What are the origins of Christian martyrdom?
What Christian practices led to physical persecution of Christians?
How widespread was persecution both geographically and temporally?
Who are some of the most important martyrs?
Outline the kinds of monasticism within Christianity.
What are the different kinds of monasticism?
Who are representative of these different kinds of monasticism?
What are the similarities and differences between the different kinds of monasticism?
What sources should we be aware of when answering these questions?
What are Francis’ sources for the development of a spirituality of poverty?
What historical reasons might Francis have had for developing his theology of poverty?
Does Francis correctly interpret the biblical texts from which he derives this theology?
Was Francis’ reform of the Church successful? Why or why not?
