Wowwww...I must admit that your post is really extraordinary.
I would like to underline your point.
- Do you believe that religion is peaceful?
Religion is peaceful that I truly believe, what i realize is not religion make people do bad thing, but the people who leave in that religion do not obey what is the religion says about, and the selfishness of them as well. bad this is when people do something bad (like suicide bomb, they claim in the name of one of religion)
- Are you more concerned about following the rules of religion or being in a right relationship with God?
In Islam we cannot put separately between following rules of God and build good relationship with God. the essential of relationship with God is following the God rules that is in our Islam. but remember terrorist is not the soldier of the God, mostly they ignore the rules of the God (I cannot go to far for this one because it is also part of politic conspiracy, not even close to any religion things)
- If you are not actively religious, did the unpeaceful nature of religion push you away?
Not at all, because what I feel religion encourage me to be closer to the God with peace. punishment is only to whom doing bad thing to others, even though the people who has different religion.
I wish you find peace no matter what you believe in your life. and may the God bless you and your family.
Regards
Thanks for answering my questions. I always appreciate how you support me in this way.
I also wish you peace for your family as well. I am a follower of Isa Al Masih. I choose to follow Him, not because my family is Christian, but because I know that He gives me peace and takes away my sin.
May God bless you as you seek His truth.