You mention two belief systems which I am intimate with. I was born a Jew, and believe in the Christian faith.
Firstly, I agree with you about religion. Religion is man made and formed basically to control people. There is no "right" religion in this world. However, IMO, there is a correct belief system. And that is Christianity. Belief and religion are very different things. You do not need religion to have a relationship with God.
As for the religion you mention, Judaism (Christianity is not a religion, it is a belief!) it is not a violent religion. In fact, it is very peaceful. Most Jews, and specifically Israel, find themselves defending themselves most of the time, rather than being on the offensive.
The verses you read in the Old Testament, that are clearly, violent, which there is no doubt about, are meant for a specific group of people, at a specific time. It was to keep the Jews together, according to God's will, because if they did not partake in these acts, Judaism would have been eradicated. However, any violence in the Old Testament was close ended to a specific place and time. And once Israel and the Jews were intact, any violence is condemned. (Punishment for crimes, however, are an exception. But they are defensive acts, not offensive.)
So you must ask, well is the Islamic teachings close ended and only meant for a specific time? That would make them OK. Well, personally, I have studied Islamic teachings (along with Judaism, Catholicism, Protestantism, Hinduism) and they are very open ended. They are not meant for a specific place and time. They are meant forever, including today. They are very offensive in nature (i.e. - terrorism).
So that is what the difference between Judaism and Islam, and why Islam is violent and Judaism is not (and most other major religions for that matter!).
God Bless,
Steve |
