Questioning Evolution, Stupid, Privacy, Guilt, and Dominance

 

"Yes.  Yes, indeed.  You are the boss."

-- F.A. Villari

How do you tell a girl that she is the boss?

“What would “Mistress” like me to do for her?”

If someone constantly puts themselves down, can they ever have confidence and self-esteem?

It would seem this behavior is self-defeating, so I’d have to say, no, they can’t, not until they quit putting themselves down and find some positivity in themselves.

What are some signs that someone might be too stubborn or unreasonable?

When they act too stubborn and/or unreasonable. Until there is evidence, you are judging them for some unknown trait.

What do you think is more important: freedom, love, or happiness? Why?

Happiness! If you aren’t truly happy you won’t truly enjoy love or freedom.

Did Lincoln overturn the American Revolution, by illegally taking away the national sovereignty that the states won thereby? And if not, why did he say "God caused the war, to end slavery," rather than just stand on the legal claim of "rebellion"?

If “God caused the war to end slavery,” Lincoln would have signed the Emancipation Proclamation before the war began, not toward the end of it.

“And out of that hopeless attempt has come nearly all that we call human history—money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery—the long terrible story of man, trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.”

-- C.S. Lewis

How did the fallacy of evolution brainwash so many people?

Because any other timeline makes no sense, and considering both “creationism” and “evolution” were written by man, is it any wonder we believe any of the tripe we are fed by either side? Anything written down my man needs to have a critical eye on it. God wrote the truth across our hearts and minds specifically because we tend to misquote or explain things poorly.

What is the actual acceptance of a bribe?

The total destruction of any personal integrity or code of ethics.

How do I ask for forgiveness and apologize to someone I’ve hurt deeply that was the most important person in my life for as long as I can remember? I don’t care anymore what she did to us, she had her reasons, is that ok? I’m afraid it’s too late?

Grovel. When I’m faced with this, I always grovel. Humble yourself. Beg forgiveness with hat in hand. Explain your lack of emotional control, that she is that important to you, and that you hope you aren’t too late to salvage your relationship. This is a simple lesson. Next time, think before you open your pie hole.

How do I get my revenge on someone who hit me?

Two wrongs don’t make a right. Revenge is best left as the purview of karma. Karma has much to do without adding you to the docket.

Do discernment, sincere intent, and sincerity really lead you to success?

Yes, but you also have to make the sincere choice to strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. Discernment, intent, and sincerity may just lead you to failure, considering perseverance wasn’t included. But, if you are truly happy, then, when you fail, you can laugh it off and try, try, again.

“Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get”

-- W.P. Kinsella

Social media is making you stupid, but can you fix it?

Social media make you stupid if you have a weak mind. If you use social media and do not let it use you, you’re a large step ahead of the game. Do your own due diligence. 

Is it childish to skateboard in your thirties?

It’s excellent exercise… until you break a hip. I’d give it careful thought at 50.

How do I respond when a coworker comes up to me asking personal details about my life, wanting to know about my feelings about work, family drama, and my relationship status, and keeps asking why after every answer I give? It feels like an interview.

Turn the tables on them. Come up to them and do the same shtick. Ask for personal details about their life, their feelings about work, family drama, and their relationship status, and don’t forget to ask “why” after every answer they give. Make it feel like an interview. When they ask what you’re doing, ask them if they feel uncomfortable answering personal questions.

Author's comment: Funny. It’s not my nature to be that way toward people. I naturally respect others' privacy in a way these people apparently don’t. Even when I used to be more nosy, I had the sense to eavesdrop or spy rather than. Interrogate people and risk making them feel uncomfortable in front of my face. Not saying either method is good.

What is the way to recognize a wise person?

They are wise.

Why does my crush say funny/dumb things in class even though I know he's smarter than that?

Trying to fit in with a particular crowd? Maybe he feels being smart has excluded him from making friends that aren’t so much.

“Collective fear stimulates herd instinct, and tends to produce ferocity toward those who are not regarded as members of the herd.”

-- Bertrand Russell

Could it be my calling to help other people?

Sure.

How are having a strong skill set, a positive mindset, and the ability to take advantage of opportunities essential components of success?

Think about not having a strong and necessary skill set, not having a positive attitude, and not having the ability to take advantage of opportunities. How would you expect to attain anything in life, much less find true happiness? The only thing you left off your list was “perseverance” in the face of defeat.

When should we not respect someone’s privacy?

When you’ve decided to lose respect for yourself and become nosey.

Why do I seek validation or respect from older teens when I’m 13 myself?

You’re unsure of yourself? But, you seek validation from those who are seeking validation. If you want real validation, look to those who you respect and that are older than you. Just in case you don’t know, someone who blindly follows a crowd—maybe even toward catastrophe—is called a lemming. Personally, I’d stop running with the “lemmings” and find another path.

Can you explain the difference between 'got' and 'caught'?

“Got” is saying you get something. “Caught” is when you catch something:

Q: “What happened?”

A: “I got caught.”

What is the correct way to say “I don't have the liberty to do this”?

“I don’t have the right to do this.” Liberty is all about having rights.

Is it considered weird for guys to talk to themselves?

Talking to yourself “out loud” is a bit strange, but everyone talks to themselves while thinking. I’m probably a typically “strange” person. I talk to myself, out loud, when I make a mistake: “Well, that was fricking smart, dumbass.”

Can you think of a funny mistake a teacher has made in class?

Forgetting to zip his fly. Needless to say, he was mortified.

What is the best way to deal with an aggressive panhandler without feeling guilty?

Anyway, you want to. They’re being aggressive while begging, so they have set the rules. You can be just as aggressive without feeling one iota of guilt. If they touch you, it becomes assault. You have no idea how they might escalate to hurting you, so I’d take them down, hard. No room for guilt. With all that is happening in cities around the country, you can’t be safe enough. Personally, I’d “conceal carry” a 9 mil.

What kinds of people attract each other?

Opposites, so I’ve heard.

“The angel is nothing without the demon.”

-- A.D. Aliwat

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 view 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