Is it Hypocritical to Work Here?

That was the question Nikki asked me at work. She seriously came into my office and said "Sue, I have a question". Nikki says that a lot. Sometimes I cringe, hoping it will be something I can answer. I love that she comes to me with questions. They are usually the tough spiritual/biblical questions that I have to go dig up answers for like how do you explain the difference between Genesis I and Genesis II? or can you lose your salvation? stuff like that.



Today's question was "Is it hypocritical to sell Marilyn Manson CDs? I mean, does it say I condone it if I sell it to someone?"



I told her that I sometimes struggle with that too, and I do. I ask myself on some days when a young kid comes in wanting to buy certain music like the latest gansta rap release (read my post on Eminem), or Marilyn Manson, or Cannibal Corpse if this is something God wants me doing. How can I call myself a Christian and then sell stuff that a lot of times is anti-Christ to someone? It may even be possible that the music isn't blatant anti-Christ, but may have lyrics that brag about the latest sexual encounter or how they got high. Actually, since the behaviors would not be approved by Christ, I guess it would be anti-Christ? no? I also sell "R" Rated movies and some that I can't sell to anyone below the age of 17. What's a Christian to do?



I don't have all the answers and I don't want to justify what I do for a living just to make myself feel better. I really want to be where God wants me and I have prayed about it when confronted with the reality of the situation. This is what I told Nikki.



In today's world it is difficult to find a place to work that you will agree with 100%. It is something Christians must do, we have to work, we are actually called to go out into the world to be witnesses. Who would I witness to in the bible book store?



Also, even in the bible book store you would end up selling books by authors who put some false stuff out there. I mean, differences of opinion on things like communion and baptism is one thing, but when teachers are writing books on subjects that deny essential Christian doctrine on subjects of the Trinity and the Crucifixion, we've got problems. The word-of-faith movement is another thing that isn't biblical but is big, and most bible book stores will have books on their shelves written by authors with heretical ideas. To me that is just as harmful, if not even more harmful than some of the stuff I sell. These are people actually leading the flock down the wrong paths!



I also see it as an opportunity to thwart sales. It's really fun at Christmas! Parents and grandparents come in with their lists, I ask how old the kid is that they are buying for and easily can talk them into something else a bit less degrading and more edifying. I have also at times been able to sell a Christian alternative to what they were looking for. If I wasn't working here, that kid would be getting something that glorifies gratutious sex rather than the new Grits CD that glorifies God. Many parents have thanked me for "running interference". LOL



I explained that some people are gonna buy it regardless if I work here, or stock the item. It will be found somewhere. Does this mean that since people are probably at one point in their lives have a sexual encounter that I should open up a brothel? No, there is a line to draw and don't ask me where it is. I'm still figuring things out! LOL Am I responsible for what they choose to buy? No, I am responsible for what I buy.



I also told here that it is possible that while I can work there and feel comfortable enough to do so without compromising my Christianity, that other people may not. Some Christians would be convicted about working there and choose not to do so. What is important is that we are all right with God. The Holy Spirit works in different people in different ways.



So should I quit my job?