[Thanks, Ian, for picture!]
In all honesty, the Bible is no more or less violent (or objectionable) than the writings of other World religions. Or mythologies (I tend to view as one and the same). We just always seem to give this particular book a pass.
Scratch that- the book is just fine. It's the ensuing actions of many Believers (I Say-Uh, You-uh have-uh been HEALED-dah) that is stomach-turning. Many messages are pure and good in this collection of writings; however, so much is concentrated on the negative. "Passion of the Christ" is a fantastic example of glancing off a man's (he, or He if you prefer, at least has record of existing- Blame the Council of Nicea for his God-hood) loving, peaceful message in favour of focusing on the most traumatic, violent, hurting, self-doubting moment of his life. Spreading the Word through FEAR and agony.
This is why I understand Judaeism (base concepts, have studied bits but there's a whole lot of tradition I don't know) better than its newer, perhaps unwanted, sidekick. And have you ever had one of your Jewish friends passionately try and convert you? Exactly. A certain sense of security exists. Christians sometimes seem unnaturally insecure with those who Must preach, who Must have everyone pray their way in public institutions/courthouses/ballparks, who Must Not concede to "Happy Holidays" less the Biblical story of a 'fat man who lives with little people who make toys he uses to entice children to believe in him' forever be lost (how about You say "Merry Christmas", whomever responds back says whichever they mean most??), who Must Not share publicly displayed monogamous unities with "those Homo-Sexuals"...and Heavens Forbid they Must protect the children from Harry Potter books or they'll all turn into witches! I wish any of that was made up, truly, but pick a Bill O'Reilly show on any given day in a December and you may just see all 4. Points for consistancy, I suppose.
I veer towards Buddhism in my philosophical approach, but I always wanted (want) the Greek and Roman dieties to be real. If translated by men, why wouldn't these stories (er, historical renderings) be fraught with human foibles- murderous jealousy, sexual weaknesses, youthful uprisings (not necessarily in that order)? These were gods easily understood. The rules were clear (if unfair). The tales of the Pantheon still crop up in following generations ('forsooth', I dare say Shakespeare would have been bleak without its influence). I am not sure why I am more inspired by the petty desires of these guys than the angry/jealous/wrathful OT/NT version of the archetype, but if forced I think I'd point to one key element of the Greek and Roman writings that the Biblical teachings sorely lack (for all the stereo-typing of a certain sect of followers):
Humour.
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