Questioning Humor, Leaders, Fame, Birth, and Morals

“You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is like an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.”

-- Mahatma Gandhi

Isn't it funny when the so-called "critically thinking" atheists tell you to go back to reading your Bible, or some other stereotyped activity, they always miss their mark? Do they know they take their assumptions about theists totally on faith?

Faith? I try not to use that word around them, the atheists. Both sides have “faith” that they are right, however. I tried to explain this to an atheist. “Faith is nothing more than a belief in something for which there is little or no proof.” His head exploded, which tickled me. I wasn’t even discussing faith in a religious context.

Neither side really has any proof, yet I am asked by atheists to provide proof that God exists. I have no proof, I have faith. I don’t ask them to prove that God does not exist. This will cause them to start cussing and calling me names.

What isn’t understood is that both sides have faith in their belief, but neither side has any proof. The difference is that theists don’t require any proof, we take it on faith. Atheists, like theists, also don’t require any proof, taking it on faith that God does not exist. Why do they think theists have proof if they don’t? Saying “because” isn’t an answer.

In the fullness of time, both sides will come to death, and we might know which side is right. Either both sides will die and that's it, or one side will experience life after death while the other side simply experiences nothing. To expect nothing and have your expectation granted, simply sucks, in my view. I like to pad my bet and expect my personal spiritual definition of God, not the church's definition.

Can you tell me one famous sentence?

“Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” — David Glasgow Farragut

Are you ever surprised by the different aspects of yourself? Do you wonder why you can be so calm and confident and so willing to help others on one hand and on the other hand you can be the opposite? How can the better parts of our nature win out?

Not really. I have worked hard to craft those “different aspects” of myself. The better parts of my nature almost always win out. It is the way I choose it to be. Life is all about making good choices and decisions. I have done this for most of my adult life. The last serious mistake I made was a 25-year marriage, and I made the right decision to end it in 2000. I have been truly happy ever since.

My girlfriend told me she was missing a period. I bought her a new keyboard. Is that what a good boyfriend should do?

Probably. It’s hard to buy just the “period” button.

How important is trust in negotiation outcome success?

I would think it is very important, but go into it with your eyes wide open, and never stop looking over your shoulder. Trust and negotiations are strange bedfellows. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

“The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.”

-- Ernest Hemingway

Who agrees that it's not a person's fault if they never become a leader? Some people are just meant to be followers and worker bees and nothing more because they lack the intellect to become leaders. Wouldn't I be right?

Well, actually, I think it would still be their choice to be only a follower. The “fault” comes into play when something bad or horrible happens. This is a simple choice.

What is something that our human mind will never understand? If so, why?

God. Why? Really? It is kind of obvious.

Sometimes I start doing really stupid things and there's a certain point when I can't stop. It's like I'm watching someone else. I know what I'm doing, but I can't control it. Is this an issue?

Yes, it can be an issue. If you’re banging on an explosive with a hammer, you need to be able to control yourself enough to know it’s a stupid thing to keep on doing. I’d say your issue is “life longevity” or the lack of it.

Is it normal if you can get more than 10 people staring at you in a public street?

Only if I’m working toward it. Otherwise, my zipper is probably down and I’m not aware of it. 

Are the most appreciative people also the most gullible?

I don’t think they are more or less, but, if you are appreciative, you are aware. If you’re aware, it makes sense that you won’t be very gullible.

“And that's the thing about people who mean everything they say. They think everyone else does too.”

-- Khaled Hosseini

Why are the simplest things so hard to understand? Why do people have to make everything difficult? Why can't we just accept things for what they are and "because" as an answer?

In an uncomplicated world, “because” is always an acceptable answer. Unfortunately, intelligent people seem to want more information than is usually reasonable for smart people. Point and grunt. We usually catch on. I someone gives you that “come hither” look, and smiles, we usually catch on. If a bomb disposal unit begins a fifty-yard dash, we usually catch on. If a policeman points a gun and says, “Freeze!”, we usually catch on. Simple things really aren’t that tough for the smart among us. Intelligent people might ask the policeman, “Why do you want me to freeze?” The “smart” cop will, of course, answer, “Because.”

Why does everyone care about everything I do?

Are you doing interesting stuff… or people? Or, are they minding too much of your business, instead of their own? If their interest bothers you, you can always tell them to get their own life, yours is taken.

How many steps are there in the decision-making process?

This is my process: Recognizing the need. Weighing the options. Taking action. Review. Repeat, if necessary, with a better option, until you attain the desired goal. 

Is there anything wrong with being rich and famous?

Not if it doesn’t go to your head. Being rich and famous should not change who you are as a person. If you like fast food, no one makes you eat at gourmet restaurants. If you like playing ball, no one forces you to sit in “box seats” instead of playing. If I won a billion-dollar lottery, I’d still be me, wondering what to do with a billion bucks.

How does information affect your everyday needs and interests?

Information is knowledge, and knowledge is, almost, always a good thing to have. It helps you to make good choices and decisions in “your everyday needs and interests.”

“It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.”

-- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

How much should we care about people who have not been born yet?

If they’re being murdered in the womb, I’d be very concerned. This would be only a short step to Aushwitz and murdering millions of already “born” people. If we didn’t have contraception, the “morning pill” and other means of preventing pregnancy, I can almost see it. But, we do. Murder is murder, and if you excuse it for any reason than a medical emergency, rape, or incest, you can excuse it for almost any reason you choose, and they are. The measure of a society rests on how they treat the least of themselves. In our society, the needle barely moves.

What are some things people say to someone who has lived a meaningful life?

Well done!

How do I overcome this problem? I've been neglecting my projects recently but I can't bring myself to submit them because I'm distracted with YouTube and my other addicting hobbies (can't say though). 

Overcome your addictions. Go outside and get a life, a lover, or do the projects you’re neglecting. Try “time management” and dictate certain times of the day for hobbies and projects, and lovers (unless you're addicted).

You have no right to say I am bad for hitting a man in public for talking to me. Do you know how ugly looking he is? Why are we forgetting about women's rights?

So, you hit him because he was ugly? Did you hit him for, God forbid, talking to you? Or, did you hit him because he was a man? Women have rights, as does everyone else. If you hit me for no good reason, my ‘knee jerk” reaction would surprise might many, including me. You should expect to get back what you give out with no good reason.

I’m not sure how you make what you did not sound so bad. Did the ugly man say something to set you’re “not-ugly-woman” self off? He’s ugly and he talked to you, and, lest we forget, he’s a man. Is there any other reason? 

Can you give me some quotes about having a clear conscience? 

“If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.”

-- Mark Twain

How can we be sure that our moral judgments are correct?

Good moral judgments are defined as “holding or manifesting high principles for proper conduct.” My advice is to ensure your moral judgments are good, as opposed to bad, and they will probably be correct.

What is the definition of respect? Does it change when a person becomes an adult?

The definition depends on the situation: “The polite attitude shown toward someone or something that you consider important.” Or, “to hold in esteem or honor.” Or, “a feeling of admiring someone or something that is good, valuable, [or] important.” Or, and I really like this one, “caring enough to consider how words and actions impact others.”

When you become an adult you shouldn’t have to be reminded to show some respect, regardless. You have reached an age where you can decide if they have proved themselves not worthy of respect. Usually, this is because they have shown themselves to have no respect, for themselves or others. You can respect the office, but not the person holding the office.

Is it possible to be happy in life without having an education or a good career?

Happiness is nothing more than a choice you make for your life. Make the conscious choice to strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances.

Is altruism common amongst some HR workers as it is acute?

One would hope, but, but I'm not sure how cute it is.  Remember, that HR is  just a job. The minute you put your total trust in someone, other than yourself, and relax, is the moment you begin to truly begin to understand “stupidity” and learn what being screwed is all about. 

Can really good people take things too far until they turn bad?

Really good people don’t turn bad. The situation might, but not the people. Really good people see things going too far and put on the brakes, or they realize they've done something bad, become seriously contrite, and work hard to right the wrong. Really good people try their best to do really good always, or they make it right. 

“Millions of business people are each constantly forced to choose between their desire to not be a bad person and their desire to be a good business person, that is to say, to make as much money as they possibly can by maximizing their revenue while minimizing the cost of producing whatever it is that they sell.”

-- Mokokoma Mokhonoana

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