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Muslims are to "arrest them, besiege them and lie in ambush everywhere" (Sura 9:5) for them. They are to "seize them and put them to death wherever you find them, kill them wherever you find them, seek out the enemies of Islam relentlessly" (Sura 4:90). "Fight them until Islam reigns supreme" (Sura 2:193). "Cut off their heads, and cut off the tips of their fingers" (Sura 8:12). - If a Muslim does not go to war, Allah will kill him (Sura 9:39). He is to be told, "the heat of war is fierce, but more fierce is the heat of Hell-fire" (Sura 9:81). - A Muslim must "fight for the cause of Allah with the devotion due to him" (Sura 22:78) - Muslims must make war on the infidels (unbelievers) who live around them (Sura 9:123). - Muslims are to be "ruthless to unbelievers" (Sura 48:29). - A Muslim should "enjoy the good things" he has gained by fighting (Sura 8:69). - A Muslim can kill any person he wishes if it be a "just cause" (Sura 6:152). - Allah loves those who "fight for his cause" (Sura 61:3). Anyone who fights against Allah or renounces Islam in favor of another religion shall be "put to death or crucified or have their hands and feet cut off alternative sides" (Sura 5:34). - Whoever changes his Islamic religion, kill him. Sahih Al-Bukhari (9:57) - Slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them captives and besiege them and lie in wait for them in every ambush. (Koran 9:5) - Take him and fetter him and expose him to hell fire. (Koran 69:30-37) - I will instill terror into the hearts of the unbelievers, Smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger tips of them. (Koran 8:12) - They should be murdered or crucified or their hands and their feet should be cut off on opposite sides. (Koran 5:33)

Sorry, there is no context in which the above can be rationalized.

BTW, what Bible passages are you talking about? Specifics, please. Book, chapter and verse.

You are right. There are a LOT of very warlike passages in the Koran. This is a huge problem for more moderate muslims, who would like to to emphasize the peaceful parts at a time when so many people are angry and keep reading the more violent passages like those that you quoted. Of course, the Bible has its share of rather war-like passages itself, as well as the well-known, and in my opionion MUCH more important, exhortations of peace and fellowship.

Some classic examples of very warlike passages in the bible...

Deuteronomy 7:1-2: "... the seven nations greater and mightier than thou; And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them."

Joshua 6:21: "And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.

Joshua 10:40-41: "So Joshua smote all the country of the hills, and of the south, and of the vale, and of the springs, and all their kings: he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the LORD God of Israel commanded. And Joshua smote them from Kadesh-barnea even unto Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, even unto Gibeon."

And a few of the more commonly quoted (and in my mind, very beautiful) peaceful passages:

Lu 6:27 But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also;

Lu 6:35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.

Mt 5:39 But I say to you, Do not make use of force against an evil man; but to him who gives you a blow on the right side of your face let the left be turned. -Bible in Basic English

Lu 6:37 "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;

Religion is what you choose to make of it.