Many art-worlders have an if-you-say-so approach to art: Everyone is so scared of missing out on the next hot artist that it's never clear whether people are liking work because they like it or because other people do. Everyone is keeping up with the Joneses and there are more Joneses than ever.
As a reward for their efforts however those early Christians were beaten stoned to death thrown to the lions tortured and crucified. Every conceivable method was used to stop them from talking.