An affirmation of faith and identity by Japan's leading Christian novelist.

The Last Martyr focuses on (1) the conflict between science and religion, (2) between atheism and theism, (3) between that philosophy and theology, and, (4) between that which is secular and that which is sacred - from a biblical/Christian perspective - cloaked in the context of contempory fiction. Many, within the Christian community, have protested through pen and pulpit about the derelict state of theChristian mind. This book -- The Last Martyr -- introduces and orients the reader to criticalbiblical/theological thinking -- with a clarity that fosters biblical thought and facilitates Bible comprehension -utilizing the fascinating narration that details the final journey of The Last Martyr! Before the 1st Coming of Christ, God gave John - the Last Prophet - Whose Death Closed The Old TestamentAge. Before the 2nd Coming of Christ, God gives another John. He is John - The Last Martyr - Whose Deathwill Close The New Testament Age.A theological thriller -- The Last Martyr -- Utilizes intriguing biblical symbols and symbolism, allegories,similes, powerful metaphors and other literary devices to increase the readers understanding of biblical truthand to enhance the value of the readers journey with John, the Last Martyr.Readers will explore Extraordinary Places, including Christ Cathedral: The Church Of The Final Judgment;the Grand Library of Christ Cathedral with its Hidden Treasures and Ancient Artifacts; The Chapel of theCandle, plus mysterious Gothic Cathedrals, Ancient Chapels, Labyrinths, Bell Towers and the other-worldlysite of the ancient Menorah whose majestic flames control the flow of time and history. Through The Last Martyr readers will marvel over the powerful imagery of Towering Frescoes depicting theGreat White Throne Judgment, the Judgment Seat of Christ, The Lamb's Book of Life, and many moremysterious medieval motifs and biblical images.

The author reads the Book of Revelation as a text firmly situated in the world of imperial Roman Asia Minor, where it was written. He argues that Revelation is a Christian version of that world, complete with its own gladiatorial combats and other public spectacles.

Even before the renegade pirates of the giant spaceship Thunder had collected all five of the rings that would eliminate the threat of Master System forever, Hawks knew that they still faced even greater problems. The shapechanger, Vulture, was lost on the watery planet of Chanchuk, his fate unknown. Master System's space fleet dogged the renegade's every step. Hawks suspected that the group was harbouring a traitor, but he was powerless to act. And, most important, the rebels had not yet figured out how the rings were used - a riddle that seemed to have no solution! Somewhere back on Earth lay the original computer interface, and somewhere in the distant past lay the secret to Master System's demise. As a historian, Hawks had the knowledge to solve the riddle; yet he had to be absolutely sure - for one misstep would destroy them all.

Eleven stories by a cosmopolitan Japanese writer. The title story is on the persecution of Christians in Japan; Japanese in Warsaw is on pimping for tourists; Adieu, set in France, is on old age; and Shadows is a young man's cry from the heart when his role model, a Spanish priest, abandons the church for a woman. By the author of The Golden Country.

Considered one of the late Shusaku Endo's finest works, THE SAMURAI seamlessly combines historical fact with a novelist's imaginings. Set in the period preceding the Christian persecutions in Japan recorded so memorably in Endo's SILENCE, this book traces the steps of some of the first Japanese to set foot on European soil.

The act of martyrdom in the worldview of the Apocalypse has been considered to be an exemplification of non-violent resistance. Paul Middleton argues here, however, that it is in fact a representation of direct participation by Christians, through their martyrdom, in divine violence against those the author of Revelation portrays as God's enemies. Middleton shows that acceptance of martyrdom is to grasp the invitation to participate in the Revelation's divine violence. Martyrs follow the model laid down by the Lamb, who was not only slain, but resurrected, glorified, and who executes judgement. The world created by the Apocalypse encourages readers to conquer the Beast through martyrdom, but also through the experience of resurrection and being appointed judges. In this role, martyrs participate in the judgement of the wicked by sharing the Lamb's power to judge. Different from eschewing violence, the conceptual world of the Apocalypse portrays God, the Lamb, and the martyrs as possessing more power, might, and violent potential than the Emperor and his armies. Middleton believes that martyrdom and violence are necessary components of the worldview of Revelation.

"This text examines the psychological effects of martyrdom and martyrs across the world. The authors discuss martyrdom and martyrs through the lens of current events, iconic historical figures, and popular culture"--

The two Blackett sisters are to stay at Beckfoot on the lakeshore with their cook, but when their great aunt hears of the abandonment, she's on the next train.

Fantastic portmanteu featuring the stoic warriors of the Adepta Sororitas. To die in the name of the God-Emperor of Mankind is to live eternal, and none are more willing to bleed in His name than the Adepta Sororitas – the Sisters of Battle. The Book of Martyrs charts the deaths of these exemplars. Sister Ishani of the Orders Hospitaller, serving alongside the death-obsessed Valorous Heart, tends to her Ecclesiarchy charges as something inhuman hunts the fields. Sister Anarchia of the Order of Our Martyred Lady, taken captive by the vile T’au Empire, seeks to teach her interrogators what it truly means to be one of the faithful. On a regressed Imperial world, Sister Superior Laurelyn of the Order of the Bloody Rose reinforces the beleaguered defenders against a familiar foe turned anew by the Great Rift. And in the age of the Indomitus Crusade, with the galaxy split in two, only one thing is certain – there will be no shortage of martyrs to fill the pages of this ancient tome.