Some people make decisions to not listen to music due to the artist's lifestyle or choices. Where can/should you draw the line? (And here's where I'm kinda glad that I don't have comments or a guestbook. It's more of a "think about it" question than "I really want an answer" question).

If someone lives an "alternative lifestyle," do you:
-refuse to listen to his/her music?
-refuse to watch shows that focus on or perhaps glamorize his/her choice?
-refuse to watch ANY shows starring him/her?
-refuse to acknowledge his/her talent(s) in the arts?
If a not famous person, do you:
-refuse to socialize with this person?
(What if theis person is a past acquaintence, friend, or family member?)

Am I too permissive in my decisions on how I deal with this?
I think that they have the right to make their own decisions, yes. I might not agree or condone each decision. I don't think that any extramarital or premarital sex is something that I can agree with.
Do I refuse to acknowledge that it happens? Or that I know people who have done that? Or that I am friends with people who have had sex outside the bounds of marriage?

My friends are my friends because I like them as people, not because they make all the decisions that I would. I am more than aware that not everyone has the same moral code that I have. I can recognize talent and worthwhile-ity in people regardless of lifestyle.

Do I hold too much to "Hate the sin, but love the sinner?"
I know (and know of) some people that refuse to listen to music of people that have an "alternative lifestyle."
Me? As long as the lyrics aren't too foul, I'm good. I'm willing to appreciate the music while not glorifying debauchery in another person's life.

Should I be more stringent? Should I start avoiding people that I know don't live to what I believe that they could/should?

I don't think I should. I could be wrong. Michael says that I am Christ-like in my acceptance of people. Yes, everyone sins. Everyone can repent. Everyone has different obstacles in their lives. I'm not going to say that because So-and-so did one thing that I can't hang out with them (well, depending on some things -- I'll give people a chance with trust. Trust is harder for me to give than acceptance, really.)

I have a friend who is bisexual. I don't know if she acts upon her desires. Would I trust her to watch my kids? Yes.
Would I want her to teach them about the birds and the bees? Not really. Not because I think she'd teach them anything "wrong." She knows my moral code (Which is one reason she was so afraid to even hint at her orientation). The reason I wouldn't necessarily want her to teach my kids about sex is because, as their mother/parent (not excluding fathers here), it's my job to do so. Not the public school system's, not their friends', MINE.

Now that I've written all this (such a nice place to vent and to think things through), I'm not feeling bad about my choice. I know that some people will think that I'm too permissive. Some will think that I'm far too conservative and straight-laced. I'm feeling like I'm comfortable with my decision.

In other news, I need to give the kiddos a bath and get them ready for bed. (Like that's new news! Ha!)

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My mood right now is:

In which I use "wither the fries" a few times - 2006-10-12
Fun and Smelly ... - 2006-10-10
If I weren't so apathetic, this might be a tirade. - 2006-10-07
New and new and drool chronicles. - 2006-10-05
Insane? Nope! - 2006-10-01

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