Altruistic suicide or altruistic martyrdom? Christian Greek Orthodox neomartyrs: a case study.
Altruistic Suicide: From Sainthood to Terrorism as titled poses the question: altruistic suicide or altruistic martyrdom? This article speaks more about martyrdom than suicide. The ancient Greek world and the more modern Christian Greek Orthodox one show that many people preferred death rather than apostasy. The Greek Orthodox neo-martyrs were motivated by categories of martyrdom, being accused of being political offenders or traitors or being charged with being agitators because they advocated a better treatment for Christians. Martyrdom cannot be explained in personality structures and psychological terms, but in terms of Christian Orthodox faith, culture, history, and so on. Altruistic martyrdom by "the neo-martyrs of the Christian Greek Orthodox Church" is martyrdom, not suicide.
Constantelos
Demetrios J
DJ
Department of Religious Studies, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Pomona 08240-0195, USA.