The Catholic Book Club discussion

What was the purpose of Ignatius's letters. Do you feel you got a good understanding of Ignatius and his writings from Bennett's excerpts?

He seems to focus on two purposes, generally to oppose Docetism but more immediately to prepare the Church for his own martyrdom. So many of the saints have a strong desire to be martyred, but I have trouble identifying with this as a direct goal (in contrast to being willing to accept martyrdom as a consequence of taking a clear stand against an unjust law/demand).

John wrote: "What was the purpose of Ignatius's letters. Do you feel you got a good understanding of Ignatius and his writings from Bennett's excerpts?"

I wonder at this paragraph by Bennett, commenting Ignatius's letter to the Romans:

Apparently, the bishop is actually worried that the Christians in Rome might succeed in gaining his freedom for him! We know from history that even at this early date there were secret believers in high places throughout pagan society; generals and centurions and perhaps even senators. Most writers believe Theophorus was concerned that “strings might be pulled” on his behalf at Rome, gaining him a cheap, meaningless pseudo-victory.

I think it would be difficult for generals (legati) or senators (let alone centurions, who were mere sergeants in the army) to countermand a personal decision of the Emperor. After all, "The Martyrdom of Ignatius" puts these words in Trajan's mouth, and Bennett has quoted them:

“We command that Ignatius, who affirms that he carries about within him Him that was crucified, be bound by soldiers, and carried to the great [city] Rome, there to be devoured by the beasts, for the gratification of the people.”

I don't think bribery or deft touch would have worked. However, Ignatius himself wrote this:

I am writing to all the Churches and state emphatically to all that I die willingly for God, provided you do not interfere. I beg you, do not show me unseasonable kindness. Suffer me to be the food of wild beasts, which are the means of making my way to God.

So Ignatius must have believed that he still could be saved. The other alternative is that Ignatius really thought that he could be spared martyrdom, but his interview with Trajan and the sentence of the emperor may not be historical.

Another possibility is that he thought it would only catch them in the same net without saving him.