To Be Continued

I'm thinking again about borders and boundaries.  I was having a long and lovely conversation about our lives, exterior and interior, w/ a friend at a marvelous new little cafe, when I found myself again asserting that I don't believe God uses force, and that I prefer permeable and flexible "boundary markers" over "walls."  Yet, as I was expressing what I consider ideal, I realized that I recognized there might be worthy exceptions to this and that I would like to gain clarity on this topic in the coming decade.  Laughter.  Notice I'm giving myself a whole ten years to figure out this facet of healthy relating!

But before entertaining exceptions, I'd like to examine more closely why I believe God doesn't use force, or prefers to not use force.  Where, how, and why did I get this idea?

My Musical Preferences

Dear Leo,
Even though I am a musician, I am not fond of all types of music, nor all genres of presentation.  I have found I prefer music without words, artistic compositions more than popular works, symphony or ballet (and a few operas) over theater or musicals, sacred over secular, nuanced more than dramatic, solo more than ensemble, contemplative more than directive, quiet more than loud, engaging the interior world more than the extroverted.  

I find that many people who are not musicians are often surprised to learn of musicians who don't love all music (but then they also tend to be people who prefer anything popular and contemporary over all else).  However, if they really thought about it, wouldn't they realize that the more a person knows about,  experiences, and works with something, the more detailed and refined their particular preferences will be?  It doesn't mean I can't find something to appreciate in nearly any musical expression; for my education has helped me develop tools (ways of listening, thinking, analyzing)  that make everything more accessible to me.  What seems to be less obvious is this: I will also know myself better, and what my true preferences are, and why, and how that is good!  Just as there are some (usually novice music-majors) who think it's the highest form of enlightenment to find what's lacking in every work without connecting with what moves them (a mis-use of critical thinking); I think it's equally dishonest and immature to think we must find equal value in all styles, genres, etc.  I.e. my broad (and educated) appreciation for any musical expression allows me to choose my own preferences because I am freed from a passive dependence on the preferences of my social milieu.

Because of this view, I know there are some (many?) who would label me as "elitist."  I could be.  However, I know people who have similar views as mine but also have great disdain for any "lesser" view and are even dismissive of persons who dare to express their love for something "lesser."  Contrasted to that, I simply recognize that my passion for my chosen particulars is equally legitimate to anyone else's passion whether theirs be more or less diverse/inclusive than mine.

Truly enlightened "tolerance" will positively value (not just passively accept) the diversity of individuals' varying preferences, and does not expect nor attempt to force conformity to one homogeneous preference for everything!

Thanks for listening!
~Mack