Stark is writing in the 1990s, and martyrology c. 1995 does not exactly cover itself in glory. At the time of writing, the most popular theory among scholars (claims Stark) was that the martyrs were masochists. He considers this dumb and offensive theory a natural consequence of historians being reluctant to accept anything that sounds too miraculous or amazing, and there being few other hard-headed rational explanations of the martyrs’ behavior (for some reason, the obvious one - that they believed in God and Heaven - impresses neither Stark’s foils nor himself). He sets out to build an alternative theory: the martyrs were rationally seeking the approval of their community.
it’s wrong because it’s offensive
Lmao
Tacitus charged that the Jewish teaching that it is “a deadly sin to kill an unwanted child” was but another of their “sinister and revolting practices”
Absolutely based and lifepilled Jews and cringe Romans
china news with gore
>Chinese President Xi Jinping said that all local authorities had been mobilized to protect and rescue affected residents. He demanded the suspect be punished "in accordance with the law."
Must have been serious then