Oneironaut

To me the Old Testament (OT) is not compatible with a loving God, and I agree with you about it's contents.

I also agree that the NT and Jesus's teachings were not the first time many of these ideas were presented. I disagree that these ideas were commonly held or practiced, 'loving their enemies' was not big at that time.

Kuroi

First of all the 'every knee shall bow' thing means all will recognize His authority over us, not necessarily actually kneeling. Also, it will be done at Judgement, before entering Hell (which I disavow, at least the commonly held idea of Hell) or Heaven (where our bodies are restored and perfected).

In my mind, Hell (damnation) is not a place, but the end of our existence as individuals. A loving God is not going to torture His failed children for eternity, I believe that these 'souls' return to God and cease to exist. That's what damnation means, to be stopped.

Just my thoughts guys, you are of course entitled to your own.