"The world's major religions (notably excepting the Hindu religion for some reason) according to Jeff" is kinda hilarious. He's wildly off as far as Christianity/Catholicism goes, and conflates the two as well. I'm no authority on the others. As far as reading the Bible goes, I completely agree that if one reads the Old Testament from the beginning, it is extremely soporific. Catholics aren't encouraged to read the Bible at all. It was suggested to read the New Testament, specifically the Gospels, first. and I found that it gets to the "meat" right away. The New Testament essentially trashed the Old Testament - Jesus told the Phairsees that they worshipped the "word of man" rather than Jesus, who is the Word of God. The only specifically endorsed prayer, the one that Jesus literally gave to us, requests only "our daily bread", forgiveness "as we forgive those who trespass againt us", and to be "delivered from evil". That's it. Prayer isn't to pass a test or buy a bigger house. Jesus alsop specifically states that there are only two commandments: the Golden Rule "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" and to accept the Jesus is the Son of God. That's it. Jesus didn't say "go around and abuse everyone, or place judgement on anyone at all (i.e. He's a voluntaryist.)". So, no Jeff, Catholics aren't supposed to do anything they want, lol. There is, however, a chance for forgiveness. Read about Paul and then think about any time that you've (or I have) laid judgement on anyone. Judgement is for Jesus to decide. So is punishment. We are told to treat each other well. That's all it is.

As far as "chosen people" go, we were all created equal. We are all chosen. :)