Reply #7: The problem is

[Az]

That most people do not sit down and research all the histories and oddities of the religion they belong to. Religions are living things. They change and evolve with pressures from society and the need to propogate. Thus even if there was some truth at the beginning of the story by the time it has passed through the centuries it has become the story which was best at propogating itself.

Even with a fixed doctrine, such as Islam prides itself on, it becomes altered over time. Intpretation and emphasis on various passages can make a world of difference. Thus from this looking to the history of a belief only tells you where it came from. Not necissarily what it is now.

To that extent there are examples of horrible individuals in both camps. Certain beliefs are emphasized in these sects. There are also wonderful sects that have wrung out the horrible aspects and embraced the caring tolerant aspects.

Instead of trying to define the religion in total as peaceful or violent, instead examine the current practitioners and ask them what they take from their beliefs. You will find as much diversity in that way as you would in examining nearly any other collection of beliefs.