Questioning morality

Your hypothetical situation is precisely the reason I am now an atheist. As young kid, I refused to believe good people went to hell and rapists, murderers, paedophiles, etc. went to heaven if they gave themselves to Christ.If I was still a Christian, I would probably have similar beliefs as Mike.As for my child being hurt in such a way... that SOB had better hope the cops found him first because I'd kill him myself. No second thoughts.Before having a child, I didn't understand why parents of murdered children (especially school shootings) wanted to sue the police, the teachers, the school district, etc. Now I do. I don't necessarily think it's the right thing to do, but I understand where the need comes from.I forgot to add that I believe it is often the death of a child that has tested the faith of thousands. My grandmother never recovered from the death of her 24 year old son and blamed god till the day she died - 35 years later.[This message has been edited by roxrkool, 10-15-2003]

sidelined,I think that people who don't have children cannot EVER possibly understand your question.One person might find comfort in their religion when they lose a child, another will be destroyed by it, and another will find god.Most people can't know how they will react until they are faced with such a tragedy.