I suspect that is the single most decisive question -- incapable of being answered
 -- that leads to agnosticism, atheism, and general distrust of organized religion.


Many decide an all-knowing, all-loving God -- if one existed -- would not allow such pain among those he created.


And many decide a randomly vengeful God is not worth adoration or emulation.


The nebulous "faith" and "God works in mysterious ways" arguments seem to have become less acceptable as people become more educated and discerning.