This will probably be alot more interesting than debating with a fundamentalist Christian; who will often remain intentionally ignorant. Mr_Mushrooms, you desire elaboration on the listed surahs, and I will clarify each revelation to you, and what the proper context is. One must also understand that the Qur'an in english is not a translation of the Arabic Qur'an, it is only an interpretation. Also note, that for many verses in the Qur'aan; to understand it in its full context, previous or following verses must be included.
"Kill the disbelievers wherever we find them" (Koran 2:191)
Let's start with Surah 2:190. 'Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits, for God loveth not transgressors'. In this section of the Qur'an (and many others) you will find revelations that were revealed either during a time of war, or in the context of war. This verse (2:191) is directed to Muslims who are currently engaged in armed struggle. It is quite clear in the Qur'an that you have to be attacked first before you enter battle/wage an attack, et cet era.
"Ye are the best of peoples evolved for mankind." (Koran 3:110)
Hardly a violent verse, and yes; the Qur'an does say those who love God are the best of humanity - I don't argue with that.
"The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and his messenger and strive after corruption in the land will be to be killed or crucified, or have their hands and feet and genitals cut off, or to be expelled out of the land. Such will be their humiliation in the world, and in the next world they will face an awful horror." (Koran, 5:33-34)
See my response to Surah 2:191.
Correction; 'The punishment of those who wage war against God and His Messenger, and strive with might and main for mischief through the land is: Execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides, or exile from the land: That is their disgrace in this world, and a heavy punishment is theirs in the Hereafter.' (5.33) 'Except for those who repent before they fall into your power: In that case, forgive them, because God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.'(5.34)
"Not to make friendship with Jews and Christians" (Koran 5:51)
The Qur'an does distance itself from the Judeo-Christian tradition for certain reasons. One must consider what Christianity is, and what the revelation of Islam is essentially. Much of this boils down to the fact Christians worship Jesus Christ as the Son of God, while Muslims worship God directly, and deny Jesus was divine (he has prophet status in Islam). A Muslim friend of mine once commented in a discussion about extremist Christians (he's moderate, by the way) "If I were a Christian, I'd be insulted by Islam too". What does the verse really mean though? Something like...Muslims, be aware of the Christians and Jews. They will not take kindly to you, as they believe you do not worship the same, one true God. But they are ignorant, so be compassionate to those who treat you well. (In fact, there is a verse in the Qur'an that commands us to be compassionate with Jews and Christians). It's a heads-up, because Islam totally contradicts Judaism and Christianity. Ever notice how people like Jerry Falwell practically wince at the utterance of anything Islamic?
"In order that Allah may separate the pure from the impure, put all the impure ones [all non-Muslims] one on top of another in a heap and cast them into hell. They will have been the ones to have lost." (Koran, 8:37)
Lets take out that 'all non-Muslims' in brackets, because it's not in the Qur'an. This is a well defined Hell-verse, common in any abrahamic faith. The pure are those who love God, and impure are those who rejected God, and above all of that, hell doesn't even exist.
Allah and his messenger announce that it is acceptable to go back on our promises (treaties) and obligations with Pagans and make war on them whenever we find ourselves strong enough to do so (Koran 9:3)
Correction; 'And an announcement from God and His Messenger, to the people (Assembled) on the day of the Great Pilgrimage- That God and His Messenger dissolve (treaty) obligations with the pagans. If, then, ye repent, it were best for you; but if ye turn away, know ye that ye cannot frustrate God. And proclaim a grievous penalty for those who reject faith. (9.3)
Our God tells us to "fight the unbelievers" and "He will punish them by our hands, cover them with shame and help us (to victory) over them" (Koran 9:14).
See my response to verse 2:191.
Correction; 'Fight them, and God will punish them by your hands, cover them with shame, help you to victory over them, heal the breasts of Believers, (9.14) and still the indignation of their hearts. For God will turn in mercy to whom He will; and God is All-knowing, All-wise.' (9.15)
"Until they pay the Jizya [a penalty tax for the non-Muslims living under Islamic rules] with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued" (Koran 9:29)
The jizya is often misinterpreted - the payment of Jizya is for the non-Muslims living under the rule of a caliphate to recieve the protection of the Muslim army, and to exclude themselves from joining and serving in the Muslim army.
"Seize ye him, and bind ye him, And burn ye him in the Blazing Fire. Further, make him march in a chain, whereof the length is seventy cubits! This was he that would not believe in Allah Most High. And would not encourage the feeding of the indigent! So no friend hath he here this Day. Nor hath he any food except the corruption from the washing of wounds, Which none do eat but those in sin." (Koran 69:30-37)
This verse has absolutely nothing to do with earthly life. This verse is describing an unfaithful human in the next life.
I did not directly address all the Surahs you posted as many of them are very similiar in nature, and fall under the same context (of interpretation) as described in my reponse to the rather infamous Surah 2:191.
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