Could this be accomplished in other ways?

For next time Longer readings, but interesting Longer readings, but interesting Focus on Norris article Focus on Norris article Electronic reserve: password “kloos” Electronic reserve: password “kloos” How does she define virginity? How does she define virginity? Does she make these stories more relevant today? Why or why not? Does she make these stories more relevant today? Why or why not? Thecla: Contrast to New Testament writings: how is she a minister/apostle? Thecla: Contrast to New Testament writings: how is she a minister/apostle?