Bill I think you highlight an vey basic difference in philosophical orientation here. While many Westerners scoff at the "martyrs" joy at the prospect of 17 virgins awaiting them in Paradise, the "heroes" genuuinely and gladly embrace death, fully trusting in the promises made to them. Where in the West, we barely can bring ourselves to fully cope or even discuss death without secretly shuddering. I wonder if this is because we are relatively fat and affluent. So stuffed with material satisfactions, that Heaven seems rather drab and dull by comparison. While those in the East making the ultimate sacrifice are poor and living spartan lives for the most part.