Emphasis Preaching Journal

In the early church, many considered martyrdom to be the norm for Christians. Such leaders as Ignatius of Antioch, Tertullian and Origen all believed that martyrdom was the only way to immortality or that it was the best and surest way. But others, such as Clement of Alexandria and Augustine, concluded that Christians should not become so fascinated with death. They believed that it was through the church and the sacraments that Christians participated in the death and resurrection of Christ.