[Cyrus]

"If religious people throughout history had just followed the principles laid out in the Bible, rather than interpreting it in their own politically minded manner, things would have probably gone a lot smoother in the Middle Ages."

Actually, a literal adherance to the Bible would have us still reading no other books but psalms and pictures of the saints. We should be glad that the Holy Book was shoved aside at every opportunity --- in order to fornicate, study the skies and let the mind wander. (The Bible was used, though, as a source of excuses for invading other countries, killing their natives by the thousands and installing a friendly government over the backward bastards. It was hard work for the Court's priests, who had to come up with an appropriate passage from the Bible every time. We just invoke Freedom, nowdays.)

"I find it disturbing that one of the most diabolical men in history is also the second best selling author of all time."

Would that be Sidney Sheldon ?