I read the post, I haven't read the entire thread,
To me, it appears that early Christianity, say dark ages, is very similar to the Muslim faith of today:
Believe, or be an infidel (to the church).
Christianity has evolved over the centuries into recognizing the progress man and science has created:
Muslims have been stuck in the dark ages, unable to grasp new concepts of right and wrong, man and loving wife; life and death with honor.
Western Catholics, and devout Baptists, cling to the literal interpretation of the written Bible, perhaps the same that Muslims cling to thier vision of their convoluted Koran.
Each finds solice in their readings. Devout Christians look on the ancient messages in a positive way, Muslims look on their messages in a way that incites them to take over the earth in their own destructive way.
Only my take, as a non-practising protestant!
Interesting comments and thank you for posting them. However, let's begin with where you are at - "non-practising protestant". That places you in the category of anyone who wants to forumlate an opinion based on personal impressions, rather than on biblical truths. To expound an idea, one must formulate it on agreed upon truths. In this instance, that would be the Bible. From which protestant sect are you non-practicing? Is it fair to assume that you were baptized at some point in your life?