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Martyr democracy

Martyr democracy

By Peter Leithart

For Clement of Alexandria, not death but martyrdom is the great leveler:

“Just as it is noble for a man to die for virtue, for freedom, and for himself, just so is it for woman. For it is not peculiar to the nature of males, but to the nature of the good. Therefore, the elder and the young person and the house-slave submitting to the commandment will live faithfully and, if it is necessary to die, which is to say through death be made alive. We know that children and slaves and women often against the wills of fathers and masters and husbands become the most excellent.”

Peter Leithart

Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.

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In Medias Res

Your weekly digest for all things Theopolis.

Donate

Theopolis is nearly 100% donor-supported. Consider joining us on our mission.