Questioning Liars, Prophets, Responses, Sarcasm, and Sin

 “If Mohammed had been a false prophet. there is no reason why Christ should not have spoken of him as he spoke of Antichrist but if Mohammed is a true Prophet the passages referring to the Paraclete must inevitably concern him - not exclusively but eminently - for it is inconceivable that Christ when speaking of the future, should have passed over in silence a manifestation of such magnitude. The same reasoning excludes a priori the possibility that Christ. when making his predictions, intended to include Mohammed under the general denomination of'' false prophets", for in the history of our era Mohammed is in no sense a typical example among others of the same kind, but on the contrary, a unique and incomparable apparition. If he had been one of the false prophets announced by Christ he would have been followed by others and there would exist in our day a multitude of false religions subsequent to Christ and comparable in importance and extension to Islam. The spirituality to be found within Islam from its origins up to our days is an incontestable fact. and "by their fruits, ye shall know them." Moreover, it will be recalled that the Prophet in his doctrine has testified to the second coming of Christ without attributing to himself any glory. unless it be that of being the last Prophet of the cycle and history proves that he spoke the truth, no comparable manifestation having followed after him.”

― Frithjof Schuon

How do I deal with people who often lie and also tell lies about other people (friends, family) to others?

Confront them. Tell them to knock it off, Tell them that everyone sees through their lies. They may not hang around with you, anymore, but, sometimes, this is the unfortunate cost of honesty.

What is the best way to make sure everyone understands what you are saying when teaching them?

Ask pointed questions about those areas you think can be misunderstood. Have a percentage of the test cover material you present, the balance can come from the text. If training is on the operation of equipment, have them operate the equipment. Everything has to do with imparting information and ensuring feedback. The “feedback” is the best test of what they immediately understand or, at the very least, comprehend.

What has stopped people from accepting that they have done something incorrectly?

Denial. If they can shift the blame, they probably will.

Should the government's job be to ensure EVERYONE has at a bare minimum the basic human needs met (eg food, water, shelter, clothing, property, social stability) and those disagreeing removed from office and barred entry from public service?

This is why we were supposed to have welfare. The need for people to be on it meant job security for government employees. Social welfare has turned into “If you don’t want to work, we have a check for you.” This “do for me” attitude has become generational. It is sad.

Why do some people have a problem with face masks?

You can only breathe carbon dioxide for so long.

“Because carbon dioxide is an asphyxiant, it mostly affects your brain. At moderate CO2 levels, around 1000 ppm, there are observable effects on your thinking.” 

-- Is Carbon Dioxide Harmful to People?

What did you see that made you happy today?

A small child with her mother. They were shopping, and it tickled me because the little girl was cute as a button and so well behaved. As a rule, I strive for happiness always. When I saw these two, I smiled and it made me happier.

How do I keep eye contact? I can't stare at my teacher’s eyes because I'm scared she'll be uncomfortable.

You need to stare at her face so she knows you’re listening.

Do you think that the people on my list below are honest and real prophets of God?

Prophet: “A person regarded as an inspired teacher or proclaimer of the will of God.”

Being a humble pastor, I had no idea I was defined as a prophet. Although, I try not to proclaim the “will” of God. Until God sees fit to pass on that information personally, I will never really know what God’s true will is. I am inspired by life, however, to remind people that we all know right from wrong, so I lean toward the right and advise others to do the same. Not too far right, however, or we’ll all be walking in circles. I think God would appreciate our attention to detail.

Why are humble people not as respected as people that are in your face?

Are we supposed to respect people who get in our grill? That ain’t happening. 

What are good ego-taming exercises for growing teenagers?

Reality is a good exercise. Teenagers really aren’t all they think they are. Maybe, someday, but not now. They need to grasp the very real possibility that someone, out there, is so much better than they are. This is the time for them to prepare to meet this nemesis and learn humility. Let the ego rule the other person, while the humble person they are becomes so much more than the ego limits them to.

“Big egos are just big sheilds to lots of empty space.”

-- Diana Black

Do you believe that anyone can be successful?

Make the conscious choice to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances, and you are successful in life.

But, if you’re actually talking about attaining goals, this is another matter. If you want to attain a goal you must be motivated to accomplish the task. You will have to work toward the goal and have the knowledge and physical ability necessary to go the distance. I “want” many things that require a younger body or a mutual desire beyond my reach, regardless of my motivation and knowledge. But, this is acceptable to me, because I understand the “speed bumps” and am able to fall back on being happy always and in all things.

What ways to respond to, "Let's talk about this later"?

Fine. I didn’t want to discuss it in the first place. Let’s set a date. You really suck. I want a divorce.

Why should you worry about a problem that you know you can't solve?

Nope. This falls under the adage, “Don’t worry over things you have little or no control over.” What would be the point? You can change nothing. Put it in the back of your mind just in case a solution presents itself, down the road, and get on with life, those things you do have control over. Better we srtive to be happy always.

How do you respond to people who say "you can't have everything"?

I can have whatever I put my mind to, if she’s willing.

What are some excellent ways to make others feel validated as people?

Look in a mirror, you’re a person. 

It isn’t my job to make you feel validated. What I will do is assist you in validating yourself and, in the process, try to make you understand that your life is what you make of it.

If “validation” is that important, then you must figure out how to validate yourself. It is as simple as repeating, “I think, therefore, I am.” Or, your ego might require even more stroking. It is really as simple as being yourself, making good choices and decisions, doing good things in the world, and striving to be happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. Viola! You are validated!

“It's a tragic that we recognized our self worth from external validation.”

-- Aditya Ajmera

Why do I have a complex that I have to be the best at everything I do and is it a good thing to have?

You have an ego you need to stroke. This feeling is not a bad thing, but you need to understand that not everything is going to be in your wheelhouse. You will stumble, fall, make mistakes, and fail. And, this is also not a bad thing, if you understand the purpose. Failure and mistakes are life’s way of presenting us with opportunities to learn.

Having your “complex” this should come as a pleasant surprise. You now have the chance to learn why you went wrong and to correct it.

Regardless of what you do in life, remember to strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances, failures, or mistakes. It is what it is, until it isn’t. And, then, you make it better, and it is what it is again.

Should you accuse someone based on intuition?

Only if you’re a judgmental ass.

Observe your surroundings, what are the rules being implemented? What can you say about the rules? How can these rules be improved?

The rules being implemented are the direct result of ignorance at the ballot box. They will be improved during the next couple of elections when we vote to change the current administration of the country. It is an unfortunate reality that this country will suffer mightily for many years due to ignorance. The process of learning can be an uncomfortable bitch. We won’t soon travel this road again, but, for now, it is what it is.

How can I persuade all black people that they are instead white people since, upon inspection of their pigments, a range of wavelengths representing a spectrum of colors (white light) is reflected into the eyes of their beholders?

Leave it alone. This is going to stir a racist pot just like the founders of “Black Lives Matter” did. We are what we are, and we need to celebrate our diverse cultures without bringing up new bullshit to muddy the waters.

Sarcasm should never be taken too seriously because it's bound to be ambiguous by nature. Do you agree or disagree?

Sarcasm is meant to “needle” people is a humorous way. If people can’t handle a bit of sarcasm, they have to grow thicker skin, broader shoulders, and a robust sense of humor. 

“You see, that is the sad, sorry, terrible thing about sarcasm. It's really funny.”

-- Brandon Sanderson

How do you respond if someone tells you you are ugly or makes fun of your social class, and how do you heal after that self unsureness and other mental health issues?

Well, first off, I’ve validated their comments by beating them senseless. In the process, I validated them, personally, by demonstrating to them their lack of good sense. These are small people trying to make themselves bigger by poking fun at others. It isn’t my looks or social class they should have noticed, it was my serious lack of patience.

However, I have been informed that “the value of someone’s opinion is the total of their education, knowledge, and experience in the subject of which they speak. Therefore, this person is obviously an idiot. I should just laugh and walk away.”

Oops… Too late. I’ll remember this for next time.

What is the meaning of the quote "try to always remember that wherever you are is exactly where you need to be"?

They never had a parent, across the country, that just had a debilitating stroke.

Is it worth continuing on in life even though rampant corruption in this world?

So is sex and violence. Cooking and hard work. Oh, my God! Now we have corruption? All is lost. But, it is worth continuing on in life because the alternative really sucks. Any day on this side of the dirt is a really good day to be alive and working against corruption, cooking, hard work, and sex and violence. Well, maybe not sex.

What is the greatest sin you have ever witnessed with your own eyes?

Sodomy. But, what the heck?  They were drunk. One of them felt horrible in the morning.

How do I deal with an unexpected surprise that I had never expected to hear?

It depends on the surprise. Just to be clear, if you never expected to hear it, it is unexpected. Just saying.

Finding out you have cancer will be different than finding out your girlfriend is really a boyfriend. Or, a girl, so above your league, states she loves you, or a guy who is your best friend comes out of the closet by saying he also loves you. All surprises, and all unexpected. All can, and probably will be, dealt with differently.

“How ridiculous and how strange to be surprised at anything which happens in life”

-- Marcus Aurelius

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, finally, a senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Western 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 the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

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