How can a god, that apparently loves everyone, allow this kind of thing to happen?

[John V]

I fail to see how it is a strawman,

It's simple. Very few Christians claim to receive such specific guidance from God. I agree that your question is fair to the few who do make such claim, but for most Christians, it's a straw man. I of course don't read all the posts, so if a Christian here makes such claims, quote it.