How is that telling the child what to think. It is merely a simple instruction, as it would be detrimental to the child to inform he/she of the dangers of pedophiles,rape,murder and all the other malevolent forces at work.
I am not suggesting a simple solution cannot be right but merely that just because certain things make little sense to you doesn't mean this cannot be for a greater purpose.
For example a parent telling a child not to play outside at night. The child may have little understanding as to why he/she cannot play out side at night as he/she is oblivious to the dangers of the world and may thing the parent is mean or nasty for not doing so. But the child blindly follows the parent or the parent forces the child in.
Because they choose to believe in a power beyond comprehension, one that cannot be tested and fully understood and if it could wouldn't be worth following. Therefore have faith and belief in a greater power and choose to live a certain way etc.
EDIT: and you didn't answer point number 1 (again)
Crap like what? Megalomaniacs in power, totalitarian oppression. I think you'll find Islam is not responsible for what you claim it is, just misguided men under the guise of religion. (Not the first, nor will it be the last time)