If god was real.

I am a Christian, and to put it bluntly - No one knows why god allows evil things to happen many people believe its parts of god's plan but we do not know this
1 Corinthians 13:12 Says : "“Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.”" That is what I stand by when people say why does god allow evil, I do not know but I sure will know and understand why he did it when I get to heaven.

Plus, just read your post again - I dont know what Christians you are talking to it sounds like the WBC but god will not send people to hell for not knowing god, its more that if you do not declare him as your lord and saviour then you will be judged for it and then are more likely to go to hell.

And to finish off, even if god allows bad things to happen, God is at work turning it to good
" And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28).