In this essay I have been asked to write about any piece of literature that has affected, or moved me in major ways. Not only that, but I must also explain why.
That’s an interesting topic. As a Christian, I am particularly moved by great testaments of faith. Above all else, I’m moved by the stories of martyrs who’ve suffered grotesque maltreatment on account of their faith. Foxe’s Book of Martyrs compiles those horrific stories into one book. It is not moving because the literature is eloquent, but because they are accounts of exemplary people giving their lives for a noble causes. It’s beautiful. All the stories are moving, and the more gruesome the death, the sadder it is; but I am most moved when the martyrs made statements.
For example, Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna, paid with his life because he refused to blaspheme Christ.1 I found his words incredibly moving. As he stood before the proconsul, and they pleaded with him to reproach God, he answered powerfully, “Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never once wronged me; how then shall I blaspheme my King, who has saved me?” For the longest time, I could not compose myself while reading those words. Not only is his argument logical, it’s emotionally impactful. Today people casually commit blasphemy, but as Polycarp emphasized, it is betrayal!
Another man I deeply admire is Archbishop Thomas Cranmer. When King Edward the 6th reigned, Cranmer tried to advance the protestant cause; but following the king’s death, his successor “Bloody Mary” viewed Cranmer as a traitor. In retaliation, the queen sent Cranmer to prison for three years, until finally, the Catholic church made an ultimatum. If he swore loyalty to Queen Mary and the Catholic church, and renounced the reformers like Luther, they would reward him with his life and power/treasure. He consented, and the Catholic church published this: “I, Thomas Cranmer, late archbishop of Canterbury, do renounce, abhor and detest all manner of heresies and errors of Luther and, and all other teaching which are contrary to sound and true doctrine. And I believe most constantly in my heart, and with my mouth I confess one holy and Catholic Church visible, without which there is no salvation; and I acknowledge the Bishop of Rome to be supreme head on earth… whom all Christian people ought to be subject…. So I submit myself to the most excellent majesties of Philip and Mary.” To make a long story short, the Catholic church deceived Cranmer, and they burned him alive. However, before his execution, he declared, “As for the pope, I refuse him as Christ’s enemy, and Antichrist, with all his false doctrine.” He felt remorse. He betrayed the protestants and burned the hand that signed the letter before being pinned to a stake. While Cranmer was a coward in signing the letter, he displayed qualities of character in the end. His dedication to enter the kingdom of heaven lame, rather than go to hell whole, is a testament of his character.2
I am deeply moved by such courage; courage that would make a man cripple his hand, and defy an emperor. That is why these stories amaze me. That is why they move me.
(1) Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, pg. 56-57 (2) Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, pg. 484-495
Asher Sisneros 
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