Hello folks, I was in the car the other day and a comedy program was on the radio. My wife ( who has no Christian beliefs and is a bit sceptical of my recent faith, to say the least ) was enjoying the broadcast and as it was a long journey, taken for my benefit, I was happy she was. However, at one point there was a short segment showing considerable disrespect to the Virgin Mary which made me uncomfortable. I didn't know what to do. I didn't want to promote myself to be the official censor of ethical comedy for my wife, and I thought it might provoke some hostility if I just turned it off. On the other hand, I really wasn't enjoying it. Anyway, I thought a) the section would be pretty short - which it was, b) that it might start an argument with my generally wonderful wife, and c) I wasn't even sure how my disapporval really mattered and I had a sneaking suspicion that a bucketful of pride or arrogance on my part was probably involved Long story short, I ignored it. It passed fairly quickly and the rest of the journey was pleasant. What approach do you guys feel is right on such occasions?
The one you would like your wife to take if, in, the same situation a religious program came on the wireless.
It sounds like you handled it pretty well. She wasn't the one being disrespectful of your faith, she was just listening and enjoying. Perhaps if it really bothered you, you might make an opportunity to discuss such things with her in a way that isn't confrontational, asking if she could not listen to such things when you are around as it causes offence to you. But then again, that opens a can of worms about what offends her when she is in your presence. "Least said, soonest mended." I am the only religious person in my very large and diverse family, so I have to put up with a lot of humour that isn't necessarily to my taste, but as you say, it doesn't usually last long, and let's face it, it doesn't really do me any harm or affect my beliefs. Humour is often going to be offensive to someone - old people, women, men, different nationalities, etc. Someone is usually the butt of the joke. It's not easy to be clever enough to stick to good old fashioned 'clean' humour. It takes a little effort.
Thank you all. I guess I just wanted to know I hadn't done the "wrong thing" and could have some guidance for future events.