You make a very good point. I have been studying Islam since I came here trying to get a good understanding. I was brought up a Catholic and I have to say if you look at the history of the spread of Catholicism it is a pretty depressing story of lack of tolerance, bloodshed and a desire to convert the "heathen". This has changed now. Why? Because most Catholics do not take the bible literally any more, they no longer believe that unbaptised babies are denied entry to heaven, that only Catholicism is the way to eternal salvation etc?

It seems to me that the problem lies not with Jesus or Mohammed but with the interpretaion of their teachings and the cynical use of those interpretations for political gain. It slso lies in literal belief. If you believe that unless you convert someone to the only "true" religion, that they will forgo the afterlife, then you have a moral obligation to try and "save" them. Also, if you believe that there is only way true religion, then by definition, you discount any other religion and you have to believe that yours is morally superior.