Fetishization of Christian Martyrdom

Abstract

Martyrdom in Christianity has been extensively researched, but this study examines its fetishization within modern violence, such as school shootings. This paper examines Christians' fantasy of martyrdom in the 1990s, and the cultural influence of Columbine shooting victims Rachel Scott and Cassie Bernall. The idealization of sacrifice and becoming a martyr post-death concerning faith maintains significant cultural relevance and negative implications throughout history. I found that martyrdom within Columbine has created a shift within teen Christian culture, especially with fantasies of violence and sacrifice. This research contributes to the extant research on the intersections of religion and violence.