“I've been sick a lot in the last few years, and every time I go into the hospital I wonder if it's the end. But I'm not sure if I've been good enough to get into heaven. I've tried to be a good person, but how do I know if I've done enough?”
“I work with a woman who is a very sincere Christian, and I wish I had her faith. She's had a lot of problems that would have crushed a normal person but she's always cheerful and filled with peace. I'd give anything to be like her but I have so many problems that I don't think it's possible.”
“I'm scared to death because the doctor told me a week ago that I have cancer, and they are going to start chemo next week. I know I shouldn't be afraid because I am a Christian, but I'm still very frightened. Please pray I'll get over my fears. I can't even get a decent night's sleep now.”
“My wife just divorced me because of my drinking. I'm going to AA now and I think I can stop, but she gave up on me because she got tired of my broken promises. I know I need to get my life together, but please ask people to pray for me.”
“I think the world would be better off without any organized religion. After all, look at all the wars that have been fought over religion (even today). I don't think anyone should be forced to believe in God if they don't want to, which is why I'm an atheist.”
“As far as my girlfriend and I are concerned, marriage is just a piece of paper, and we don’t need it to prove we love each other. We’ve been living together for three years now, and we’re perfectly happy the way we are. What would you say to us?”
“I remember reading in one of your columns some time ago that you think all gossip is wrong. But what is your reason for saying this? I don't see any harm in a little gossip, as long as you aren't telling lies about people.”
“I suppose you get tired of hearing people like me say they don't want anything to do with Christianity because the church is full of hypocrites—but it's true. They might not murder or steal, but in my experience they're just as greedy or stuck up as the next person, and that's also wrong, isn't it?”
“Do you believe God has a purpose for every person? I just read a book that says He does, but to be honest I have a hard time believing it. I think God just put us down here and then left it to us to figure out what we want to do.”
“I got pulled over for speeding the other day, and now the judge is making me take some classes on safe driving. Frankly, I'm upset about the whole thing because I was totally in control of my car and I've never had an accident. What's wrong with speeding a little bit, as long as it isn't hurting anyone?”
“My wife is always getting after me because she says I work too much. Maybe I do put in 12 hours or so a day, but how can I get her to see I'm doing it for her and the children? I want them to have the things I never had when I was growing up.”
“How can people say that one religion is better than any other religion? Religion is just a matter of personal preference, as far as I'm concerned, and what works for you might not work for someone else. In my opinion, "truth" doesn't have anything to do with religion (or anything else, for that matter).”