[quote=@Penny]What I am pondering is does this third option constitute moral cowardice? [/quote]

Not at all.

What you're describing in 1 and 2 is essentially what everybody hates about the standard hollywood kooky-christian stereotype. It's moral bullying (I mean for a great cause, just like christianity).

Option 3 isn't cowardice, option 3 is being an adult.