[dansangel]

I think that you are on track as far as Islam goes, though I am not a scholar either. The fact that they are coercing people to become homicide bombers by promising them "72 Virgins" in an attempt to wipe out as many Christians, Jews and other non-Islamic believers as possible seems to support that.

[Cold Heat]

When I look at the Jewish system, I see the same set up, but certainly not the same mentality.(a delicate subject, I must tread lightly)

So much emphasis is place on the Rabbi(teacher) and that fact, in my view creates a simple desire to maintain that emphasis.

Acceptance of the New Testament would/could reduce that emphasis and result in a loss of power.

This is only a political aspect. Not a religious one. Political power is held on to with a vengeance. It is not the fault of the man, but of the system.IMO