I like this post, Jason, even though I'm a Christian. I think it's pretty screwed up to think it's God's will that any child get shot. And it sounds like you went to some terrible churches! I believe evil is currently being allowed to have full reign on this earth, but eventually, maybe not until the life to come, justice and love will prevail. This is a trial run, and if we can remain compassioinate, kind, tolerant and loving with all this crap going on, then maybe we have a shot at emulating the kind of character Jesus exhibited. Unfortunately, it's up to us, and human nature being what it is, we're failing miserably.