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I maintain that you are pushing for a moral equivalency. Yes, the OT includes warfare, and even the extermination of the Amalekites.

I prefer my religion to that of others and believe it is morally superior as it was instituted at least, so I don't personally believe in moral equivalency. I just don't like to get "in your face" about it. And the best way to make enemies and influence people negatively is to insult their religion. That will only lead to trouble. Sometimes we get so focussed on the negative, we don't see the good things about other people.

Stefan (?) (can't write and check posts at the same time) made some excellent points about state religion. Separation of church and state was a good idea but it has by no means solved all the problems among the various Christian sects. At best, we just tolerate one another and some of us are friends with some but basically we hang out with those who exactly believe what we believe.

I do firmly believe that if any one particular religion gets total power, be it Christian, Jewish, Muslim or whatever, we would be in deep doo doo.

"the best way to make enemies and influence people negatively is to insult their religion"

Telling the truth about Islam is an insult? We can look for the best in people, but that will not help matters as long as they detest us and seek our extermination - all because of a religion we're afraid to confront, lest we insult muslims with the fact that we're onto their plot.

The problem with associating Christianity with European aggresion is that the religion itself actually forbids it! Jesus actually took Old Testamet scripture and revised it. Read on:

Matthew 5:

An Eye for an Eye

38"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'
39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.
41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Love for Enemies

43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'
44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Now, some people, or governments, or even cultures may call themselves Christian, but unless they understand and follow Jesus's instructions above, they're not really following Christian teachings. If Muhammad had EVER made a similar statement in the Kuran, I for one would like to know it.