Questioning Heroes, God, and Gossip

 

“We are all alike on the inside.”

-- Mark Twain

Is it okay to love God and have a therapist, or is that just a saying?

I’ve never heard this saying, but don’t many people find God due to therapists, like clergy? Therapists are no more than guides to assist us in finding who and why we are, or for putting us back on a path we lost.

How do you feel when people say or write lies about you and assume to know your motivations or beliefs?

I smile and remember they know nothing about me or my motivations. What they say or write says more about them than me. Opinions are like assholes, everybody has one, and most are in need of a good washing.

True or false, you cannot get beyond what you think. If so, why or why not?

False. If you “think” you can’t get beyond what you think, then change your way of thinking.

I try not to listen to the shoulds or coulds, and try to get beyond expectations, peer pressure, or trying to please - and just listen. I believe all the answers are ultimately within us.

-- Kim Cattrall

Is it bad to take sayings and quotes too far, like if you have nothing good to say, don’t say it at all?

That’s a pretty good quote, though, and most people should abide by the recommendation.

How do you understand the phrase: "You can't predict the future, but you can design it"? Can you cite an example?

Predicting the future is a gamble, at best. Designing it can also be dicey, but at least you have designed a plan that might work if you tweak it as you move along.

Is "good" only what prevents further harm?

Does the good of the many outweigh the good of the few? Do you destroy one city to save the world? Did the sacrifice of Christ save the many? One has to search their soul and define what is “good” in the larger picture.

“If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them.”

-- Dalai Lama XIV

In your own words, what is the good life? Explain in 5-10 sentences.

If it takes more than one, you have no clue. Happiness is the one word you’re looking for.

What are the most widely accepted, popular forms of self-congratulation, and why?

Ice cream!

What is the truth? What is the purpose of truth? Why do people fight for the truth?

Happiness, happiness, happiness! Always strive for real happiness!

“The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.”

-- Joe Klaas

What quote suits your attitude in life the best?

“Strive to be happy always!” I said it, and I live by it. Have a morally ethical code and strive to abide by it, no matter the cost.

What do you think of the idea of a constant winner who wants to experience losing?

If experiencing losing will complete the winner, then the winner still wins.

In what ways is "Do as I say and not as I do" applicable to you? Do you use it often?

I am a self-proclaimed hypocrite, and I use this saying often. There is a vast difference between saving souls and being saved. A toll must be paid, and there is a special hell for those who save others at the cost of their own soul. The most we can hope for is to strive to be happy always and work on our salvation in the next life.

“Preachers say: do as I say, not what I do”

-- John Selden

How would I know I am selective with my battles? In other words, how can one select peace over being right?

“Right” is a definition. Maybe the definition needs to bend a bit. There is a lot to be said for finding “middle ground” in a battle.

How can you respectfully disagree with a senior colleague at work who does not respect your professional judgment?

Invite them out for a drink, and be honest with them. Let them know you’re aware of their opinion of you, and then let them know you “respectfully” disagree with them. But, be prepared to back up your disagreement with good reason. You are trying to win them over and see if they recognize a different solution. At the end of the day, you will still have to work with them.  Don't burn your bridges.

How true is the saying "Never meet your heroes"?

Probably pretty true. You might be disappointed. They might have stumbled into heroship, and even deny being one. They might have crippling PTSD because of it. They might not see eye-to-eye with you on politics, religion, abortion, sexual orientation, race, and the like. None of this should detract from what they did to be a hero, but you never know. Better to just thank them for their effort and move on down the road.

“If you can find no one to become your ideal to aspire to, no one to be your ultimate example, your idol, your motivation— don't fret! You can and you must become your own ultimate aspiration, your own example, your own idol, ideal, motivation! You go and be what you haven't found yet!”

-- C. JoyBell C.

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 the 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 volunteered as a chaplain at the regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com