Questioning Stupid, Plans, Leaders, Advice, and Sin

“Because one believes in oneself, one doesn't try to convince others. Because one is content with oneself, one doesn't need others' approval. Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him or her.”

-- Lao Tzu

Why are stupid people confident and smart people full of doubt? Is this claim accurate?

Smart people actually know what doubt is. Oh, how I pine to be stupid…

When did you find out you were a victim, and what did you do to fix that?

High school. I beat the crap out of the bully, and I started standing up for the victims. I got beat up a lot, but for all the right reasons.

When is it okay to have sex with your daughter?

Never.

What do I do if I started talking more to my work crush and I realized I see him as my potential savior? He is perfect and he makes me feel better without trying.

Tell him how you feel. My girlfriend and I had a secret relationship that nobody knew about for months. We kept focussed on business until we got home. No fraternizing.

Why is humility in life so important?

Nobody is really all that, and if they think they are, a little humility will cure it.

“I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.”

-- Albert Einstein

How can I make an action plan?

It would depend on the action. Generally, though, in the introduction, you need to define the conclusion; the reason for the plan, or the goal. The body of the plan should list all the actions, in order, needed to bring about a satisfactory conclusion. The “plan” should be a “living” document, in the sense that a listed action may not be needed, but is included just in case, and an action left off may need to be added if it is pertinent to the conclusion.

Is it lying if I said no to a question but, then, said yes like a few seconds after? Is that a sin of lying because I said no to a question and then I said yes?

The onus is on you to explain yourself and why you have changed your answer. Otherwise, you have lied by not correcting yourself.

Why do arrogant people dislike anybody's own disagreement, answer, choice, opinion, and/or belief?

Only if it doesn’t fall in line with theirs, and, even then, they will correct it. Arrogant people can usually be found in the League of the Perpetually Offended if they feel they perpetually have to correct others' thoughts.

By Entertaining negative thoughts, you sow negative emotions that in return make your life miserable…what do you think?

Profound.

What are the moral obligations we have towards those in need, and when is it okay to let those who are in need down?

If someone is trying and failing, the moral obligation is to assist them. If someone doesn't give a shit, then they are mooching and they will continue to mooch until you cut them off. Better they try to better themselves.

“…if you give a man a fish he is hungry again in an hour. If you teach him to catch a fish you do him a good turn.” 

-- Anne Isabella Richie

What does it mean to be a leader who inspires others with their actions and not just words? Is that even possible or desirable? How would you achieve it if so?

Jesus, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and innumerable Buddhist monks, to name a few. It is possible, and for the people around them, it is desirable. Revolutions of change and new philosophies have been started through such sacrifice.

How can you tell if your partner is ready for marriage if they don't say it directly, but show it through their actions and words?

Ask them. If you aren’t ready for honesty, you aren’t ready to be married.

Reader comment: All women are ready for a wedding, but none of them are ready to be married. Don’t do it. It will be the biggest mistake you make in your life.

My reply: Indeed! My mistake lasted 25 years.

What are some of the more significant ways in which the rise of social media and the internet have impacted the daily lives of people living in remote or rural communities, and what are some of the unique challenges they face as a result?

Joe Biden, simply because he is destroying our country. People, in general, need to learn to do their own due diligence in order to ignore media that exists to propagate the destruction so they can ferret out the truth for themselves. Lines like “the border is secure” need to be validated before it is believed.

What's the meaning of “great minds are always curious”?

Great minds love to learn. A “great” mind that doesn’t learn is wasted talent. 

Why is it challenging to adapt to change?

Because nobody likes change. We like things to go along so we can get along. Change, even good change, puts a monkey wrench into the well-oiled machine. Any change needs to be explained in the context of the who, what, where, why, and how of things. People need to be brought on board so they can give feedback and feel they are a part of the change.  Change will happen, sooner or later.  Change is the only true constant in the universe.  It is what it is, until it isn't.

“The only thing that is constant is change.”

-- Heraclitus

What is some advice for someone trying to get started in writing and making music for the first time?

Take creative writing and music appreciation classes.

What are the benefits of having multiple role models?

That would depend on them being good, moral, and ethical role models. If this is so, the benefit is fashioning your own “code of ethics” after the best of the best.

What makes an honest person in the world of business different from others?

They have a good sense of moral ethics that others don’t.

Is naming a child god considered offensive?

If it’s spelled with the lowercase “g” it might be okay. My issue is, you’d be hanging a lot of “empty luggage” on the kid, that he might try to live up to and fail.

Can I ask you for honest advice?

I have no filter.

"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom."

-- Thomas Jefferson

At what point can you say to yourself that you're fulfilled?

When you’ve done all you planned to do in life. Everything else is gravy on the roast.

What can I catch for having sex with 2 clean girls raw?

Jail time if they’re underage. And, who determines that they’re clean? You're not listening to them, are you?

Why do some male teens lust for cougar women?

Teach me, oh wise one!

What is the appropriate response if someone says that their prayers were answered because God spoke to them?

If you’re a theist, leave it alone. They might be blessed. If you’re an atheist, any offensive response is to be expected.

What does "sin no more" mean?

Don’t sin anymore. Is this a trick question?

Then Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, Lord,” she answered. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Now go and sin no more.” 

-- John 8:10-11

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