Jesus' proclamation of the kingdom is a refining and purifying fire (vs.49). His message that meets with acceptance or rejection is a source of conflict and dissension even within families. The lack of peace is a regrettable result of an undeviating proclamation of the Kingdom. There is no "peace at any price," through the compromising of God's word.
Why interpret this literally, rather than try to get to the sense of what the passage is really saying? Where is Jesus actively promoting divisions or sects? Is it not rather that he is a source of division because in families some accept him while others reject him?
And where is Jesus guilty of advocating spiritism, idolatry, promoting stealing, bearing false witness, obscene speech, extortion, etc?