Customer Reviews

Fox's Book of Martyrs

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

The Bible states that our LORD is the same yesterday, today, and forever. It stands to reason that if He remains unchanging, then the faith He bestows on believers is the same as that of the early Christians.

What was most educational and humbly to me as I read this work is that the early Christians did not attempt to pass laws that would make their society more comfortable for them, but gladly shared in the suffering of Christ, their only concern being to share His Gospel. Jesus did not command us to make life comfortable for ourselves, but to preach His Gospel in season and out of season. If you, as I have, find that difficult, this book, coupled with Scripture, will open your eyes to the need and give your heart courage and embolden your faith.

Amazing book. If this doesn't strengthen your faith in God, I don't know what will. I don't know how anybody could dismiss all the sacrifices that those people made: either they were all delusional, or there really is a God, and His eternal rewards are worth sacrificing everything in this life for, if necessary.

During an Evangelism trip at my church, one godly man starting reading excerpts from this book to the group. The accounts of the martyrs and their sufferings are truly inspiring to the Christian who wants to make his faith known. Now that I own this book myself, I believe that it is a great reminder of the sufferings for Christ that others have made and the importance in the spread of the Great Commission.

Although I waited years to read this book because I heard how "gross" it was, I am so glad I finally purchased and read it. What a blessing it has been to me. The martyrs of old died for what they believed in, for their faith, the least we can do is read what they went through doing so. I would totally recommend this book.

Though the reviews that follow focus on the sentimental experience of reading Foxe's Acts and Monuments (as it was originally titled), there is also real academic value to familiarizing yourself with this work. Foxe's book was read alongside the Bible in the post-reformation English liturgy. His anthology of Protestant martyrdoms (mainly under Queen Mary)--complete with gory illustrations--helped to define England's national identity during the late sixteenth century. The agonies and ecstasies he narrates go on to influence the kinds of stories major literary figures (like Shakespeare) choose to tell.

A wonderful primary source for those interested in the habits of mind of renaissance / early modern England.

I am niether Catholic or Protestant as in my own experience I have been persecuted myself by both "Christian" movements for what I chose to believe.
I found Fox's book facinating not because it upheld one set of dogma against another but because there are some quite sustainable facts. I decided to examine one entry in great detail, because I happen to live 2 minutes away from where the martyrdom is said to have taken place.(Joan Waste who was burned at the stake in Derby)
What makes this account different to most others is because she was only 22 and blind and made her stand against Catholic teaching of "Transubstantiation" based on what she had had read to her from the Bible itself. Her story is substatiated from other local sources and interlocks with known local history.
Truly a fine example ,( not of upholding protestantisim ) but of upholding true Bible doctrine.

Wonderful reading and history about the early church and the persecution they had to endure

Being able to go to different parts of the book convinced me to buy this particular one. The book was as it was reviewed on your site and the time of arrival was prompt, while the condition was excellent.

This book should be read and reread -- loyalty to Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of Christ must be celebrated!

This is by no means a happy read, but it is motivating to see how deep the faith was of many who were martyred. One can derive strength from the unflagging believe of our brothers and sisters who kept the faith before us.