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That is clearly judjment.

Well, you're an Episcopalian. smile Honestly, guys, if you don't drink to the specific end of getting drunk, and you stop when you start to feel....well, stupid, then you're okay. I don't suggest it in large groups, at big parties, or with people you don't trust. All of those situations are good ways to get in trouble, raped, arrested, etc. It's also a lot easier to get out of control in those situations.

Did you ever think that maybe the reason your brother says he doesn't believe in God is because he's angry with God because he's gay?

Sara dear, your brother was gay by the time he was five. I hate to be the one to tell you that, but it's probably true. He probably didn't know it until quite recently, but I'm assuming it was coming to terms with it that made him decide the Church didn't want him and that there was nothing to do but quit. I've seen it a thousand times. I'm glad you're feeling better about it, and I hope you two work it all out between you. When you guys are old and you're parents are dead.... you and your sibs will be all that's left of your original family.

And as for the mythical gay lifestyle, I went to the gay pride parade today with my best friend, who is a lesbian. We picked up her nephews at her sister's house. Her youngest nephew, btw, is the most mellow five month old I've ever seen, a true doll. We took them with us to the parade, where we watched a bunch of floats, and the three year old managed to get some mardi-gras beads off a drag queen. Didn't run into anyone we knew. It was rather disappointing. In the course of this, we talked about her patients at work, I told her about my rather exciting day at church (we had 8 confirmations and 2 baptisms today), compared notes watching our sibling's kids. I decided she had the better deal lately. We had to get drinks from one of the venders. The bad bad lesbians running the booth gave the little boy his drink free. We talked with a stranger about the joys of baby leashes with small children. They make toddlers easier to keep up with. We then took the kids with us to the mall, where we ate dinner at a restaurant. Then we went to the nursing home where she works and let some of her patients see the kids. It really brightened their day. More evil lesbian stuff---you know how they're always visiting nursing homes and bringing little kids to terrorise the old folks. Then we took the rug rats back to their mom and went back to our respective homes, because, at 9:30 we both thought we'd better get home.

The sad truth, Sara, is that gay people are as BLOODY BORING as straight people. Believe me, I know, I have two best friends, one a gay man, one lesbian, and they're both just as boring as I am. They have no more anonymous sex than straight people, less in some cases, and they outgrow bars (hopefully) just like straight people. They also (much like straights) outgrow or never engage in sex with strangers. I know a gay priest, a transgendered deacon...both boring. Sorry Fr. Rob and Rev. Paula, you are boring. Just as boring as I am anyway. I know a lesbian teacher. Boring. Not even any animal sacrifices. No molested children. Actually, their kids are about the most normal young people I know. In fact, Sara, the more I see of the "gay lifestyle" the more I see it's frighteningly like my own. It seems to revolve around their families, their jobs, and their churches. Which is a-okay with me.

I have an idea....why don't you try the old standard "Thy will be done" as far as your brother's life is concerned? And as for the priest and the deacon... I think they talk to God often enough that when they're doing wrong, they know. Let the Lord handle Paula and Rob. BTW: Do you really think that Christ's death on the cross didn't cover EVERYTHING? Even if I did believe homosexuality was a sin, which I don't, doesn't "It is finished" mean "It is finished"? Did you you think it meant "It is finished provided you miraculously become perfect following your conversion and IMMEDIATELY register with the Republican party"? The Lord's grace is sufficient for us.

Whoa!! YOu asked again for advice for your original question....and I gave it to you. Try it.... thy will be done. It leaves no room for error on your part.

I'm not attacking you. I've been where you are. And I asked a question. Was the crucifixition sufficient? I'm not meaning to attack your beliefs--I'm trying to help you understand your brother. I don't know if you noticed, but I know a lot of gay people. I'm getting pretty tired of this conversation... if you want to continue it, you can pm me. I'm not going to do this anymore in public.

Well, I can't say I've been where you are because I've never really had a crush on anyone...plain and simple. So why am I responding to your question if I've never felt that way? Because I'm friends with more non-christians that christians thanks to my very recent conversion and this has recently happened to one of my non-christian friends. She and this Christain guy were going out for nearly two months or so when he went off to church camp, came back, and decided to suddenly end the relationship because he felt they were getting too close. Personally, I completely disagree with how he did it. He wasn't upfront with her about how he felt and he blamed it all on his religion ((I know from experience that this tends to shove them farther away from Christ instead of closer to them)).

I won't tell you yes or no to starting a relationship with him, but I will say that if you do, be up front with the fact that you like him and that you are a strong Christian. Work him into the Christian aspect of your life slowly, and watch to make sure he isn't interferring with your relationship with Christ. Try taking him to a youth activity outside of the church and then maybe one at your church, but not actually a service. Then, maybe wednesday night bible study/small group. Who knows, one day you may get him to church, but take it at his pace and go to the activities with or without him. If you do decide to break it off avoid blaming it on your beliefs completely. You can say, something about you two having different beliefs and that playing into your beliefs, but don't say, "My religion tells me not to date non-Christians so we're breaking up." Anyway, that's just my opinion.

Well, if your relashonship (sp?) does go further, this is a GOOD thing. Now you can talk to him about christ and stuff. Tell him about how God hasa plan to put all of us in eternal heaven and that all you have to do is believe in the one who made you. Take your bible. Be very religous around him. THis is a maybe scenario. But if a song can lead me to the lord, I'm sure a girlfriend can do the same.

Go to youtube and chack out the video "Baby Got Book." Or go to whiteboydj.com and find it. It might help.