Stumbling as we follow Christ's footsteps

I just finished a study of some of the judges in the Old Testamant. What do we make of all the cruelty and death in the name of God? I believe that God tried to make his people understand, but they were trapped by their time and culture. I do not believe that God wanted all those victims. Are we trapped by our time and culture? Perhaps, but we have Jesus to show us the way. We fail to follow his teaching, but somehow manage to lurch a little toward his example. I think that is the best we can hope for: To stumble along the path already trod by Christ. I believe that God doesn't demand perfection, only that out of our love of God we try.