Why do you believe in god?

[Bgood]

C Rod wrote
Violent history was for the development of Israel for the preparation of Jesus.

I'm taliking about the violent history that has happened since Jesus came on the scene and because he did. Like the Dark age abuses, wars, Inquisition, etc,etc,etc. Even to this day all in the name of God and Jesus. Is not the proof in the pudding? If Chritianity was a 2000 year old man being judged on his actions, he would be considered a serial killing rapist madman. You cant just blame 'human nature' either because it was consistent, institutionalized violence and oppression perpetrated systematically for a VERY long time.

I haven't ever seen from any other that you should give away all your possessions or turn the other cheek. Also the fact that he doesn't get married and advises against it, is quite different.

Actually nearly every founder of major world religions has promoted NON-violence, monasticim and freedom from materialsim. They all say similiar things such as your examples in different ways in their native language. Yet a REAL problem with Jesus is that he is more an extremist than any practical teacher or spiritual guide. The Buddha taught to not cling to possessions but he was realistic in that not ALL possessions need to be given away, just what is unnecessary or burdensome. And why Jesus was oppossed to marriage is beyond me although many spiritual giants did hold monastic vows. If you studied other religions more in depth you will actually find greater wisdom and much more common sense. Don't put THE BIBLE on a pedestal. It is rife with contradictions and absurdities no matter how you interpret it. Personally I left being a Catholic years ago and find Eastern philosophy far superior in nearly every way.