Questions with Short Answers

 

“The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history.”

-- George Orwell

What is history's greatest mistake?

Fake history.

Are stupid people getting stupider? It seems like stupid people are getting more stupid from the ease of access to the ideas of other stupid people via the internet.

You really need to stop watching politics.

If there is fate, can we escape it?

If you do, that’s your fate, so, no.

What are some things you've realized or understood recently (an epiphany of sorts)?

Happiness is a choice. It’s really just that simple. Choose wisely.

Are stupid people born stupid?

For the most part, unfortunately, no.

“When a stupid government is elected in a democratic country, the best thing about this is that you learn the number of stupid people in that country!”

-- Mehmet Murat ildan

How do stupid people think?

This kind of answers itself.

What should I do if my parents don't want me to get married or have kids?

Are you living your life, or are they?

Why is it so hard to find hope in life?

If you can find faith, you will find hope.

Can someone be intelligent but stupid?

I’ve met many intelligent people who aren’t the sharpest tools when it comes to good sense.

Why does it seem that I am always wrong no matter what? Are we all dumb?

Hey! Just because you’re always wrong doesn’t mean we’re all dumb. Own your wrongness.

“Our love of being right is best understood as our fear of being wrong”

-- Kathryn Schulz

Is the statement "Everyone knows that" always true?

No. No one can know everything, because everything doesn’t happen to all of us.

Is it possible to loathe someone you've never met?

Absolutely. I loathe Nancy Pelosi, but I’ve never met her.

How can one have faith and live a life of doubt?

They can’t. Fatih is a belief in something for which there is little or no proof.

Can someone see the whole world without being rich?

Astronauts have that advantage.

What are some ways to tell when someone is taking the moral high ground?

When it deals with good morals and they’re standing up for them.

“If you wish to point the way, you must first take the high ground.”

-- R. A. Delmonico

How can I make sure that the things I do are good?

Only do good things. If you aren’t sure, then don’t.

What gave you particular happiness or joy?

Making the choice to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of circumstances.

Are we living in the best time possible?

Since this is the only time possible, yes.

Do you want peace in your life above all else?

No. Like true happiness, I would have to try to bring others with me.

Is it a good thing not to know what you want?

I wouldn’t think so. I’ve always known what I want.

“I don't want whatever I want. Nobody does. Not really. What kind of fun would it be if I just got everything I ever wanted just like that, and it didn't mean anything? What then?”

-- Neil Gaiman

What is your opinion on couples being unhappy at times?

Oops!

How do you think creativity can be used to improve your life and work?

It is the impetus for change. It can make life easier and more robust.

Can acts that result in good be considered immoral if they require bad deeds to occur first?

I would think so. Especially if she’s married to your boss. 

Is it ever okay to do something bad if it results in a good outcome?

If you’re having an affair with a beautiful woman, maybe. Otherwise, no.

Can a good person do bad things?

Yes, and they will no longer be a good person.

“If only it were all so simple! If only there were evil people somewhere insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?”

-- Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

 

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. 

I fervently 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