I would think that when faced with it, the well-being of their families were a major part of their decision. It's easy to romanticize it and equate onesself with the early martyrs, but if you're not going to see your daughter/son/wife again if you make "the wrong" choice, it's not so crystal clear.
It's crystal clear to me. I always knew there will be many end-time martyrs, not that I presume to know where we are in the timeline.
I don't romanticize martyrdom at all, hope I don't have to be confronted with that test, but would like to pass it, family or not.
My faith is not some game. I don't care if Peter denied Christ three times or not. He did not convert to any other religion. He got another chance. I might not.
Agree. Steve Centanni is a Bay Area native (Los Gatos) and the local San Jose station had a long piece with his brother and sister - the relief and gratitude they felt were all over their faces, and so evident in their words.
I would lie to those swine, too, to keep my family from the everylasting torture of losing a loved one to terrorists.