Questioning Learning, Omnipresence, Harm, Goals, and Faith

“Yet in another way, calculus is fundamentally naive, almost childish in its optimism. Experience teaches us that change can be sudden, discontinuous, and wrenching. Calculus draws its power by refusing to see that. It insists on a world without accidents, where one thing leads logically to another. Give me the initial conditions and the law of motion, and with calculus, I can predict the future -- or better yet, reconstruct the past. I wish I could do that now.”

-- Steven Strogatz

If you could go back and relearn anything, what would it be?

Algebra and geometry... calculus. I’d have an advanced degree by now. Math, however, was never my strong suit.  I liked theoretical physics... not much math involved.

Why do I feel so guilty about sharing my achievements with people?

You are a humble person. There is no guilt in being humble.

What is your biggest regret ever in your life?

I would say marrying my ex-wife, but she did give me two great kids. I’d have to say getting out of the military at the 23-year mark. I should have stayed for five more years, for more retirement. I was having a great time.

Which misconceptions do we really need to change the truth?

Understanding the facts will change our understanding of the truth.

What strengths and abilities did you lose when you reached your 20s and 30s?

None. I continued to gain strengths and abilities while in the military, and in civilian life when I retired. I didn’t start losing those until I retired from working at the age of 59 and went to Mexico. Tacos, tequila, and Victoria beer did me in. 

“The afternoon knows what the morning never suspected.”

-- Robert Frost

How would the world be different if omnipresence were possible?

For most of the world, it is a matter of faith. But, to your question, we might all have some belief in God.

What are the implications of omnipresence?

Faith.

What do religions believe about God's omnipresence?

No matter where you are, there is God.

Does the concept of omnipresence require a belief in God?

No. To many people, it is simply a concept, and the concept of “God” is simply an example.

Does the Bible say anything about an omnipresent God?

Try this:

“And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” 

-- Hebrews 4:13

Both good and bad can be harmful. Is it better to do good or avoid doing bad?

It is easier to be bad than to be good. Good takes a bit of effort. The effort you make to be good is appreciated, even if it turns out to be harmful. The effort it takes to be bad is never good and is usually harmful, which is why we have courts, jails, and prisons.

How can we become wiser people?

Live.

How can I get people to see the good in me?

Don’t worry about it. Good people will see the good, the others you really don’t need in your life… except to point out areas where you might need some work. Trying to "get" people to do anything for you is basically selfish. Better to be selfless and let them find their own way to you.

Are dogs friendlier than humans?

That depends on if they’re hungry.

What is victim blaming and how can it be harmful?

They do it in cities with liberal governments where the District Attorney blames the victims for the criminal behavior. It destroys city government, law enforcement, the rights of the innocent, the “Rule of Law” and the faith people put into it.

“If you teach your kids to be a victim, you’ll rob them of hope.”

-- Frank Sonnenberg

Do I let my wife know she is not smart?

Only if you’re that stupid.

What are the benefits of setting personal goals?

A fairly steady path for your life. It is easier to get on the bus if you have a ticket to the destination.

How does body language play into expressing oneself?

It plays as much as the inflection of one’s voice.

What is the importance of setting goals to become successful?

The importance of setting goals is to attain them. Becoming successful, however, is making a simple choice to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. As a choice, this is sustainable happiness and, as so, is true success in life.

Are there any specific types of goals that you feel are especially important to set for yourself?

Yes.

"Words can inspire and words can destroy. Choose yours well."

-- Robin Sharma

Do animals have souls and spirits attached to them?

If you buy into the paranormal that has been caught on camera, then, yes.

Does excitement always result in positive outcomes?

No, excitement can usually cause one to forget personal, corporate, and societal safety protocols.

Why is it important to challenge our misconceptions?

The “misconceptions” will probably continue if you don’t.

Do religious beliefs always have to be based on faith?

Faith is defined as a belief in something for which there is little or no proof. So, by definition, faith is a belief, religious or not.

How do teenagers get the motivation to do gymnastics?

They are good at it and choose to be better at it. Forced motivation never ends well.

“Live the Life of Your Dreams: Be brave enough to live the life of your dreams according to your vision and purpose instead of the expectations and opinions of others.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

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