Martyrdom Contradiction

Is Christian martyrdom a contradiction of terms? It certainly seems to be. One of the basic tenets of the Christian faith is that through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as savior Christians gain eternal life. This would imply that a Christian cannot truly die. However, according to The Perennial Dictionary of World Religions a Christian martyr is “one whose testimony for Christ results in death at the hands of unbelievers.” Death seems to be a requirement for martyrdom. The moment the person testifies on behalf of Christ they are guaranteed life everlasting. Since this profession of faith precedes the act of violence it cannot actually result in their “death.” Unless, of course, this continued life is meant symbolically rather than literally. That would then cause another problem. Eternal life is symbolic and therefore not real.

If the Christian tenet of eternal life through Christ is true then there can be no martyrs. If martyrs are possible then eternal life is an illusion used for metaphorical purposes. In either case, Christian Martyrdom would be an oxymoron.