Questioning Hope, Purpose, Goals, and Short Answers

 

“Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a profound source of spirituality. When we recognize our place in an immensity of light‐years and in the passage of ages, when we grasp the intricacy, beauty, and subtlety of life, then that soaring feeling, that sense of elation and humility combined, is surely spiritual. So are our emotions in the presence of great art or music or literature, or acts of exemplary selfless courage such as those of Mohandas Gandhi or Martin Luther King, Jr. The notion that science and spirituality are somehow mutually exclusive does a disservice to both.”

-- Carl Sagan

What are some responses to the statement "atheists have no hope"?

If they had hope, they would have faith. An atheist told me they have no faith.  So, they have neither. They will die and that will be their end. Faith, however, is simply a belief in something for which there is little or no proof.  Atheists and theists both suffer from this fact, whether they admit it or not.

How do you show respect to a royal when you meet them?

Pucker up and prepare to smouch their royal ass. Or, if you have a sherd of self-respect, especially in the South, “Well, I’ll be a naked man scratching his balls. How you doin’, your Highness? Want me to kiss your ass?  Yeah, well... want in one hand...”

What is the problem with people who say, "You're lucky I even noticed"? If they didn't notice, why did they respond at all?

They don’t understand that you’ve made all the right choices and decisions. Luck has nothing to do with it.

How can you prove someone wrong and make them believe you?

Be right, and bring with you an incontrovertible proof to convince them.

When you are talking to them, people say 'to look someone in the eyes'. What exactly should you be looking for?

Are they looking back at you, or are they looking elsewhere? If they’re looking elsewhere, you have the real ability to be in control of the conversation. Take advantage of it.

“Sometimes a sense should be added to the most senseless conversation to make it sensible for the involved parties to sense something profitable in return.”

-- Shahenshah Hafeez Khan

What is the purpose and impact of values and ethics?

A good and moral life is highlighted by moments of selfless service to others. Values and ethics are the basis for a society with vibrant “rules of law” to guide them.

Why do mean, stupid, arrogant, and/or ignorant people dislike anybody’s calmness and patience?

Well, because they’re mean, stupid, arrogant, and ignorant. The question answers itself.

What is more important in spirituality: intellect or heart (love)? Why?

Spirituality requires faith, and faith is a belief in something for which there is little or no proof. “Intellectuals” generally have issues when there is little or no proof. Spirituality relies more on love than intellect. Churches (organized religions) are usually run by intellectuals who know they can bilk the ignorant congregation out of money that won’t be spent on important issues like hunger and homelessness. Another private jet might be more needed. How many jets does a pastor need?

What is a life lesson that I should always remember?

Stay out of debt.

Is there anyone else who finds it difficult to accept the fact that they don't exist and that everything is just an illusion created by their mind/consciousness?

If you don’t exist then your mind/consciousness also doesn’t exist, so where do you get creativity or illusion?

“Sometimes playing stupid opens your eyes to the truth.”

-- Anthony Liccione

Which one is correct: I've taken or I've done?

It depends on if you’ve taken, or if you’ve done something. One is more specific, “I’ve taken,” and one is general, “I’ve done... something.”

What parts of the Bible are considered to be the inspired word of God?

The entire book was written by man and inspired by God. The better question is which part of the Bible was physically written by God? Personally, I’d like to see the stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments. Those were supposedly written by God, but we only have the story, written by a man. We base our “faith” on this Bible. Faith is a belief in something for which there is little or no proof.

What is the most positive outcome for your actions today that you can think of?

I find a nursing home that will take care of my mother.

Why can't I focus on multiple goals? I get the motivation to work if I focus on just one goal.

Many of us are not “multi-taskers.” In the greater scheme, we prefer to focus our energy on one goal at a time. However, we take a break to prepare a meal, take a bath, sleep, and many other “goals” we don’t recognize.

Is it okay to say, "You're always right"?

Not unless you are, and I haven’t met anyone that perfect.

“Those who are never wrong hide behind a towering wall of insecurity. This need to be right all the time overshadows any attempt to just be happy. Thus, anyone who tries to chip away at this blockade will instantly be discarded.”

-- Christine E. Szymanski 

 And... a butt-load of short answers:

What is the best motivation, carrot, stick, or combination?

It depends on the woman doing the motivating.

Can it be true that trying to control what is outside of your control, will control you?

It depends on how weak your mind is. 

What's the role and responsibility of the employees in the workplace?

It depends on the workplace and their role and responsibility to support it.

What's the word for when you don't believe something true?

Clueless.

What would you call a person who overthinks every tense encounter in their life, holds grudges, and would go to extreme lengths to take revenge?

A self-centered asshole. Just saying.

Why do repeat behaviors, such as doing the same body movement or concentrating on where I am looking multiple times, to feel mentally satisfied?

Because you feel mentally satisfied. If it didn’t, you probably wouldn’t do it. 

What are some signs that a friend may be complaining too much?

They seem to be constantly complaining. This is pretty easy.

I want to do any business work, but I have no money. What should I do?

Earn some money.

What does it mean if a girl says she has feelings for her best friend but also likes you?

She is conflicted. I’d wait until she isn’t. 

How do I respond when my boyfriend says he woke up wanting me?

“You should.”  

What do you call a person who has all the traits of a narcissist?

A narcissist.

What are some ways to know that God is close?

Since God is everywhere, God is always close.

What do you call a person who does something wrong repeatedly, knowing that what he or she is doing is wrong?

Purposefully wrong.

Is it possible to love a person but dislike his/her politics?

As long as they also love you, it makes for energetic conversations.

If a guy stands someone up, does that mean he doesn't like that person anymore or just didn't want to see them at that time?

He is either forgetful or a jerk. 

What can you do to attract looks?

Don’t wear a bra with a tight blouse. As a man, walk around with your “fly” wide open.

What makes women insecure about their bodies?

God was not kind to them, physically

How do I stop being “too nice” and letting people use me as a doormat?

Be nice, and do not let people take advantage of you.

How can you deal with someone with an "I'm better than you" attitude?

Stop hanging with them, or become better than they are.

Is it normal for my boyfriend to get on top of me and try to start sex while I’m sleeping?

Maybe he is a closet necrophiliac. 

What’s one thing that never goes out of style and is always new and hip? I would say misogyny.

You're probably perpetually offended. I would say music.

I'd love to help you.  How can I?

Really? You’re asking this on a public forum?  I'm not touching it.

Why would a person be arrogant to someone insecure?

Their arrogance is ignorant of the insecurity.

How many decisions do humans make a day?

Around 35,000 daily.

What works best with verbal bullies? 1. Peck back. 2. Ignore 3. Expand on their joke, agree with them, and then do self-deprecation humor. 4. Say: "You're hurting my feelings. Please, can you stop?"

Item 5. Ignore them. They crave feedback. It feeds their ego so they can continue.

"Selective ignoring means choosing what you will and won’t see. It also means you deliberately choose not to see something or bring something to your attention. This might feel like it defeats the purpose, but it brings back balance to your life."

-- Thomas Oppong

 

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. Opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form their own opinions 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 offered. After over twenty years of military intelligence, I believe that 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 United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. Following his service career, he spent 17 years working with the premier and world-renowned Western Institutional Review Board, helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. He also served 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Angela J. Bowen Foundation.

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 a weapon for his war on intolerance... he chose the pen. He 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 personal, spiritual path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center. 

 Feel free to contact Pastor Tony at: tolerantpastor@gmail.com