Actually, if you study the history of Christianity, the period where the inquisition, etc occurred was the exception. There is nothing 'ideologically' in Christianity that calls for the killing of those who will not convert. As you know, if you are honest, the opposite is true of Islam. The periods of peace with others have been the exception.
And this could be not because of but in spite of what it teaches.
Well, yes, in spite of, because mankind has a pretty strong sinful nature.
I dont claim I do.
Okay, so you are, by implication, saying that your statement about 'them' not having any real understanding of God is just your feeling on the issue and not any real statement about the character of God.
And you too would be in for a surprise if you claim you do.
How do you know since you have admitted you don't have any real understanding of God?
Inquisition and killing of Jews and Pagan worshipers are not exceptions but were pretty much widespread in space and time. It pales in frequency and magnitude when compared to Islamic genocides but does not mean they can be simply dismissed as exceptions.
“Okay, so you are, by implication, saying that your statement about ‘them’ not having any real understanding of God is just your feeling on the issue and not any real statement about the character of God.”
About the character of God, its all about “feeling on the issue” and your feeling is as good as mine. In other words its all personal belief, faith, opinion, reasoning, best guess etc. I dont claim to have first hand knowledge about the character of God. And I am pretty certain not many have either.
However this is has hardy anything to do with character of God. Its all about religio-politics, more to do with understanding of human character. You can easily tell when someone is using God and religion to forward their religio-political agenda, and you know they are wrong.
“How do you know since you have admitted you don’t have any real understanding of God?”
How do I know? As I said, “belief, faith, opinion, reasoning, best guess etc”..... at least I dont claim I have 100% knowledge, but basic human judgment allows me to distinguish the right from wrong. Thats how you can tell when someone is totally wrong.