perpetua

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Recommended: Christianity during the Roman Empire

The story of Perpetua revolves around this young woman and how she was one of five Christians convicted to death in a crowded arena that contained seats filled with people. Perpetua along with her companions depict a true story of martyrdom, and how this five devout Christians struggled against the societal norms and neglected their families in order to stand up for their religious beliefs. In this essay I will describe and analyze the theme of family pertaining to both Perpetua and Felicitas, as well as what role families play in the lives of martyrs, which in this case is the fact that martyrs are willing to disassociate with their families, in order to fight for their beliefs. Also, I will discuss how martyrs, including Perpetua, who neglects her father, and Felicitas who neglects her newborn baby challenge their family obligations. In the case of these martyrs, Christians have changed what the word family means, as family does not have to be someone of the same blood, but rather those who agree with your beliefs and stick together in times of turmoil. Perpetua and her companions were the first of few people in the year 203 to actually go against pagan views and express the importance of their own individuality and beliefs, and for this reason they are worthy of admiration. If it was not for their bravery and courage to break away from beliefs that did not wish to pursue, than thousands of other people would have never followed their example later on and fought for their own beliefs as well.
The account of Perpetua and Felicitas describes two Christian Martyrs, who refused to follow Paganism, just because it was the so-called “right” thing to do. They knew that being Christian could eventually lead to death, but they were wil...

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...us enough to leave behind their families and the life that they have to die for their beliefs. These martyrs are sincerely unique.
In 313, the Western Roman Empire issued the Edict of Milan that legalized Christianity and the empire became a patron of Christian churches. This started the explosion of Christianity. If it were not for the people who were brave enough to rebel against Paganism, other people and martyrs in the future may have never gained the courage to step away from their other beliefs, and Christianity could not be as prominent as it is today. It may seem a bit far-fetched, but I believe that accounts such as this story, are all smaller events that eventually lead to the legalization of Christianity and eventually the popularity that it upholds today. I think that we should be thankful for the selfless martyrs who suffered and died for Christianity.

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