Judaism/Christianity connection
I think it likely that the reason that I've "always considered Judaism and Christianity to be extremely close" is because I generally find it more interesting to concentrate on the similarities between religions, and I'm often astounded to discover how similar so many are. Even when individual details differ, many of the same themes are present across a wide variety of different theologies.
It also probably stems from the fact that so many religions have evolved so greatly over time. For instance, and as I believe you mentioned, modern Christianity often bears little resemblance to early Christianity...and this is without considering the dozens, if not hundreds, of sub-denominations that have sprouted up in Christianity. There are many times that I will look at one Christian Church compare it to another Christian Church, and almost wonder how they manage to both call themselves Christianity.
I guess it might also come somewhat from my integration of various theological 'bits' from other groups into my own 'dialect' of (sorta) Christianity. If someone suggests something that makes sense to me, I'll not ignore it simply because nowhere in the Bible or [insert other religious document] is it stated in the exact same way to be truth. If it clicks, I'll take it, and I'll incorporate it into my beliefs.
It also probably stems from the fact that so many religions have evolved so greatly over time. For instance, and as I believe you mentioned, modern Christianity often bears little resemblance to early Christianity...and this is without considering the dozens, if not hundreds, of sub-denominations that have sprouted up in Christianity. There are many times that I will look at one Christian Church compare it to another Christian Church, and almost wonder how they manage to both call themselves Christianity.
I guess it might also come somewhat from my integration of various theological 'bits' from other groups into my own 'dialect' of (sorta) Christianity. If someone suggests something that makes sense to me, I'll not ignore it simply because nowhere in the Bible or [insert other religious document] is it stated in the exact same way to be truth. If it clicks, I'll take it, and I'll incorporate it into my beliefs.
The most clear one I see is that -nowhere- in -any- of the Jewish holy texts (I was brought up Jewish, btw) is there an injunction to attempt to convert others to Judaism.
True, but...
However, in all honesty, neither is Christianity, at least, not in it's intended form. In fact, Jesus said that you should not tell someone how good Christianity is, but simply show them by doing, and let them come to you if they wish.
It's unfortunate that so many groups through history have twisted and corrupted the Christian theology to justify their ends, of which the emphasis on 'converting heathens' is one example.