Recently, I e mailed my brother a copy of a thriller short story I wrote (which won 2nd place in a contest) and he responded with such religious vitriol hate


Sibling rivalry. He's jealous because you've made something of yourself. You got second place with a short story, which is an amazing accomplishment. It's the old story... if you can't build yourself up, tear the other person down.

If you want him as friend, you have a lot of work to do. It would probably be best to not discuss religion with him or any of your accomplishments, since that appears to be threatening to him. Is there any mutual ground, something that you both enjoy doing? The humble approach works sometimes; allow him to feel important by telling him that you need his advice on some matter and follow up by telling him that his advice proved valuable. Younger brothers can feel inferior for whatever reasons. Maybe your parents favored you and he resents that? Maybe he feels that he always had to be in competion with you but could never accomplish what you have accomplished? Whatever the reason, it appears that you are the one who is going to have to do the sacrificing if you want to remain friends.

Good luck, and keep writing. I know there are no demons, too.