Hi, thanks for writing back. Yeah I must admit I have heard others talk of similar things you mention about Mohamed being, well let´s just say, not as holy as one would expect considering so many who follow him. It was interesting what you said about religion shaping history, I never looked at it like that before but of course you are exactly right and it got me thinking with regards to the cutting off of limbs to keep people in line. I mean the fact that it still goes on in the Arab world, Saudi Arabia in particular, as well as Iran. There is a theory knocking around that perhaps Arab peoples are more different than western European peoples than we first realized. I mean when you consider how Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt etc, all fell apart under American and European rule, perhaps such hard ruthless methods are the only type of leaders that Arab peoples respect. They have been used to a hard line Govt stance as well as Sharia law for centuries and thus have not moved on to. IN a recent documentary by Adam Curtis he said that in an Interview with the Syrian president Assad( I mean his father who was also called Assad) he said that a hard line was the only way to keep Arab peoples in line. He as known to be ruthless but he actucally kept peace in the region for decades. Perhaps western culture moved on because of Jesus teachings, meaning he told us to have more empathy with each other. This would explain why the two cultures are finding it so hard to understand each other. One wants to move forward and be caring and empathic with each other as well as have freedom of thought and speech, while the other wants to go back and be more hard. If this is true then the Arab peoples must view the European as weak soft belly idiots.
Glad you liked my question, yeah I went straight to the core of the matter I guess.

I also liked you suggestion about what kind of conversation Jesus would have with Mohamed. There is book or a film there ha ha, that´s if anyone is brave enough to take it on.
I too was raised as a devout catholic. I lost my faith when my mother died when I was a child. I was angry at God I guess. I became a staunch atheist of a long time but then when I was in hospital for a while I had nothing to do but think and think. I also almost died. I do not believe in a God but I am open to some kind of cosmic intelligence. I follow Jesus not as the son of God but as an incredible teacher of advancing mankind. Recently I have come to a new idea that I hope can bring believers and atheists together. The idea is if we can all agree that the human being is "divine". Meaning that whether a God created us or evolution, there is no question that we are unique in the creature kingdom and (as far as we know) in the universe. For we are the only creatures who know the universe exists and that we ourselves exist. I think therefore I am---right. Thus we are "divine". And as divine creatures we should respect each others divinity meaning we all have the right to live how we wish as long as we respect others space. Anyway really enjoyed talking with you.
Happy New Year to you too @elduderino