Martyrdom: The Psychology, Theology, and Politics of Self-Sacrifice

Martyrdom is a controversial and disputed concept. Just as religion is often hijacked by politics, martyrdom is frequently ascribed to a narrow, partisan, and parochial foundation. This is the first book to present varied views on the topic of martyrdom, reaching beyond cliches and simplistic explanations to provoke deep consideration of the essential nature of human beings and society. The volume's authors--experts in the disciplines of psychology, theology, and politics--examine martyrdom in thoughtful and thought-provoking chapters. A closing conversation between the authors is designed to inspire further discourse and debate.

Readers engaged in the exploration of social justice, conflict, psychology, religion, and the politics of memory will find this book unique and stimulating. The authors have appeared on public television and public radio, as well as ABC, CBS, and NBC news and discussion programs.

Author: Rona M. Fields
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published: 03/30/2004
Pages: 208
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.03lbs
Size: 9.54h x 6.48w x 0.78d
ISBN: 9780275979935

Review Citation(s):
Choice 12/01/2004 pg. 738

About the Author

RONA M. FIELDS is Founding Director of Associates in Community Psychology, a clinical and international consulting company in Washington, D.C. She is a Senior Research Professor and Director of the Cognitive Sciences Program at the Center for Advanced Defense Studies, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, George Washington University. She has held visiting appointments at several universities abroad and was Amnesty International fellow at the Peace Research Institute of Oslo in 1975. She is author of many books and articles including The Palestinian Suicide Bomber in the four-volume set Psychology of Terrorism (Praeger, 2002), Society on the Run (1973), Society under Siege, (1976), The Portuguese Revolution, and The Armed Forces Movement (Praeger, 1977), Northern Ireland: Society under Siege (1980), and The Future of Women (1985).