Questioning Lying, the Ex, Gayness, Etc.

“Well, while you were in the bathroom, I sat down at this picnic table here in Bumblefug, Kentucky, and noticed that someone had carved that GOD HATES FAG, which, aside from being a grammatical nightmare, is absolutely ridiculous. So I'm changing it to 'God Hates Baguettes.' It's tough to disagree with that. Everybody hates baguettes.”

-- John Green, An Abundance of Katherines

What will make you stay the course from now on?

The same thing that has been my foundation from the beginning. Striving to follow a code of good moral ethics.

Is patience a skill or an ability?

Isn’t a skill just an ability that’s been honed to an art? I am able to be patient, but I haven’t mastered the art yet.

Do people believe in God for all the wrong reasons?

Most of them do. It is a “misunderstanding” of faith. A misunderstanding, nurtured by organized religions, to fulfill a hidden agenda of control, wealth, and, in the extreme, terrorism. The poor are still poor, the hungry still hungry, the homeless still homeless, and the coffers are overflowing with the gifts of the faithful.

Pop Quiz: Which minister wanted his fourth jet? Answer: Jesse Duplantis - “Jesus wouldn’t be riding a donkey.” I’ve got some news for you, Jesse. Yes, he would.

How are people supposed to believe in God for all the right reasons with Jesse Duplantis as their role model? Has he abandoned his faith to follow deceiving spirits? Haven’t many of them?

"A discerning believer is constrained to rationally weigh the teachings of the churches and the interpretations of their respective Bibles in order to try to make a decision on the proper path to take. To the discerning seeker, the question of believing becomes more than just a question of blind faith. How do you separate the wheat from the chaff, so to speak?"

-- Joseph Hannington

Why does it feel like I'm missing something?

There’s usually a good reason.

Do you make things happen for yourself, or wait?

Yeah, wait. While you’re waiting, hold your breath. I hate waiting. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Go make shit happen. I show up for an appointment early in the morning to find the doctor is going to be 30 minutes late, “Please have a seat.” I’m early for my appointment because, well, it’s an appointment. They can reschedule me when it’s more “convenient” for the doctor, I have other things to do with my day. Patience, not my strong suit.

Why do people accept easily provable lying whoppers?

Probably because the whoppers are coming from members of the U.S. Congress and, God knows, they wouldn’t lie.

“Just because something isn't a lie does not mean that it isn't deceptive. A liar knows that he is a liar, but one who speaks mere portions of truth in order to deceive is a craftsman of destruction.”

-- Criss Jami

Why do some people support evil when it happens to a bad person?

Karma is a bitch.

Can we remain free and feel obligated?

Nope, but you can remain free and be thankful to those who fight and die for your right to be free. You aren’t obligated to do it, but it is the right thing to do.

How do I feel satisfied?

Do an honest day’s work, smile, then go have a good cigar and a glass of bourbon.

“Happy people never compare themselves with others as they are satisfied with what they have and what they are. They have a feeling of completeness as a human being. Once you are complete, you are peaceful and happy.”

-- Awdhesh Singh

Why do I feel like people are staring at mean and judging me for the smallest things even though they aren’t? I know they probably don’t care but it still feels like they are and it’s terrifying.

They probably don’t care, but why do you? If you catch someone staring, stare back and smile. As far as judging you, have you given anyone that right? It is most likely all in your head, but understanding how ludicrous your fears are, might help.

I feel like my ex is setting my ass up. What should I do?

Stop communicating with her. She’s your ex. Put as much distance between you as you can.

Why am I having a hard time accepting that I'm gay?

Maybe you really aren’t that gay. Maybe you’re just bi, or maybe it’s just a phase.

“The whole world goes on and on about love. Poets spend their lives writing about it. Everyone thinks it's the most wonderful thing. But, when you mention two guys in love, they forget all that and freak out.”

-- Mark A. Roeder

19 yr daughter hasn’t said she loves me, since 12. I always say I love her. Even when she’s leaving for school, or when I say goodbye on the phone. I hear her mom-in-law say, “I love you”, my daughter said, ”I love you too.” It hurts. What do I do?

She’s 19 years old, why are you asking us? She’s an adult, so go ask her just like you asked us. She’ll probably appreciate an honest and open conversation with her dad.

Are you well experienced? Will mature woman?

I’m going to assume the question is really, “Are you well experienced with mature women.” I’m almost 68 years old, so, yes, and most of them need a good pant down spanking. Just saying.

Is it true that every secret is not meant to be told?

If it was meant to be told, it really isn’t that secret.

"Don't share your secrets if you preface them with 'just don't tell anybody." 

-- Igor Babailov

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