Foxe's Book of Martyrs

By: John Foxe

Narrated by: Nadia May

Length: 17 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Beginning with the story of Stephen from the book of Acts, considered the first Christian martyr, the drama builds to the passion of the early Church's persecution under the Roman Empire. The hardy and radical faith of those first believers spawned medieval missionary movements that spread the gospel across Europe and into England, Scotland, and Ireland. As the story continues, it places a significant emphasis on the sufferings of the early Protestants during the Reformation. As a vicar in the Church of England, author John Foxe strongly identified with the Protestant sects throughout Europe, and his loyalty to their cause comes through in his descriptions of many early clashes between Catholic and Protestant believers. Listeners are given an opportunity to experience the storytelling that incited several wars between Catholic and Protestant forces. The political and personal passion of the Reformation continues with the stories of the French Protestants during and after the French Revolution.

©2009 John Foxe (P)2004 christianaudio.com

Great!

I learned so much of the amazing story of the hardship of early Christian sufferings.

A powerful account

“…and when they called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.”

- Acts 5:40-41 (ESV)

“…the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.”

- Tertullian (Apologeticus)

Reading the accounts of saints whom experienced martyrdom at the hands of superstitious zealots was tough yet joyous to read. These were men, women, brothers, sisters, children, and infants that never wavered to the pressure of alternate kingdoms (Rome, the Inquisitors) but stood with the same demeanor as Polycarp upon receiving his crown of martyrdom, “86 years have I served him, and he has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?”

In reading the unabridged version, there were sketch’s of Protestant figures and minor stories of persecution that seemed to disrupt the flow of the book.

Harsh History

Learn from history or be doomed to repeat it! God will avenge the persecuted and martyred body of Christ...

Stories that need to be told.

The graphic details that you were never told in history class. Heartbreaking, but also inspiring.

How much pain can you take?

Great book, about people who were willing to be tortured to stay in God's will. Very inspiring, I hope to meet everyone of these people after I die. Excellent naration. Recommended :)

For the glory of God

For any who doubt that we are in a warfare of the spiritual dimension, this timeless composition is offered.

Although the focus is upon those suffering for the Lord Jesus Christ, the beauty and splendour of God shines through. It is therefore little wonder that this book takes it’s rightful place, alongside the Bible, as the most read tome of history.

A must read.

Fire and Brimstone Propaganda

The lasting effect of this book on history cannot be understated. It is the singlemost influential book on Protestant thinking throughout the Reformation, often read from the pulpit as scripture alongside the Bible, thus shaping that world irrevocably. The original clocked in at over a million words, and the woodcut illustrations cemented the horrors in the imaginations of the Tudor and Stuart world.

I am, unfortunately, not yet able to find a physical copy with reproductions of the illustrations for my home library, but in my quest to further deepen my appreciation for Medieval and Renaissance history, this audiobook found its way to me, filling my ears with the propaganda of the age in a most personal way. Regardless of your particular spiritual stance (I'm not a Christian myself), it's very difficult to not be moved to anger, sadness, and sometimes pride for the various sacrifices within, both noble and indignant. Listening to these accounts of martyrdom in detail opens the window of understanding to a bygone age and makes me readily appreciate the amount of religious freedom and tolerance I am accustomed to today by comparison. My studies into history and comparative religion are going to be forever changed by my experience of this book, such is the brutality and courage found here. At the end of the day, regardless of the bias and agenda of the author, these are still tales of human suffering, and it's inhuman to listen to such things impassively. As such, this book is a mental and spiritual beating. For a Christian, especially one of that time and place, I can only imagine the effect it would have on the devout. I'm sure it still holds some power with the faithful today who encounter it. As an outsider in a Christian culture and amateur historian, I appreciate it from my own perspectives and understandings, but it further reinforced my own beliefs about organized religion vs. personal spiritualism. I would liken this book to Yoda's cave on Dagobah: what's inside is shaped and perceived by what you take with you, and you will emerge from the experience with some inherent change on your psyche that you will need to come to terms with. It will not be an easy journey, and only you can decide if it's necessary for you to confront this tome. Make no mistake, it will be a confrontation.

Fantastic book

Love it! It open the eyes, of todays lack of fate. These People, were real Christians.

The truth is not always pleasant but necessary.

This classic work of historical accounts of Christian martyrdom and sacrifices down Through the Ages is a must-read for those who wish to respect the history of their faith and acknowledge the possible atrocities capable from those influenced by evil in this world.

Patient Endurance

Thank you Jesus for keeping those who refuse to deny your Name! Blessed be the Lord God almighty!