Dear GG: One of my profs is very anti-religious, and voices it in class. Quite vehemently. I have quite a problem with this, but don't know how to speak up.

Well, my dear, you might want to talk to him after class, so that he will not chew you out in front of the class. Or, if you are a wild, in-your-face type of guy, get after him in front of the class. But be kind either way. He should be able to see that you love him, but that you love God more, and won't let him be bad-mouthed in front of you. If he doesn't change, go to his superiors. It is your money who pays his (and their) salary, so they should try their best to understand your views.

Replies:

--You are a Christian, and he is wrong. Show him that, and Show him what you have with Christ! He may want it.

--God loves him, now you love him too!

#2:

GoodyGoody: What would you tell a girl whose parents are split up and won't let you escape from being their little pawn to use against each other? I am 16 and just moved in with my mother because my father is addicted to pornography. He didn't flaunt it, it was just there, and I didn't like it. I am engaged to a guy who has his own place, and I go there for most of my waking hours, and it has become kind of an escape, but I still have to go home at night to my mother constantly dissing my father.

I'd tell you that your parents still love you and never to use an intimate relationship as a form of escape from another harmful relationship. Have you talked to your mom about what her talk does to you? She will most likely understand that you love your father regardless of what he does or has done, and that you don't like to hear people talk meanly about people you love.

Replies:

--Engaged at 16? NO! You're too young! Don't throw your life away. Your parents love you, no matter what it may seem like. Emancipation is not the answer; don't break up from your parents.

--Well, good for you that you don't take any evil guff from any evil one. There comes a time in many young adults' lives when they have to choose between your parents and God. If you can serve God better with your parents, then stay with them. If you can serve God better with your fiance then stay with him. And if you can serve God best without either set, then go that way. Now is a time for deep introspection and prayer to ask God where *HE* wants you.

#3:

Goody: I really like a guy at school, but don't know what to say to him. He is a christian, and goes to my schools prayer group. I just don't know what to do. He is very nice, and we sometimes hang out together, but I am afraid of asking him out on a date. Do "nice girls" ask "nice guys" out on dates? or should I wait for him?

Well, hon, I'm glad he is a Christian. I would not reccomend dating a non-christian steadily or seriously. However, since he is a Christian, feel free to ask him out. It is becoming widly accepted, and many guys like girls who take the initiative. The worst he could do is say no, and if he is truly your friend he will still like you regardless. If he does say no, he wouldn't be good for you anyways so don't push it. And remember, if he does agree to a date, *immediately* talk with him to set sexual boundaries.

Replies:

--Sometimes it freaks guys out when girls ask them out, especcially if they don't have much experience, like many "nice guys" don't. Some guys get scared of aggressive girls.

#4:

Dear GG: My room-mate is very loud, obnoxious, overbearing, and extremely non-christian. She doesn't give me too much slack about my lifestyle, but every so often hers grates on my nerves. She parties, drinks, swears, and has friends over. She puts odd messages and pictures on our shared computer, and many people call at all hours of the night for her, when I am trying to sleep. I have talked to her about this before, but she just told me to "lighten up! I respect your lifestyle, you respect mine." What can I do?

You can go to the office of your school which does such things as room assignments, dorm rules, student relations, etc., and ask them for either a different room or a different room-mate. Explain to them the problem, and most likely they will be receptive. (After all, it is *your* money paying their salaries.) Explain to your room-mate why you are moving, but be loving. (In other words "I hate you and the way you live" doesn't cut it.) Show her why you need someone who gives you more respect, and let her know that now she can have a room-mate who will be more "fun". Let her know that you will always be a friend if she needs it. She (and everyone else) must be able to see that you love her, even if you don't like her all that much. God loves those out in the world, so do I, and so must you.

#5:

Dear GG: A girl in my English class just asked me out. Hooray! She isn't a christian. Uh-oh! What should I do? Date Her or No?

That depends. I would never recommend getting into a serious relationship with a non-believer, but if she wouldn't mind coming to church with you, or going to bible studies,christian concerts, etc. with you, then go carefully. You can have a tremendous impact on her, but she can also have a big impact on you. Ask a close friend to be an accountability partner (someone who asks how you're doing, and you tell them the *truth* about your relationship), and don't be afraid if they think you're getting to close or being affected too greatly. Take their advice seriously. Dating is, believe it or not, *always* an experiment for marriage. "Could this person be good for the rest of my life?" "Can I stand this person for thirty- or forty-some years?" "How could this person affect the rest of my Christian earthly life?" always take these questions into consideration before getting into any serious romantic relationship. And take the last question into consideration before getting in *any* relationsip, romantic or not.

Replies:

--Why should we only date Christians? If I love someone, why does it matter if they believe the same things I do. How can you be so closed-minded?