One of the most valuable contributions of Moss' work—whether or not one agrees with her scholarship—is to demonstrate that this rhetorical strategy need not be the only option for Christians in the modern world. In fact, in light of the historical evidence, it is not a remotely justifiable position to take. But, again, even if one discounts Moss' facts as definitive, the reality that there are other options out there needs to be taken very seriously by Christians who claim to have a faith that is based on the love of their god for the world rather than on the blood of martyrs.
As Pagans who face very real prosecution and persecution, though, we cannot replicate this kind of thinking, or assume that our gods approve of us suffering on behalf of our religious commitments. Our gods love justice and devotion, but they do not relish our suffering on their behalf at the hands of ignorant and prejudiced others.
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