The burden of martyrdom as recorded in the Holy Bible; is the extreme suffering, torment, and unfortunate death of a person, by an oppressor or tyrant, due to that person’s faith and devotion to a righteous cause.

The cause itself may range from defending the weak and the old, and strengthening religious and cultural beliefs, to the condemnation of slavery, political repression, cultural divisions, and sociological issues such as gender inequality, and so on.

The substantial burden of martyrdom has fallen upon spiritual leaders, public speakers, scholars, faithful supporters, life-long devotees, and even rebellious servants and persistent employees, the most famous victim of martyrdom to date remains the charismatic son of a carpenter, Jesus Christ.

Many Christian saints were once victims of oppression, persecution, torture, and in some cases death. One of the hallmarks of Christianity is the capacity to ‘turn the other cheek’ when confronted and to seek for peace through perseverance, pain and a great deal of patience, sometimes till the very end.

There were instances in history when being of Christian faith would likely welcome persecution, torment and even destruction. However, the scripture does not gild nor inspire the reader to seek out martyrdom by way of death, or to seek out death in order to become a martyr to the people.

“But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name”.         (Peter 4:14-16)