The question is, Joe... why aren't the extremists right? IF one can believe in an omnicent God who cares about the daily affairs and conduct of his creations... (and we suppose, expects to BE worshipped), why then can't "he-she-it" BE a jealous, angry god who sends punishments and approves of stoning adulterers and naughty children ... and can literally 'raise the dead'...etc.?

The very fact that we DO have so many variations in belief systems logically casts doubt on all of them. We know how such systems developed in humans who had a brain complex enough to wonder and invent answers, and some of the stories are beautiful & inspiring and can, as you demonstrate, serve to delineate guidance for dealing with pain & suffering in ourselves & others......but..... IF any of the basic tenets are not actually true, then it does become intrinsically subjective as to which derived tenets one follows.
... and it also follows that mocking a religion is merely a case of "you takes your chances about reprisals".

Yes, I am quite aware that civilized society needs SOME agreements about recognizing and tolerating each other's eccentricities.... but some of the 'more eccentric' do not WISH to tolerate those of others, and have an inner mandate to proselytize & convert... or destroy others. "Go, and become fishers of men"

Why SHOULDN'T 'true believers' follow the most direct, simple rules they know? From MY viewpoint they shouldn't, but.........

So... like it or not, concern over how Romney would use his religion in his politics is a relevant question. We have laws about NOT mixing religion with governing, but fat lot of good they do in general. We also have laws about making direct, false accusations about someone, but Gary Trudeau seems to me to be within the rules, even if he does cause some reactions.... whadda ya gonna do?