Questions of Sin and Truth

 

"The truth is an offense but not a sin."

-- Bob Marley

What's the greatest truth, that you deny?

One must never deny the truth unless the truth is in question. But, if the truth is questionable, it really isn’t the truth as much as it is a supposition that might be correct, or might not be. Does God exist? My faith tells me, yes. And, yet, I am very aware that “faith” is a belief in something for which there is little or no proof. I believe because I have undying faith in this “truth” that God does, in fact, exist. This makes “truth” a choice that each of us must make of what, to us, without question, truth is.

What would you answer to someone if they said "no one will save you from yourself"?

No one should. I am totally responsible for who, what, and why, I am. I wouldn’t wish me on my worst enemy, and they would be very smart not to want a piece of me.

Life is all about us making the right choices for ourselves, not for others. People can advise, but it is our choice to act on that advice.

Why do humans stand alone from all other genera in their ability to consciously rebel against the laws of nature?

If we don’t dare to doubt the very laws of nature, if we don’t dare to rebel against them, we will never truly prove, or disprove, their validity. It is in our nature to seek the truth, and we do so even at the subconscious level.

"That cannot doubt which does not think, and that cannot think which does not exist. I doubt, I think, I exist."

-- Charles Porterfield Krauth

"To be human is to be essentially good, despite the capacity for disorder and sin". Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why or why not? I need a thorough answer.

Humans are essentially good, despite our ability to commit evil. This isn’t rocket science. Why or why not? You believe it or you don’t. It is a choice each of us must make constantly, to do good or to not. If you think you need a more thorough answer when what you really need to do is make a simple choice. Be “essentially” good and strive to be happy always. Anything else just sucks.

Should you preach if you don't practice?

Certainly. But, you should only preach what you do practice. Priests love to "preach" about the sanctity of marriage. What is their point of reference? They can preach about much, but they shouldn’t preach about things they have no experience with.  Wine, yes.  Marriage, no.

Do you think the truth is just our interpretation?

Your interpretation of the truth may not be the truth. It is your interpretation until it isn’t, and then it will be again.

“Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.”

-- Aldous Huxley 

What is the difference between wanting to win and not wanting to lose?

A tactical retreat. You can want to win so much that you lose sight of the tactical solution to achieve your goal. You risk losing when you’re right at the gates. A tactical retreat also gives both sides a moment to reflect on what an outright loss might cost. It could be that an agreement for peace would be more fruitful than a win for one side. A “win, win” can save face.

Do love and sacrifice go hand in hand?

Usually. If you love someone you can expect to sacrifice something to be with each other. You might leave home, change jobs or cities, have children (there goes your freedom), and the like. There will usually be something you will willingly give up for the love of someone you want to be with. This is part of what love is all about.

What is moral reasoning in your own understanding?

I run things through my morally ethical filter and see how they shake out. If they are legal, moral, and don’t otherwise violate my ethics, my reasoning, though others might not agree with me, is sound.

"Groups are capable of being as moral and intelligent as the individuals who form them; a crowd is chaotic, has no purpose of its own, and is capable of anything except intelligent action and realistic thinking. Assembled in a crowd, people lose their powers of reasoning and their capacity for moral choice."

-- Aldous Huxley

What are the reasons people don't ask for shopping lists when shopping?

They wrongly assume their “pea” brains will remember everything they need. Usually, they fail and forget something. My “pea” brain does, anyway. It starts with forgetting my car keys as I go out the door, then I have to come back in for my sunglasses, then my wallet, a jacket, my keys (again?), I left them in the door.

What is the difference between "you don’t necessarily need to" and " you don't necessary need to"?

Good grammar?  Even "spell check" catches this.

How much control over your life do you have? What makes you say that? Can you answer in 250 words?

50 words: I have made the conscious personal choice to live in this country and abide by its laws. Since it is my choice to do so, and I control my choices 100%, then I also control my life 100% and willingly acquiesce to the law of this land, by my choice.

“The reason many people in our society are miserable, sick, and highly stressed is because of an unhealthy attachment to things they have no control over.”

-- Steve Maraboli

What is the difference between greatness and personal greatness?

If you have achieved “greatness” has it satisfied you personally, or is there more you need to achieve on a more personal note, like happiness? For myself, I have achieved a sense of “personal” greatness, but achieving several of my other goals has eluded me by choice. I have chosen personal responsibility, over the need to strive for greatness, and this has satisfied me personally. And, as I have stated, through this personal satisfaction I have achieved a sense of personal greatness.

What does it mean when my ex says “you know you love me” every time he sees me and seems genuinely happy to see me?

Wishful thinking? 

What are some things God can do to be more involved in human lives?

Hasn’t God done enough? God gave us everything we need.  We haven’t even tried to make use of what we’ve been gifted already and, selfishly, we wonder how God can do more?  Better we should start opeing the boxes already delivered.

“Whatever that thought was that just popped into your head. That's your answer. That's divine intervention, beta. The rest is all courage and choice.”

-- Sonali Dev

 

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