Questioning Swearing, Rearing, God, Bullies, Skills, Goals, and Piss

"What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them."

-- Matthew 15:11

What happens if I say “I swear down on gods life” but then break the promise? I didn’t mean to break it.

First of all, you should ask God’s forgiveness for swearing down on His life. Second, you made a promise. Whether you meant to break it or not, you made a promise. And, in making the promise, you swore down on God’s life. I’m not sure how much more trouble you could get yourself into.

What would you consider a powerful skill or trade that makes people think twice before messing with you?

Kung Fu.

What do you do when your family fails you?

Why did you rely on your family? If you rely on anyone but yourself, even your family, you open your life to disappointment. Your family didn’t fail you. By relying on someone else other than you, you failed. Make better choices and decisions for your life.

How do I make friends at a resort as a teen?

You’re a girl. How hard do you want to make this?

Is it true that fear can control people for only so long?

As a general rule, fear can control until someone overcomes their fear. When people decide that death is better than servitude, revolutions erupt.

“The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.”

-- Thomas Jefferson

How does the way I was brought up determine who I am as an adult?

I was brought up to work hard and to be respectful and courteous. As an adult, I joined the military. I worked hard, was respectful, and courteous. But you can’t let your upbringing be the end-all of who you are. I learned to show respect, but respect ends if I give it and don’t get it back. You take your upbringing and become your own person.

What is the percentage of contented people (your estimation)?

Truly contented? I’d say about 20%. People lie a lot.

Who are the people responsible for a system in an organization?

Everybody in the organization. Workers not questioning the system is as bad as the owners not questioning it. Owners have supervisors and managers so they can question them about the system.

If you could make love to any unattractive famous person, but you can't tell anyone, who would it be?

If I can’t tell anyone, what would be the point?

How do I write a debate which is opposing the motion to say who is responsible for students’ failure, parents or teachers?

Or, maybe it is the student who failed themselves by relying on their parents and teachers. It is our life, not the teacher's or our parent's. As students, we need to rise to the occasion… or fail ourselves.

“Character — the willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life — is the source from which self-respect springs.”

-- Joan Didion

What is your opinion on praying to your own God, who is not the true God?

Who says? There is only one true ultimate power in the universe. It matters little how you refer to them, or how you believe them to be. In the end, there can be only one supreme power.

Is it sensitive of me to feel sad when my friends didn’t invite me over to another friend’s (same friend group) birthday dinner when I contributed to buying and surveying a gift?

Yes, and I would find new friends. These pricks don’t deserve you.

Is there something that you believe might be true, that you feel you can't say out loud because of the way people might judge you?

No. People who know me accuse me of having no filter. I speak my mind. If someone judges me, it says more about them than it does about my honest opinion. 

When I was a kid, my father crushed my dreams by always telling me that I would never be successful so just live an average life. Now I have issues with my self-esteem. How do I get over this?

Admit that your father was an idiot. His point was to crush your dreams, and you let him. Now, admit that you’re better than an idiot. Raise the bar significantly, and go for the gusto. You don’t have to live the life an idiot chooses for you. Be better than that.

Why do today's youth put pleasure before health, even knowing that they can lose years of life, suffer from chronic diseases, or age prematurely?

The same reason adults smoke, drink massive amounts of alcohol, and eat fattening foods. Stupidity.

“When health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal itself, art cannot manifest, strength cannot fight, wealth becomes useless, and intelligence cannot be applied.”

-- Herophilus

What are the motivations behind bullying?

Jealousy. Throughout history, bullies have lacked what others have.

What are some ways to stop politicians from using fear to win elections?

Be smarter than the politician. Look at their approval ratings and you’ll be able to tell who is really stupid. The politician, the people they serve, or both.

What is your opinion on the statement "you can't make a wrong decision"?

It’s invalid. Everyone makes wrong decisions and choices. We are human, after all.

How would you deal with an arrogant person who always blames others for their mistakes?

Prove the mistakes are theirs and throw the mistakes back in their face. The arrogance, and the person, will disappear.

Who can be addressed as "Your Highness"?

The woman wearing tight leather and brandishing a riding crop, for one.

“A woman of merit and worth need not knock off another's crown to feel highness.”

-- Sai Marie Johnson

What are some skills and talents that have helped you get through life?

Team building, communication, management, and supervision.

What are some ways to deal with regrets after making a decision or doing something foolish in life?

Lessons are meant to be learned. Learn from it and move on. Remember that nobody likes a whiner, but if you learn something, be sure to share it.

Will I finally be at peace when I die?

Let us know.

What does it mean when you're always right, but no one wants to admit it?

Does it really matter? Nobody is always right, but the fact that you’re right means you should revel in it. Pat yourself on the back and get on down the road. If you need to get your ego stroked, go see Mom.

How many failures does it take to become successful in life?

As many as it takes.

“I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.”

-- Thomas A. Edison 

What are some things that make you feel special, but not too much?

A tongue-searching kiss.

Is it possible to set a long-term goal without motivation?

Of course. My long-term goal is to die peacefully at the end of my life. I do not have to be motivated. It will, hopefully, happen in due time.

What is a wasted life in terms of achieving success?

Not trying.

What are some ways to overcome the guilt of happiness after a breakup?

You broke up, and you’re happy about it. There is no reason to feel guilty. Dance like everybody is watching, especially the person you broke up with. Being happy is the last thing they want you to be. Rub their face in it. 

How do you communicate with a deaf girl?

Learn sign language.

“I flipped him a gesture that he wouldn't need sign language to understand.”

-- Rick Riordan

Is it better to be pissed off or to be pissed on?

Piss off. Being pissed on is a bit messy.

What is more important for success in life, having a positive outlook or a negative outlook? Why?

True success in life is being truly happy. You can’t be negative and be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. Even when things go wrong, a positive outlook will win the day.

How do you get rid of people that hate you?

Simple fix. Don’t hang around them. Find people who like you, and hang around them.

If someone says something they know to be false, and I also know for a fact to be false, what do I do?

Call them down on it. They are wrong to say things they know to be false. This is always done in politics, and stupid people buy into the bullshit.

What does "the world doesn't need you" mean?

It would be much easier if you just said, “Die.”

“Don't feel bad, I'm usually about to die.”

-- Rick Riordan

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