"I suspect that is NOT the message Christ was sending when he fortold of Peter's thrice denial."
Perhaps not. From my own understanding of that particular incident, the lesson is that humans are weak and subject to human frailty. That even includes the disciples of Christ.
Jesus forgave Peter, and Peter did much work afterwards for Christianity, ending by being crucified himself.
If Peter, the Rock, could fail to acknowledge Jesus at a critical time, then does it not stand to reason that others might do the same to save their own lives, as Peter did?
No, actually, I think I have it pretty well understood. The core of Christianity is that human beings are unable to resist sinful behavior. It is impossible for them. Jesus' function was to expiate the sinful nature of humanity by dying as a sacrifice for humanity.
Peter failed. Peter was forgiven. We all fail, according to the Christian doctrine, and we all may be forgiven, through Jesus' sacrifice.
If I have something wrong there, let me know...
What has NOT been mentioned in any of this is whether either man professed any specific faith prior to their abduction. What the men did, or did not do does not bother me. They may have been Zen-Taoists for all we know. The media caving in and broadcasting Islamic propaganda really bothers me. The threshold has been crossed. Next time the media feels a need to run Islamic propaganda, they need simply claim that they are being extorted and will sort the facts out later. The airing of the video was the third concession. Nobody is saying what the first two were. Perhaps a congressional resolution recognizing Sharia law. We are not getting factual reporting from our media.
There are many details you lack knowledge in concerning Simon Peter.
First off, Peter was not yet converted at the time he denied Christ.
Luke 22:31And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
33And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
34And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
Next, after conversion a believer is indwelled with the Holy Spirit and it is by the grace of God alone that we will stand to the end. That is why you see a drastic change in Simon Peter's abilities, ways and determination.
Read Acts 2 to get the full impact of Peter's conversion and subsequent boldness.
Next Jesus is the foundation of the Church..not Simon Peter. It was the truth of Peter's confession that Jesus was the Christ, Messiah, the Son of God that was the "rock" on which Christ would build His Church. That foundation will always be the same and any true Christian will testify that truth, just as Simeon Peter did. (note: Roman Catholics have a different take on Peter building the church, I am not going to argue that point)
13 Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?"
14 They said, "Some say John the Baptizer, some, Elijah, and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets."
15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
17 Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
18 I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.