> I have to admit that beliefs such as this astound me when coming from what I would
> otherwise consider a practical & rational person.


Perhaps what you've been taught about religion, and specifically about Jesus Christ, has come from the enemy, and not from Jesus Himself, which is why you've seen such horrific things within.

The enemy is at war with Jesus and has used men's tendency toward sin to cause all manner of evil to infiltrate all areas of our lives, including religion, pastoring, computers, governments, corporations, and even those purporting to be serving Jesus.

None of that has changed who Jesus truly is.

I urge you to seek for yourself, Victor. If you seek Jesus truly (meaning you really want to know), you will find Him. And when you do, you will be utterly amazed. There is no one and nothing like Him in the entire universe. He is God Almighty. The creator of all.