@Bingo, c'mon, we've had discussion where others' views on homosexuality have offended you, and clearly you became defensive. I don't blame you. The Internet does offend. But I gave my comment in order to avoid a discussion that devolves into the simplistic religion-bashing. It's not at that point now, not even close, but I fear it could go that way. There is a lovely atheist thread where religion bashing can go on for all I care. But since I started this thread, I feel a certain sense of ownership, and part of that ownership includes a desire to enhance understand rather than stifle it. I have been having these discussions for years, I know that people who think from a purely logical viewpoint see faith as a childish concept, or perhaps willful ignorance at best. I don't agree, and I myself find them ignorant to a different form of seeking knowledge. But we can all get along, as long as all parties involved keep it civil. Mocking someone because he relies on faith or she feels deeply that there is a God or they interpret God differently may feel sophisticated, but really it's just childish. It is not reason or logic I critique, but rather mocking tones or the need to prove something. Someone can share why they don't believe, and perhaps challenge me to follow the same methods. But repeatedly saying that the reasons I do believe are a little silly or hilarious are rather counterproductive, both the the mutual relationship as well as in trying to win converts. I am not trying to prove God exists, but rather share my reasons. I've attempted to be respectful, even when I've disagreed. I think we all owe each other that courtesy. I'm not saying anyone is intentionally trying to offend, but I am urging caution that we do our best to avoid it.

@Puggo, I as a Mormon have a bit of a different interpretation of God's mercy and his willingness to forgive than most of Christendom: we tend to be rather liberal in our interpretation of God's grace. While we believe homosexuality to be wrong in itself, I have no doubt that God will be merciful and judge your friend more by his character than by his sexual preferences.