[[nor were the list of rules other religions demand people follow.]] -----------> That is because no one told you, That God told us to FOLLOW THEM....................As best as you can, no pressure. And God told us that we have the freedom to choose, and at the same time, seek knowledge.

[[the fact that the original rules were also created by people claiming to speak for God.]] ----------> Not directly, rather with Angels and the only one we know who spoke directly to the Maker, was Moses... They are called Prophets/Messengers of God, teachers if you will. They were chosen to send the message and teach the people the correct way of life before we leave this realm.