In 1-2 double-spaced page(s), with standard one-inch margins, answer the following questions:
Watch the following brief video of Candida Moss promoting her book The Myth of Persecution (Harper, 2013).
Based on your readings, particularly of the primary sources dealing with martyrdom, evaluate her claims in the video regarding early Christianity (not her comments about contemporary Christianity). Were the early Christians persecuted, or is she correct that such a perspective is based on “bad history?” Or is the answer somewhere in the middle? Support your argument with at least two references to primary sources, but remember that this short essay should be in your own words. Don’t just quote the texts, but engage them with your own thoughts.
Use
Bettenson, Henry and Chris Maunder, eds. Documents of the Christian Church. Fourth edition. New York: Oxford University Press, 2011. pgs 72-78 1-15
Hastings, Adrian, ed. A World History of Christianity. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2000. pgs 25-35
