Does The West Still Have The Oxford Martyr's Spark?

Hugh Latimer was the Bishop of Worcester, and a convert to the ideas of the reformation, for which he was tried and convicted of heresy, and along with his friend Nicholas Ridley, burned at the stake in 1555. They, along with Thomas Cranmer, who was burned a few months later, are called "The Oxford Martyrs."

His final words are a testament to the strength and resolve of men of the West.

Be of good cheer, Master Ridley, and play the man, for we shall this day light such a candle in England as I trust by God's grace shall never be put out.

Europeans once fought and died to protect their religions and culture. From our lofty perch in the 21st century, it seems almost quaint that they would disagree so profoundly about what many of us see as, simply, Christianity. Regardless of the reasons for the conflict, we must respect the fortitude that they displayed.

Is there that same fortitude in the current population of Europe? Yes, certainly, among the Muslim invaders! But it remains to be seen whether there is any fight left in the descendants of the people who bled and died for their faith, their country, their culture.

Who will be the men who light the candle that shows the West that our culture is worth fighting for...and dying for?

PS. This is not a forum for Catholic or Protestant bashing.

posted by CBD at 12:00 PM

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