Dear Sad:
You’re right; animals don’t have souls. But the Bible does talk about the lion and lamb lying peacefully together in heaven. I can’t back this up by Scripture, but it’s my opinion that our pets will be in heaven. Why? Simply because God loves to see His children happy. And though we’d be plenty happy in heaven without pets, how hard would it be for God to allow our pets to be with us? Not hard at all! He can do anything. So I like to think that He’ll have our pets there, just because He loves to see us smile.

I’m really hoping I’m right on this, because I keep telling Bosco, The Brio Wonder Dog, that someday we’ll be in heaven together, both praising God.

Dear Susie:
I have a faith problem. I don’t believe the whole Christianity thing exists. I would like to believe God exists, but the problem is, I’m embarrassed to talk about this with my family, and my dad is a pastor.
Needing Help

Dear Needing Help:
I wish you weren’t embarrassed to discuss this with your family. I imagine your dad often counsels people in your church who struggle with doubts. I’m assuming he’d be honored to talk about the most important thing in his life—his faith—with his daughter.

I highly recommend that you read The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel. Make sure you get the student edition. Lee also doubted the existence of God, and this book explains in an easy-to-understand manner the reality of God. You’ll actually enjoy reading it! It’s a fun book.

After you’ve read the book, consider discussing it with your dad. God can handle your doubts. Christianity wouldn’t have lasted more than 2,000 years if it were fickle. Never be afraid of asking the questions. God loves your questions, and He wants to replace them with faith and understanding.

Dear Susie:
It’s my first year in high school, and we have lots of dances. I’ve been exposed to a form of dancing known as “grinding.” My parents don’t agree with it, but all my Christian friends and their parents don’t seem to think it’s that big of a deal.

I’d love to know what you think. I have very mixed feelings on the topic and can’t decide for myself.
Confused

Dear Confused:
OK. I’ll be blunt.

Rubbing against each other’s body parts in intimate dancing is wrong.

There’s absolutely nothing in grinding that glorifies God. And it does promote sexual intimacy outside of marriage.

Nuff said.

Dear Susie:
I recently discovered that my aunt is gay. Now that I know, I feel awkward when she and her roommate and their daughter come to our family gatherings. My family is Christian, and I firmly believe that homosexuality is wrong. Yet at the same time, I know I need to love my aunt and her friend. I’m not sure how I should react. Any advice on the situation?
Stand-offish

Dear Stand-offish:
It’s normal to feel uncomfortable when you’re around something you know is wrong. In fact, feeling that way is a good thing! Too many Christians have become so desensitized to sin, they’ve become comfortable around it.

Remember this: God loves your aunt and her friend. He died for them! He wants them to see and experience His love through your actions. Keep loving them. Don’t reject them! You can discuss your beliefs in a loving way. We sometimes get confused about tolerance. We’re to be tolerant of people, but not of sin.