I think religion is all essentially the same in some very fundamental ways. I include paganism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and even Buddhism. They all, without exception, try to explain what humans do not know and want to know. How did we get here, what happens after we die, and what rules do we have to live by while we are here to get the reward after we die. They all tell a slightly different but similiar story to answer these questions. The names and personalities of the supernatural deities who supposedly created us differ but the essence is the same. The rules of living differ slightly from religion to religion but their purpose is the same. Many of the rules/morals for living are beneficial but many are controlling and are all about the few at the top of the heirarchy having power over the many at the bottom of the heirarchy.
I am currently learning about Buddhist philosophy although I do not consider myself a Buddhist. Originally, this was not even intended to be a religion or required a belief in God. However, human nature being what it is, over the centuries, Buddhist followers organized into very formal religious like structures with temples, monks, rules, etc. Different views and cultures resulted in the development of different schools of Buddhist thoughts with resulting ego clashes, competition and in some cases even violence (which is very against original Buddhist teachings).
I think the differences between religions is superficial at best. Until people learn to transcend their need for stories and rules for each other and can look with awareness at themselves and their fellow humans and ask questions such as is this action harmful to myself, to others, to the community as a whole, then I believe religious structures and wars will pretty much continue as they always have.
Cog
