Open, respectful, dialogue is what's needed in a democratic society.

And with that, I believe Steve D. Swanson deserves a standing ovation from all of us at the JBF ! :-)

Steve, my current theory on the subject of "gay" mannerisms is that they're akin to certain animals having bright colors or showing off their plumage.

I appreciate the "colorful" explanation, Peter !

When I was in high school (many moons ago) I went through a phase where I liked to dress up like David Lee Roth, the lead singer of Van Halen.  I know, LOL, huh ?  DLR used to wear suspenders as part of his stage outfit.  Trying to emulate my "hero", I went out and bought a pair of "rainbow" colored suspenders, not knowing the significance of the "rainbow" for the gay community.  You can imagine the stares I got from gay men, when I wasn't even advertising !  I was just trying to do the big hair metal costume thing, and hopefully attract the ladies !  Communication is an interesting thing.  :-)

It seems like now, they not only want to save their souls, they want to force me to do things to save my own.

Jodi -

Enjoyed the bit about the rattle snakes.  LOL ! :-)

Regarding your above comment, I'd like to suggest some biblical and theological points of clarification.

Biblical salvation is a free gift from the grace of God, not earned by any good works, by anyone.  Please see Ephesians 2:8-9 in the New Testament.  Good works flow from a salvation that has already been given.  In other words, good works are the result of gratitude on the part of the sinner who appreciates that Christ died in their place to forgive them of their sins.  Please see 2 Corinthians 5:14-15.  In sum: no Christian is trying to save their soul.  They are already saved and doing good works as a result of that salvation.

Regarding saving others generally and you specifically, I appreciate your candor, as often times Christians, and evangelicals (and I include myself in this) come across as over zealous.  When people "bristle" about my enthusiasm for Christ, I try and explain it like this.  I am a beggar who found "bread" to satisfy his hungry soul.  I want to share that bread with you so that you too can find true fulfillment.  This fulfillment of course being the experiential peace of forgiveness and the joyous anticipation of life everlasting.  Biblically, no Christian "saves" any other person.  We are merely the messengers bringing the Gospel (good news) to others for their thoughtful and prayerful consideration.  Ultimately, it is between each person and God to sort out the details.  Or more simply, for a person to accept or reject Christ as Lord and Savior.  Please see John 1:12-13 and 3:16 in the New Testament.

Food for thought !  :-)

(Edited for spelling.)

I tried to convince my date of this, but it didn't fly. :(

Michael -

Total LOL !

We carry a lot of baggage when it comes to evolution...

Kevin -

An interesting confession coming from a committed atheist.  I would have thought you would have said something similar about Christians and certain religious groups who are all about "big families" !  :-)

Joakim wrote:

(and granted that that's totally leaving out the issue of not every straight woman wanting all of us anyways). 

ROTFLOL !  I am sure Jodi or my wife could run with this comment and keep us laughing for days about all men they didn't want !  HOO - BOY !  :-0

The "family values" crowd can go on and on about love, and God's plan for us, and the family unit, but in the end?

Kevin -

I won't quote the rest of your comment.  However, from an evolutionist stand point your comments make perfect sense !

Question for the thread members: Best Christmas gift you ever gave or received?

Jodi -

A while back you asked this about a gift received.  I shared the story how my mom & dad gave me the entire Hot Wheel Car collection for the year I was in the 4th grade.

As for giving, it's hard to choose.  Sometimes it is money to a charitable cause.  Sometimes it is a special (purchased) gift for a special someone (spouse, parent, friend).  Sometimes it's giving one's person during the holiday, just being there for someone in need or who enjoys our presence.

Good question !  Too many choices !  :-)

Dan, you are a brave, brave man for admitting that you tried to look like David Lee Roth in high school.

Michael -

I just know how to laugh at myself !  LOL ! :-) 

Unless they were jocks, most of the guys in my high school dressed up in heavy metal splendor.  Long hair, ear rings, head bands, kerchiefs, leather jackets, studded wrist bands, etc.  I see kids today doing the same thing with no hair, goatees, tatoos and body piercings.  All of this reflects their particular style of music.  What's even more interesting is to see the chronological fashion changes of Scott Rockenfield of Queensryche.  He and I went to high school together, did the concert scene together, and did our best to look like metal heads !  Of course, he had an edge because he was in a band that went places !  In the early days of QR, Scott had long hair.  I think now days, he's gone for the no hair look.  It's all very interesting to watch some of us "grow out of a look", and some of us to "continue in that look" because it is part of their profession !  I don't need to look like a metal head.  But Scott does !  Or maybe I should say, Scott needs to look like a prog rock drummer !  Right Joakim ? :-)