[FITZ]

it wouldn't have been nearly as interesting to talk about

Yes it is interesting --- and it's not so much about judging this particular man --- but about considering what our own response to such a situation might be --- not just for our religion -- but would we betray our own country as well? Just in case, don't tell me any important national security secrets.

[hunter112]

Interesting that you (and others) have raised the comparison between fidelity to one's faith, and to one's country. It leads me to ask the question, what are this country's penalties for denying it under duress, and how often do those penalties get imposed by the authorities, once the heat of battle is over? Or, are there just social penalties to deal with?

I would hope that any deity which inspired a religion worthy of pledging oneself to would be at least as wise as the most free society on the earth, in how the situation is actually dealt with.