Yet again I agree with you, and Augustine, on pieces.
It is the whole you derive from the pieces that should cause you to shudder.
You just don't understand it as I do D-fendr. And you know what. That's okay. It really is. I don't think any worse of you for it, for this is NOT an easy doctrine. Xzins, who I don't believe is what one would call a Calvinist (he may correct me at some point on that one), does understand where we are coming from. And, he and I get along quite well. You and I disagree on a number of issues, but we can still dialogue and get along well.
This doctrine is strong meat. It isn't meant to go down like milk. You have to chew on it a while before you can swallow it. But once you do, trust me, your view of God will not be one as hateful but one that is sweet and so worthy of your praise.