No Right Answer?

Have you stopped beating your wife?   

Answer:  □ Yes   □ No

Sometimes there is no right answer.  It can be frustrating.  It can be dangerous.  "Do those pants make you look fat?  Really?  A face that could stop a clock and that's your worry?"  "Fatter, or just fat?  I'm confused."  "You mean, as opposed to usually?"  "It isn't the pants making you look fat?"  "You don't 'look' fat."  "Let me sleep on it."  "I suppose you want an answer right this minute?"  "A closet full of clothes and you don't have a tent?"  And, of course, the ever-popular subtle non-answer, "Uh..."

Let's face it, she wouldn't ask if she weren't already concerned.  Even if you love her, simply saying "no" would make you a liar and shoot your credibility all to hell.  You might be better off saying, "You don't look fat to me, doll."  If you don't put much spin on that "me," you might even get a kiss for being sweet.  Some people might even advise that she's simply looking for a "warm fuzzy," as opposed to intentionally opening you up for a potential butt whipping.  Men are from Mars and women are from Venus, so if she wants a warm fuzzy I'd prefer she has her hair and nails done, put on some makeup, a nice dress, some sexy heels, grabs my butt, and stops asking questions she already knows the answers to.  Just saying.

Sometimes there is no right answer.

  

"Will you respect me in the morning?"   The question presupposes he respects you now, and if that respect isn't obviously clear, why in God's good name are you with him, much less thinking of doing the nasty with him?  What's your response going to be if the answer isn't what you want to hear?  His telling kneejerk answer might be, "Uh... well... uh... of course!"  Then again, he might just smile.  Unless there's no expectation of respect on your part, you should immediately walk away; otherwise, you reap what you sow and good luck with that.  Men should never have a problem respecting women they're with, and women should expect them to give it.  Men should learn how to bake cookies for them, later that evening, preferably something with chocolate in them.  Men might also consider making them breakfast the next morning because... well, why not?

Sometimes there is no right answer to keep one out of trouble.  Bad marriages are a great place to find examples of questions phrased specifically to make sure you're paying attention as you're being set up to fail.  When in doubt I have learned that honesty can win the day if you couch the answer properly.  The problem with being set up to fail is a basic lack of mutual understanding and respect, like in a nasty divorce.  Honesty, be damned.  Right is wrong and there doesn't have to be a reason to ignore honesty other than someone needs to be hurt and, unfortunately, it's usually the children.

Things aren’t always what they seem. What we see is often open to interpretation, and what we hear is often not clear. Answers in these circumstances are always a matter of choice, of right or wrong. Either way, we will garner enlightenment as truth wins out.

The good thing about "sometimes" is the good probability of "other times" when there will be a right answer.  My "other times" have become "more times than not" as I have learned more than I ever thought concerning humility.  The best thing about humility is a realization you don't always have to be right.  Humility provides a path for mutual understanding and respect, patience and communication.  I suppose if one finds themselves always at odds with right answers, I 'd advise finding a little humility.

I'd also advise people to accept themselves.  If you're comfortable with who you are then why do you care about someone else's opinion of you?  If you don't like being fat, deal with it.  If you're fine with the way you look, then embrace it.  Loving ourselves is the first step to loving others.  We tend to bring way too much drama into our lives when we ask questions to which we already know the answers.

Of course, all of this is just my humble opinion.  I could be wrong.

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.

No Religion?

"Protestantism has the method of Jesus with His secret too much left out of mind: Catholicism has His secret with His method too much left out of mind; neither has His unerring balance, His intuition, His sweet reasonableness. But both have hold of a great truth, and get from it a great power.

-- Matthew Arnold (1822-1888), poet, educator, cultural critic

No religion?  Not necessarily a bad thing, but let's make sure we all agree on just what religion is.  Religion is defined as a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes beliefs, and practices; a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with scrupulous conformity, ardor, and faith.  Is there any formal, organized religion in which an individual could exercise a spiritual belief that is not part of the institutionalized system?  I think not.  If we look back to religious roots, we see the institutional aspect coming into being as a way to ensure conformity, adherence, and control.  If belief, one's faith, is dictated by rules which demand conformity and adherence in favor of freedom of thought, the freedom to have a personal faith, what are the chances that institutionalized spirituality will be stronger than a personal one that is freely given, with love and understanding, and without fear or trepidation?

I think we tend to look at religious belief and spiritual faith as one and the same.  I see a difference.  Whether there is a personal or institutionalized system of belief, it is still a "system" which was set in place to ensure faith which, if heartfelt, should require no rules and regulations with which to ensure.  Spirituality is ensured, and adhered to, by one's own "human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things."  We have to ask ourselves which seems more sincere, the definition of religion which is based on some system to ensure adherence or the definition of spirituality with a  "relationship based on a profound level of mental or emotional communion."  I have to ask:  If you have to ensure something through a particular system, how really profound is your personal level of mental or emotional communion, your commitment?  If your faith is not your own, is it really your faith?  If you haven't found a personal relationship with your faith, are you expecting some clergy to do the work for you and, if so, why would you, then, deserve the credit?

When I was inducted into the military I was asked what religious preference I wanted on my dog tags.  I wasn't sure at that point in my life where my faith was ultimately headed so I had them put down 'NO RELIG PREF" (no religious preference).  It really didn't matter, as I thought that God must know my mind.  Over the next 22 years my "religious preference" would change, several times, on those dog tags. Buddhist, Taoist, Agnostic, No Religion, would all find a temporary home around my neck.  The more I studied "religious" philosophy, the more I grew to dislike organized religion.

Spiritually, if I have to define my beliefs in a way as to simplify explaining "panentheism" and to stay away from quantum physics, I define myself as more of a Christian-Taoist.  I've always found it easy to see how many might think Jesus spent his lost years, from age 13 to 29, in India and Tibet studying with the monks.  There, he would come to be known by the Tibetan monks as Saint Issa.  Buddhist and Taoist philosophies can be found throughout the sayings and teachings of Jesus Christ, especially if one reads the lost gospels of Mary and Thomas.  It would be upon his return home from this absence that he would begin his ministry.

The monastery blog posted an article recently, America's Fastest Growing Religion: "None".  One needs to read past the title and understand that "none" does not mean a lack of spirituality or of belief in a higher power in the universe.  It does not, necessarily, claim affiliation as an atheist but, rather, can mean claiming no affiliation with any "organized" religious belief.  Atheism denies God, they deny religion and, yet, they have a symbol to denote their belief, their faith in a denial of faith.  I think any group claiming a symbol in order to claim equal status with religious orders haven't quite thought it through.  There comes a point when your protestation becomes, itself, a "religious" belief.

I suppose, reading the monastery post, I probably qualify as a "none" by definition, though I hate the label as it misrepresents me, to most people, as an atheist, a philosophy which I abhor.  An agnostic questions the existence of God, the definition of God, but at least keeps an open mind about God.  I view atheists, as a whole, as having a belief in nothing religion has to offer.  They disavow anything spiritual or religious and see it as so much superstitious bunk.  There is nothing greater than themselves and they believe in nothing they cannot see or prove.

I have heard atheists state they don't need a list of "Ten Commandments" or any Holy Scripture to dictate a morality for which they are well aware.  This would, of course, be the morality dictated by common law which is, to an atheists chagrin, steeped in religious scripture and commandments handed down through the ages.  I tell them you wouldn't know if you didn't know, so thank God a list was left to give you some clue, an easy list for you to follow, ignorance of the origins of our laws and morality notwithstanding.

No religion?  I don't know, religion has given us much and taught us much, good and bad,  and credit should be given on both scores.  Whether it is necessary for organized religion to continue is a personal choice each of us will have to make.  Our choices are ones which organized religion will , no doubt, have to suffer for if they don't grasp the obvious issues which face them.  You can view religion as a necessity for "easy" salvation, a crutch, the opiate of the masses, a vehicle of control over those with weak minds, or simply as a serious vehicle for fellowship.  Historically, though, we know organized religions have had their problems when leadership forgets their moral basis.  Some religions are currently discovering these failings still infect the body whole.

Matthew Arnold stated, in this post's opening quote, "Protestantism has the method of Jesus with His secret too much left out of mind: Catholicism has His secret with His method too much left out of mind; neither has His unerring balance, His intuition, His sweet reasonableness.  But both have hold of a great truth, and get from it a great power."  I have stated in my writing that what Arnold offers is true of most all organized religion.  I don't think many of them hold to their tenets of unerring balance, intuition, or sweet reasonableness, any more than they fully grasp the concept of truth, tolerance, and peace.  These concepts fly in the face of control, and control is really what they're all about.  Their base philosophies may not have started out with this goal, but it seems, in the absence of these concepts, control was the only way to hold it all together.  It is an unfortunate consequence that, in the absence of great responsibility great power will corrupt into evil.

Lenny Bruce once wrote, "People are leaving the church and going back to God."

It would seem a good many of us still are.

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.

A Meaningful Christmas

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”

-- Matthew 18:1-5

I think we each need to define what Christmas means to us, personally.  For me, it took all of sixty years.  My personal "definition" would constantly change with life events, as a child, a pre-teenager, a young adult, a military member, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a retiree.  It changed with my views on Christianity, my relationship with my God, and my studies of various other spiritual and religious philosophies.  It changed as I saw life in other countries and witnessed folks who gave thanks for having so very little as they strived to rise above their situation and not just accept their station in life.  It became, for me, not so much thanks for what we had but, rather, thanks for that we had anything at all.  It was the thanks for the smallest gift we each take for granted, daily; the gift of life, and the gift of waking up each and every morning with another chance to excel in that life.

I was reminded of this as I looked in the kitchen pantry to see what I needed to buy for the Thanksgiving feast.  As a retiree, I live paycheck to paycheck and yet, the pantry was full.  I don't require much to live on so I can afford to buy what I need.  I don't want for much. I don't fill my life with material crap, which is why I'll own an old-style flip-phone until they peel it from my dead fingers.  I try to stay busy, and life is full.  Life for me is about friends, family, the chaplaincy, and my writing and woodworking.  I guess one could say I'm a happy camper, and they'd be right.

Christmas has become, for me, a reminder of our innocence, a reminder which comes to some of us through the giving of a small gift, a humble token of appreciation, and the smile we get, or give, in return.  It is about our humility, our love and, at the very least, our tolerance for each other, our giving with no thought of recompense.  The Christmas season is a "once a year reminder" that this is what we're supposed to practice all year long, how we're supposed to treat each other every day of our lives.  We all carry with us the innocence of childhood which becomes blurred with all of the elephant shit we insist on piling upon it during our lives.  We forget about innocence and humility.  We forget about respect.  We learn about sex, forget how to love, and then we forget how to be truly kind,  and then, when we're old, we forget about sex and really become a pill we if we haven't learned how to love.

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

-- Mark 10:13-16

We forget that how we act is an immediate message for our children as to how they should approach the world and others.  It burdens them with confusion if our only answer is "do as I say, not as I do" as we try to teach them how to behave.  What scripture says, in Proverbs 17:6, is pretty logical and obvious:  Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.  Well, can only hope.

If the sage wants to stand above people, he must speak to them from below. If he wants to lead people, he must follow them from behind.

--Tao Te Ching (Chapter 66)

This Christmas I will take the time to think of who will inherit what we all leave here in the tumultuous wake of our passing.  We've mucked up God's paradise pretty good.  The meek are ill-prepared to take on the challenge.  We interpret scripture poorly.  Mathew 5:5 should read, "God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth."  Humility will demand of us that we listen to each other, consider other viewpoints, respect, tolerate, and learn to admit we might be wrong.  We need to go back to the basics of learning:  Learn, plan, perform, test, evaluate, and repeat if necessary.  We can no longer simply accept the status quo or "the way it has always been done" as good enough to ensure our survival.

Supreme good is like water. Water greatly benefits all things, without conflict. It flows through places that people loathe. Thereby it is close to the Way.

--Tao Te Ching (Chapter 8)

Christmas for me has become like every other day.  I wake up to the new morning and thank God for another glorious day in paradise and another chance to try and excel in life.  What life is, it simply is, until it becomes something else and, when it becomes something else, it becomes, once again, what it is.  In studying the Tao, the Way, those philosophies of Lao Tsu, I have come to realize the three treasures which he cherished: compassion, moderation, and not claiming to be first in the world.  In a word, to be humble.  

I will wake up on Christmas morning and thank God for another glorious day in paradise and another chance to excel in humility.  In doing so life will change from what it is into what it is and, tomorrow morning, each and every morning, it will be Christmas all over again.  Lucky me!

What does Chrismas mean to you?

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.

Tilting at Windmills

"Don Quixote in his Library"
Gustave Doré (1832-1883)

Tilting at windmills is an English idiom that means attacking imaginary enemies. The expression is derived from the 1605 novel Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, and the word "tilt" in this context comes from jousting.

-- Wikipedia, "Tilting at windmills"

I think Alonso Quixano, the ersatz hero naming himself "Don Quixote," his madness driven by reading too many chivalric romances causing him to go quite insane.  As described in Wikipedia, "he loses his sanity and decides to become a knight-errant (caballero andante), reviving chivalry and serving his country, under the name Don Quixote de la Mancha."

His sanity gives way to the giants and the gate, and his insanity battles the giants until he regains who he is, or who he really is.

Where many might interpret his heroics as part of his insanity, Quixote considers his bravery noble and necessary. In his eyes, he sees the windmills for the giants they are. "Tilting at windmills" may be "an English idiom that means attacking imaginary enemies" yet, for our valiant knight, these are anything but imaginary. His intent to rid the land of them is no less sincere than his, albeit tentative, bravery in taking on the noble task he has set before himself, and certainly no less sincere than his love for the beautiful, and imaginary, princess Dulcinea del Toboso, whom he refers to as his "queen and lady" and sees in the peasant girl Aldonza Lorenzo.

I love this story, especially when it produced for the silver screen in the 1972 production of "Man of La Manch" starring Peter O'Toole, Sophia Loren, and James Coco.  Although a musical, I think it captured the characters as I always saw them.  I needed a box of tissues at the end.

Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, the author of this Spanish novel, The Ingenious Nobleman Sir 0Quixote of La Mancha, wrote the novel in two parts, publishing Part 1 in 1605, and completing it with Part 2 in 1615, one year before the death of William Shakespeare. So this can be seen as quite the era for writing romance. Cervantes bears this out, to my own romantic joy, in saying Dulcinea's "fanciful attributes of beauty which the poets apply to their ladies are verified in her; for her hairs are gold, her forehead Elysian fields, her eyebrows rainbows, her eyes suns, her cheeks roses, her lips coral, her teeth pearls, her neck alabaster, her bosom marble, her hands ivory, her fairness snow, and what modesty conceals from sight such, I think and imagine, as rational reflection can only extol, not compare."

Oh my goodness, Cervantes certainly does know how to leave a body wanting, and he also knows how to cause one's imagination to consider such "rational reflection" as would be cause for high praise!  Other than "what modesty conceals" the only body parts he doesn't mention would be her feet.  Perhaps modesty of the day demanded concealment of even those?  This period is, after all, 200 years before the Marquis de Sade would press any preconceived notion of modesty and morality out of their tidy little boxes and redefine them into the hungry minds hands of the bored masses.

Okay, I should probably get back on my fairly short point which I've made longer by letting my mind wander so far afield.

I think the intended moral of the story is interpreted as not to fight imaginary demons.  Maybe crossing through the valley of the shadow of death is the only way we learn to fear no evil and to understand that God is with us always, not to mention its simply a way of getting to the other side.  Some people insist on interpreting this story inside the box, but what if?

Tilting at windmills is not always a bad thing, especially if we aren't inside the mind of the knight tilting at them.  One man's insanity is another man's reality.  Did Christ walk on water?  Did he make the crippled walk and the sick well again?  Or, was it perhaps what the people hungered for, what they wanted to see?  Just because we don't see someone's invisible friend, does it necessarily follow that the friend does not exist, or is it that the friend just doesn't exist for us?  Where are our fairies and gnomes, our elves and leprechauns?  Where are our giants?  Maybe we've just lost the ability, the innocence, to see through to the other side.

What others see as imaginary, the troubled see as real.  Many of us are strong enough of will to recognize these "enemies" for what they are.  Others become so surrounded by giants we either crumble before them or rise to the occasion.  Many of those enemies are the evils which haunt our every waking minute even, often times, unto our dreams.  Perhaps those imaginary enemies simply need an imaginary hero to defeat them in order for peace to reign over the kingdom of our minds.

Yes, I think that, sometimes, tilting at windmills can be a very good thing indeed.  The voices in my head are reminding me its almost 5:00.  Time for a little bourbon.  Time to relax.  Tonight we battle windmills!

Now, where's my lance?

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.

Sentence of the Court

Some serious criminal offenses are punishable by death, most often violent homicides where it is determined by the jury that the convicted offender lacks remorse.

-- FindLaw, "Death Penalty"

This is going to be another one of those posts concerning abortion for which I constantly incur the wrath of people who look for any reason to always be offended at every little thing, hence the name I have given them - the League of the Perpetually Offended. I preface this article with my lifelong belief that men have no point of reference for what women go through; it is their body and only they, women as a whole, can make decisions concerning it. Men need to stay the hell out of it unless it enters the realm concerning the sanctity of life and the morality involved with ending it. This is an area in which we men, especially for most of us who have served in the military or as first responders, do have a point of reference: Life is precious.

I was perusing articles in the monastery's periodical when I came across a title which caught my attention:  How Can Christians Be Pro-Life but Support the Death Penalty?  The first answer which crossed my addled brain was, they're mixing apples and oranges.  I immediately wrote a comment because, as most of my readers well know, I have no control over what my fingers do and they usually cause me significant issues, especially that troublesome middle one.  My comment was simple and short, and there was never any doubt that it was sure to garner the attention of the League of the Perpetually Offended:  "There is a distinct difference between innocence and guilt, between murder and consequences of actions."   My comment, of course, being driven by my definition of "pro-life" as having to do with senseless abortion, or death, for no good reason.  

What do we do to murderers who lack remorse?  What do we do to "mothers" who have abortion after abortion, murdering their own children for no good reason?  If the child were killing them, at least that might smack of self-defense, and abortion due to rape would be righting a wrong visited upon the woman without her consent, as long as it was performed immediately.  As for the League of those offended at my concern for the killing of innocence, my middle finger is beginning to twitch.

As a Christian, I have always agreed with giving unto God that which is God's, and unto Caesar that which is Caesar's.  Thus, I have no problem with the death penalty, especially for sociopaths who show no remorse for their actions.  Civilization survives upon the fundamental foundation of robust law.  This doesn't mean the laws can't change, but it does require the citizens to follow the rule of law which is currently in place.

Years ago I had a tee-shirt with an electric chair on the front and the words "I'll pull the switch" written underneath.  Of course,  I would prefer we exercise this penalty only in those cases for which there is no doubt of guilt; where witnesses, evidence, and/or self-admission of guilt, leave absolutely no room for doubt.    I suppose this is why I have issues with women who say, with little or no remorse, "I made a mistake, so kill my baby."  Her "mistake" isn't that she was raped, a victim of incest, or that the baby is killing her.  Personally, I don't feel that terminal stupidity isn't an excuse for murder, especially when we have a "morning after" pill that can solve the multitude of conversation, and courts to rule on incest and rape, but the perpetually offended will subject us to the conversation, regardless of any moral obligation or law.

Of course, this is just my own "perpetually offended" opinion, as a father and a grandfather, as one who thinks the innocence of children should be protected at all costs, and that the sins of the mother should not be visited upon the unborn.  Ohio has just passed a bill making it a felony to perform an abortion if there is a fetal heartbeat, and this is a great step forward in protecting an at-risk group who cannot defend themselves.  When the sentence of the court is the senseless death of an unborn child, a living child, who has no ability to ask for mercy, plead their innocence, and beg for life, our own sense of morality comes into serious question.  What was their crime?

They were conceived.

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.

That's all Folks!

“A story has no beginning or end: arbitrarily one chooses that moment of experience from which to look back or from which to look ahead.”

-- Graham Greene (1904-1991), novelist, "The End of the Affair"

The eminent English novelist, Graham Green, once wrote, “A story has no beginning or end: arbitrarily one chooses that moment of experience from which to look back or from which to look ahead.” Our own story did not begin with a "Big Bang" but certainly was an effect of some cosmic cause brought on by something else. As with God, there is no beginning and no end, there is only now.  And, as of now, I have decided that's all, folks.

I have been fighting Facebook Messenger for months now, and they have worn me down.  I simply cannot send my posts to almost 300 folks without Facebook locking up my account for 24 hours with every 20 or so messages I send which include a link.  If I try sending a group message, it looks as if I'll violate everyone's privacy, and almost none of you know each other that well.  Now, it also looks as if the monastery minister's site has been hacked and is also not safe for me to access per my security provider.  Well, I only need to be slapped twice before I begin to enjoy it and things get weird and exotic, so I have decided to curtail dissemination of my blog posts indefinitely.

I will continue to write and post on the Congregation blog, The Path, and on my Facebook pages, Congregation for Religious Tolerance and Tony Villari, both of which will link back to the blog and the post in its entirety.  Many of you have already opted to follow the Congregation blog and will, hopefully, be getting each post as they are published.  I invite all of you to follow, and like, the other two sites, as well.  

You may feel free to share anything I write.  You may even feel free to plagiarize if you absolutely can't rise above it.  I suppose I'd rather have the information shared at any cost than to hide it behind "legalities" of who originated the useful stuff.  I have never taken donations, and I volunteer my time to speak to folks who would listen.  People seem to think what I have to say is important, even if it simply gets them thinking about possibilities, and even if they think I'm wrong.  Always feel free to share.

I will continue to write.  I will also continue to answer all email and comments sent to me.  A problem shared is a problem halved.  I have great faith in those who write to me, even if they question the faith they have in themselves.  It is there, it simply waits for you to open your eyes.  My email address is tolerantpastor@gmail.com, and comments can always be left on any of the links.

829 people have read the post Friends Along Our Path since I wrote it in October of 2015.  Of the 42,000 pageviews of my 751 posts, this is the most viewed and my personal all-time favorite, as well.  The black and white photo I used spoke volumes to me, and I use the final two paragraphs of that post as the final two here, as well.  It speaks of friendships and, in particular, my friendships which I have made around the world since starting this blog in 2013.

I will go out this Sunday and make a conscious effort to meet someone new. With any luck, they might shake up my inner poetic self, but the real gift will be the memory of meeting them and so many others along my journey.

The challenge for each of us is to make the time. It takes such little effort to try it. Make the effort, for yourself, this Sunday. As a matter of fact, try making the effort daily to make a new acquaintance. Whether they become a friend or not, your life will be all the richer for having known them and, for having made the effort, theirs may be richer as well.

I pray for God's blessings to be upon each and every one of you.

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.

Of What Dreams Are Made

What are little boys made of

What are little boys made of

Snips & snails & puppy dogs tails

And such are little boys made of.

What are little girls made of

Sugar & spice & all things nice.

-- Robert Southey (1774–1843), poet

"Oooh, but this rhyme gets my feminist hackles up. It implants gender essentialism in the youngest minds of our society before (arguably) they have the critical function to question such assumptions and provides children with ideals of masculinity and femininity to which they may well not conform, creating a pressure towards reconciliation with gender stereotypes which, frankly, toddling tots do not need. It is part of a socialization process that forgives the transgressions of young males with a dismissive ‘boys will be boys’ while shaping young girls into passive nonentities, sweet and willing. It is, as Caitlin Moran would have it, bullshit."

-- Treasury Islands, "Origins: What Are Little Boys Made Of?"

And to think, all this time I just thought it was a nice poem that told it like it is:  Men are not so much, and women are more than that.  Silly me.  But then, this commentary is typical of what I've come to expect from the League of the Perpetually Offended.  After the author gets her "feminist hackles up" she goes on to speak for Caitlin Moran with little to no context.  The question hanging out there, for me:  Who in the hell is this Caitlin Moran character?  And you're probably wondering what this digression has to do with any thoughts I might have of what dreams are made.

Moran suggested that young girls should not read books written by men at all, or "at least" until they are "older, and fully-formed, and battle-ready," singling out the books written by:

"...the Great White Males; Faulkner, Chandler, Hemingway, Roth. The canonically brilliant. The men in them are brilliant, clever, awkward, compelling, complex - their stories drag you in, their voices are unstoppable. The dazzle and flair is undeniable."

Moran claimed that the fact she never read books by men when she was younger made her "perhaps," happier in herself, more confident about writing the truth, and less apt to run herself down for her appearance, weight, loudness and unusualness "than many, many other women."

-- Wikipedia, "Caitlin Moran"

Ah!  She's a feminist, as well.  No shit.  Now, is Moran singling out the books written by the "Great White Males" as those not to read?  Her condemnation is confusing to me when she goes on to, seemingly, praise their writing.  And, yet, according to the information about her on Wikipedia (above), "she never read books by men when she was younger..."  Again, I'm a tad confused.  Personally, and I was actually taught by teachers who taught, I think the "youngest minds of our society" would be hard-pressed to understand, much less sit still long enough, to grasp the nuances of the aforementioned "canonically brilliant" authors.  Why can't brilliant authors just be brilliant authors?  Why do they have to be "Great White Males" as opposed to great any other colored male authors?  Oh, that's right, I forgot to leave the door open for the perpetually offended among us.  But, then, the whole commentary I shared about this rhyme just gets my grandfatherly hackles up.  For God's sake, it's a poem, a nursery rhyme, written 200 years ago - get over it.

Now, as to what this has to do with of what dreams are made?  Well, for most men, the answer to this question would be... women!  My dreams deserve to be put on some lofty pedestal, but that's the way I was raised, by my mother who was steeped in Southern manners and thought it best to ensure I learned those manners and carried on the heritage or, at least, gave it my best shot (refer to my line in the preceding paragraph concerning "youngest minds" sitting still long enough).

"Love and respect woman. Look to her not only for comfort, but for strength and inspiration and the doubling of your intellectual and moral powers. Blot out from your mind any idea of superiority; you have none."

-- Giuseppe Mazzini (1805-1872), politician, journalist

I loved to put girls, and then women, on pedestals.  Well, all but one, and she was a test from God almighty which I failed miserably; a failure for which I've spent the past 28% of my life doing self-imposed penance.  But, decorum demands a gentleman treat a woman with deference.  I have always tried to abide by this, and hope the many women I've known will attest that I succeed more than I fail.

What are little girls made of?  Little girls, in the case of boys, and women in the case of men, are of what dreams are made.  Women should not be offended by this.  It does not require they strive any harder or any less to be more or less than they think they are.  It does require, however, that some of them lose the seemingly permanent chip on their shoulder and allow men to treat them with love and respect... and then they can put their "bitch from hell" face on and join us in combat.  Will we be more concerned about them during a firefight than the other men in the unit?  Hell, yes!  But, if that concern jeopardizes the mission, they're probably going to eat an enemy bullet for mom and apple pie, just like any of the rest of the guys.  Does this seem cold-hearted?  It's called equal rights, and they fought to achieve it.  I respect that.  When I hold open a door for her, I hope she respects I was brought up by my mother to do that for her.

"Whenever you think about disrespecting a woman, 

think about how you were born into this world."

-- Anonymous 

You are what you want to be, so own your decisions and stop complaining or shifting blame.  It's called being an adult, so deal with it.  Our lives are about the choices we make and the consequences of those choices.  Blaming a children's nursery rhyme for your own inequities is a choice you make to remain a member of the League of the Perpetually Offended, or you can choose to take a higher road and rise above the excuses you make for not being better than that.

For me, girls were of what dreams were made, and the women they grow into are proof of God's perfection.  If what my dreams are made of offends you, maybe try considering... it's just you.

Of What Dreams Are Made

Of what dreams are made?

I know this without a doubt:

Dreams are made of you,

That’s what they’re all about.

I thought to dream of castles,

Knights and ladies fair,

But every time I see the throne

Only you are there.

I stand to fight the dragon,

And save a maiden in distress.

As I snatch her from the jaws of death

It is you that’s in the dress.

Of what dreams are made?

I know this without a doubt:

Dreams are made of you,

That’s what they’re all about.

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.

That Which We Don't Know or Haven't Read

"All natures, all formed things, all creatures exist in and with one another and will again be resolved into their own roots, for the nature of matter is dissolved into the roots of its nature alone. He, who has ears, let him hear."

I wrote this post in August of 2013 and just realized, somehow, it reverted to draft and has been offline to my readers for about five years. I have reread it for content and to ensure I was in a proper state of mind, and I've checked for grammar and spelling, again to ensure my mental faculties were not under the influence of bourbon or other media in the pantheon of sensoria interruptus. I also rediscovered all quotes used in this post are from the Gospel of Mary unless otherwise noted. The Gospel of Mary is one of those little-referenced texts which religious scholars seem to give little credence, and for good reason; it depicts Peter as a misogynistic egotist.  That's right, the future leader of the Christian church, this "rock" upon which Crist would entrust the salvation of humanity, was probably a sexist pig.  Is there any wonder women were shunned from roles as clergy?  With all the controversy concerning scriptural contradictions, interpretations, missing or discarded gospels, and who actually authored the books in the New Testament, is there any wonder Christianity is at odds with itself?  

With this in mind, please consider, "That Which We Don't Know or Haven't Read":

Eastern philosophy is evident in most sayings of Jesus Christ, especially in those not accepted for inclusion in the New Testament. And, why would the exclusion of truth seem out of place for this period in history? The philosophy that was true then still holds true today: When the government controls the money, education, and religion, it also controls the people. Socialism, communism, and totalitarianism would all fall into this category. The United States is heading down this road as we, the people, are manipulated into becoming more dependent on a more socialist form of  government, and the courts deem it prudent to remove references to God from our lives under the guise of atheist complaints when the truth lies with the Marxist belief, "Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people."  When the "totalitarian" church is in charge of the state, however, everything falls before it at a much more rapid pace, perhaps expressly because of this very Marxist belief.

Peace, be with you. Receive my peace unto yourselves. Beware that no one lead you astray saying, “Lo here,” or, “Lo there!” For the son of man is within you. Follow after Him! Those who seek Him will find Him. Go then and preach the gospel of the Kingdom. Do not lay down any rules beyond what I appointed you, and do not give a law like the lawgiver lest you be constrained by it.

So what is it the church and state don’t want us to hear? Let’s look at the above quote. “Beware that no one leads you astray,” would indicate to me Jesus was very aware of the gullibility of man to fall for any fast-talking con job, especially from religious clerics.  Consider the following verses:

There is no sin [of the world], but you make sin when you do the things that are like the nature of adultery, which is called sin. That is why the Good came into your midst, to the essence of every nature, in order to restore it to its root. That is why you become sick and die, for you are deprived of the one who can heal you. He, who has a mind to understand, let him understand.

Matter gave birth to a passion that has no equal, which proceeded from something contrary to nature. Then there arises a disturbance in its whole body. That is why I said to you, “Be of good courage, and if you are discouraged be encouraged in the presence of the different forms of nature.” He, who has ears to hear, let him hear.

“For the son of man is within you,” not in a church and you don’t have to pay money for clues. “Follow after Him! Those that seek him shall find him,” and your heart will guide on your path as you seek God’s love within you.

If we take this last verse as truth, the spirit of Jesus Christ is within us, not in a church, and we don't have to tithe, pay money, to buy information, those clues to salvation, which we already know because the truth is within all of us. We are all on our own path, foolishly seeking that which we already have within us - God's love.

And, as a final quote, I'll repeat my one of my favorites:

"Do not lay down any rules beyond what I appointed you, and do not give a law like the lawgiver lest you be constrained by it." 

Gee, any church law, edict, rule, etc., would seem to go against this statement. Is it any wonder church and state would like to keep us ignorant of the simple gospel handed to us by Christ? The simple truth personally handed down to Mary by Jesus was left out of the Bible while, instead, chapters of conflicting confusion were handed to us by a "church" and a ruling class of clergy which Jesus never intended.  It’s all a matter of faith our faith. Yes, our faith, not the faith spoonfed to us by clergy hell-bent on control.  Only we can save ourselves, no one else has that power save the omnipotence of creation.

But then, I have to ask myself if its a matter of faith or, perhaps, more a matter of love?  Faith is, after all, a belief in something for which there is little or no proof, whereas love is a tangible emotion we can immediately feel.

God has given us the tools for our salvation. Jesus was simply another messenger sent to reinforce the simplicity of it. He gave everything he could give and, once again, it was up to each of us to listen and to find our own way. Ask yourself, would you give your hard earned money to a stock broker to invest for you? No?  Then, why would you hand over your soul to some clergy, in expectation of a salvation which you haven't, yourself, earned? 

When Jesus was finished imparting wisdom here on this plane of existence, he made the same type of declaration as Buddha declared 500 years earlier:  

"It may be, Ananda, that some of you will say, 'without the Buddha, the Sublime Teacher, there is no teacher for us'. No, Ananda, you should not think in this way. Whatever doctrine and discipline taught and made known by me will be your teacher when I am gone... Behold, O monks, this is my advice to you. All component things in the world are changeable. They are not lasting. Work hard to gain your own salvation."  

Jesus made a similar statement, albeit shorter, to Mary Magdalene: 

"From this time on will I attain to the rest of the time, of the season, of the aeon, in silence."

Both teachers gave us all of what was to be given, and we were not to look to them for more than this, nor were we to expect an answer if we did.  We have all the knowledge we need to move forward, clergy can only mentor their own interpretation of teachings for our consideration.  Our prayers and our worship are ours alone to give freely and with love to our creator.  Our fate is ours alone to relinquish freely to the omnipotent power from which it was given. 

We are, truly, only in the hands of God.

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.