No houris in heaven
From The Revd Anthony Symondson, Si Sir: Katie Grant writes with feeling about her Catholic recusant ancestors (Would you die for your faith?', 10 November), but there is a fundamental difference between Catholic and Islamic martyrdom. Martyrdom is the supreme witness given to the truth of the faith. The martyr bears witness to Christ, to the truth of Christian doctrine, and endures death through an act of fortitude. These virtues were shown by her Towneley ancestors and others who held their convictions, and the same intensity of belief is shared by devout Muslims. But none of them sought martyrdom by killing themselves by killing others. The Christian martyrs' reward is the beatific vision, not a host of houris in heaven reserved for the elect.
Anthony Symondson, ST
London SW19
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