T&T Clark Martyrdom and Identity: The Self on Trial (T & T Clark Theology)

Product Description What does Christian martyrdom tell us about being a self? I argue that Christian martyrdom provides a coherent and compelling narration of the self in terms of the narrative of the life and death of Jesus Christ: a narrative that orients the self in hope towards the good and turns the self towards recognition of and sacrificial service of other selves. In conversation with writers such as Salman Rushdie and Charles Taylor and prompted by T.S. Eliot's Murder in the Cathedral, I show that Christian discipleship is not the path of establishing oneself securely, or pursuing the good made possible through collaboration with earthly power, or making oneself an identity through action according to some ideal, or seeking earthly or heavenly renown, but is rather narrated in the light of the experience of pierasmos (temptation/testing) and with reference to God's providence. Review 'Displaying extraordinary literary sensibilities, Jensen illumines how martyrs help us better understand why and how our lives as Christians require the embodiment of narrative.' --Stanley Hauerwas Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC'This rich and intricate book by Michael Jenson deserves a wider audience than I fear it may attract. Clearly the outworking of an impressive doctoral thesis... it will reward the careful reader with challenging insights into what it means to be a Christian... Erudite and compelling, Jensen has written a tour-de-force on the nature of the Christian self... Any reader should be prepared to wrestle with themselves.' --Regent's Reviews, April 2011 About the Author The Revd Dr Michael P. Jensen completed his doctorate in Moral Theology at the University of Oxford in 2008 and lectures in Doctrine at Moore Theological College in Sydney, Australia.