Explores the evolution of martyrdom across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam Martyrdom has long been a defining concept in religious traditions, shaping the identities of faith communities and influencing theological thought across centuries. Death in the Name of God: Martyrs and Martyrdom traces the historical development of this powerful idea within Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, examining how cultural, social, and political contexts have influenced evolving interpretations of martyrdom. Through a multidisciplinary lens, noted scholar Rebecca I. Denova provides a comprehensive analysis of how each tradition adapted and redefined martyrdom in response to changing historical circumstances. By offering historical depth and critical examination, the author helps readers understand how martyrdom has been utilized to define faith, legitimacy, and religious authority in different eras. An accessible yet rigorous study of the roots and transformations of martyrdom, Death in the Name of God features detailed historical context, primary source discussions, and thematic analyses. The book's three-tiered methodological framework―descriptive, comparative, and critical―guides readers through the role of martyrdom in shaping religious belief systems, including its origins in ancient traditions, its role in theological and political developments, and its continued significance in modern religious and social discourse. An essential resource for understanding the enduring impact of martyrdom in Western religious thought, Death in the Name of God: Provides a multidisciplinary analysis of martyrdom through history, incorporating anthropology, sociology, philosophy, and religious studies - Explores how martyrdom developed in response to shifting historical and cultural contexts - Features sections that offer deeper insight into key topics such as the evolution of Satan and distinctions in martyrdom between Sunni and Shi′a Islam - Examines how martyrdom transitioned from an act of deliberate sacrifice to a modern concept of victimhood and social struggle - Includes timelines, figures, and archaeological findings to provide visual and historical context Offering a non-theological, academic perspective that fosters objective discussion on a historically and politically charged topic, Death in the Name of God: Martyrs and Martyrdom is perfect for courses in Religious Studies, History, Theology, and Middle Eastern Studies. It is particularly well-suited for degree programs in the liberal arts and social sciences, offering foundational knowledge for courses on the history of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as broader discussions on religious violence and martyrdom in contemporary society. A Historical and Religious Study of Martyrdom from Antiquity to the Present From ancient sacrifices to modern political struggles, martyrdom has shaped religious thought and identity for millennia. Death in the Name of God: Martyrs and Martyrdom in the Western Tradition explores the origins and evolution of martyrdom in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, revealing how historical and cultural contexts have transformed its meaning over time. Rebecca I. Denova traces how different societies have used martyrdom to define faith, authority, and communal identity, offering a comprehensive analysis of one of history’s most powerful religious concepts. Blending historical context with multidisciplinary insights, the author examines martyrdom as a function of religious, political, and social change. Reader-friendly chapters explore martyrdom’s role in shaping beliefs about the afterlife, religious persecution, and moral authority, drawing on sources from the Greco-Roman period to the modern world. With detailed case studies, excursuses on key topics, and comparative analyses of religious traditions, this textbook provides a balanced, academic approach to a controversial subject. Designed for students, scholars, and general readers alike, Death in the Name of God is an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the historical, theological, and cultural dimensions of martyrdom. Ideal for courses in Religious Studies, History, and Middle Eastern Studies, it provides the foundational knowledge necessary for discussions on religious identity, violence, and sacrifice across time. REBECCA I. DENOVA is Emeritus Instructor in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Pittsburgh, where she taught for over thirty years. Specializing in the religions of the ancient Mediterranean, she has published extensively on early Christianity, ancient Judaism, and Greco-Roman religious traditions. Her works include Greek and Roman Religions and The Origins of Christianity and the New Testament .