Ann, In response to your reference to the killing of the Amalekites. can understand your horror at what would seem to be basically mass murder. However, if we compare it to Sodom and Gomorrah, is it that different? In both, entire nations (those cities were independent kingdoms) are wiped out. But we know God's reason for destroying S & G. He did it because of their immorality and their evil deeds. In context, the order to kill the Amalekites seems to be God using the Israelites as his arm of justice in disciplining/punishing them for their many evil deeds. Other than your pastor's point about the babies being all alone, there is also the possibility that these children would grow up to be as evil as their parents. Of course, one could go much deeper into theology about God allowing/causing people to die, but that's another topic.

I think, therefore, I get bananas.

When in doubt, think about time travel conundrums. You'll confuse yourself so you can forget what you were in doubt about.

What's the difference between ignorance, apathy, and ambivalence?
I don't know and I don't care one way or the other.