Thesis (M.A. in anthropology)--Washington State University, May 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 158-169).

Most of the existing researches on martyrdom are based on single factor analysis and ignore the fact that this phenomenon is a result of individual psychology and the influence of the environment. That is why most of the researchers aim for multi level approach of the analysis. Only few of them though worked out this approach into a formal model. Although most of the researchers agree that the three level analysis approach is neccessary, most of the researches are based on two level analysis approach. Three level analysis approach was first introduced by Kenneth Waltz (1988) in his research on the causes of war more than fifty years ago. In Waltz model the most fundamental parts neccessary to understand internatinal affairs are individual, state and the state environment. If this is transformed into the matter of terrorist groups we get a three level model of Assaf Moghadam which is based on Waltz's model. In Moghadam's model a state is replaced by a relevant organization and the last level of Waltz's model is replaced by the structural level. Presented thesis is based on the research of Assaf Moghadam and his three level analysis model of suicide terrorism. The main objective of the thesis is the application of Moghadam's model to the martyrdom operations of Hizbullah. Based on this analysis the conditions leading to martyrdom operations of Hizbullah are being searched as well as the level of racionality of these operations is being questioned. The individual level of analysis focuses on the motivation of individuals, the members of Hizbullah who decided to participate in martyrdom operations, deals with the role and impact of charismatic leader and tries to analyse the correlation of poverty and lack of education and martyrdom. It also examines the motivation of individuals and based on the biographic data tries to create a profile of Hizbullah martyr. The organizational/collective level explains the motivation of the organization, Hizbullah, to use martyrdom. The structure and goals of the organization as well as its regional relations and how this context might influence the use of martyrdom are being examined. It deals as well with the forms of indoctrination Hizbullah uses to attract members as well as voters. The transformation of Hizbullah from the radical zealots into a political group, member of government is being portrayed. The structural level analyses external factors derived from the environment that might play role in developing the martyrdom within Hizbullah. The thesis focuses on selected factors such as shi'ite cult of martyrdom, history of shi'a islam connected with oppression, regional history and main historical milestones etc. It shows the examples of martyrdom within the history among both religious and secular groups. Individual and organizational level are closer connected to the martyrdom operation itself than the structural level. Some of the main structural factores are being examined directly on indivual and organizational level. Those important factors are shi'te religion and the cult of martyrdom, conflict with Israel- the occupation of Southern Lebanon, role and impact of other regional powers.

Thesis (M. Div.)--Emmanuel School of Religion, Johnson City, Tennessee, 2002. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 80-84).

A commonly used argument for the reliability of the first witnesses to the resurrection is that the apostles willingly died as martyrs for their faith. It is often claimed that all the apostles, except John, faced martyrdom. And yet until now, there has been no thorough scholarly evaluation of this claim. This dissertation demonstrates that (1) all the apostles were willing to die for their faith, and (2) a number of them actually did experience martyrdom. Their willingness to face persecution and martyrdom indicates more than any other conceivable course their sincere conviction that, after rising from the dead, Jesus indeed appeared to them. This dissertation takes a historical approach, which involves studying various sources that include the New Testament, the Apostolic Fathers, secular writers, and pseudepigraphical texts, such as the Acts of the Apostles, and Gnostic sources. The evidence for each apostle is examined with a scale that ranges from not possibly true (certainly not historical) to the highest possible probability (nearly historically certain). There are a few key steps to be established in this research. First, Christianity was a resurrection movement since its inception. The belief of the apostles was rooted in their conviction that Jesus rose from the dead. Second, the apostles were the closest followers of Jesus during his life and then were eyewitnesses of the resurrection. Paul and James are included along with the Twelve. Third, Christians really suffered and died for their faith beginning at the end of the first century. These three points provide the context and likelihood the apostles were martyred for proclaiming the name of Jesus. Fourth, the evidence for each apostle is examined and compared with a historical grid. Fifth, objections are considered and rebutted. While there is considerable evidence for the martyrdoms of apostles such as Peter, Paul and James the son of Zebedee, much less evidence exists for many of the others, such as Matthias and James the son of Alphaeus. Still, it is clear the apostles were all willing to die for reporting what they believed to be true and that many in fact did.

No description available.

No description available.

Thesis (M. Div.)--Emmanuel School of Religion, Johnson City, Tennessee, 2002. / Name on Thesis approval sheet: Cho Ho Seong. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 80-84).

Thesis (M.A.)--Cincinnati Christian University, 2008. / Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 151-157).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Boston College, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 269-290). Also available on the Internet.

The cult that arose around the posthumous memory of Edward Il is currently recognised but dismissed as a brief, localised aberration, dependent upon external stimulus. The subsuming understandings required to support and project an image of Edward Il as a saintly figure remain unexplored. Therefore, this thesis through a synthesis and analysis of literary and material sources, read against contemporary political, cultural and religious views, aims to identify the foundations of his alleged sanctity and assess the nature, scope and duration of his veneration. This study contends that the idea of Edward Il as a martyr developed three years after his death when it was announced that he had been murdered. The vital nucleus to this was the deeply acculturated belief in the ' inherent sanctity of an anointed king, catalysed into veneration by the abject horror of his murder. This conviction adopted a political dimension in retrospective criticism of the regime of Isabella and Mortimer, which had supplanted the rule of Edward Il and usurped the rule of Edward Ill. The understanding of Edward Il as a saintly figure who stood against the usurpation of God's order became quiescently embedded into the contemporary spiritual hierarchy, resulting in some evidence of it becoming overlooked (as perhaps in the Luttrel/ Psalter) or under evaluated. This argument is explored through fresh interpretations, some re -dating and close readings of four literary pieces. The Lament of Edward If reveals a previously undetected analogy of Edward Il as Boethius. The Vita et Mars is suggested as a hagiography for the king. The Fieschi Letter is considered as a piece of anti-English propaganda emanating from the Hundred Years War and Adam Davy's 5 Dreams about Edward If is re-contextualised as a piece of propaganda possibly written or adapted to gain support for Bishop Despenser's crusade of 1383.