Questioning Objects, God, Religion, and Politeness

“How stupid that all I have to do is grow two squishy lumps and suddenly I'm man's best friend”

-- Christine Heppermann

How do you handle a man who is obsessive about you and tells you he loves you all the time?

Tell him to show you the ring. If he’s serious, the ring will be serious, as well.

How do you get someone to stop objectifying you?

Objectify away! What people think of me is of so little consequence. I am who I am, and someone’s opinion isn’t going to change reality. I read this question and had to laugh, thinking of the time people would waste “objectifying” me. To what end?

How do you categorize someone who's unable to recognize or accept evil?

Is this before or after sex?

How do you make a choice?

I critique the options, the pros, and cons, and I come up with the best decision I can make. It doesn’t always make sense and isn’t always right, but that’s the beauty of choices. It’s kind of a crap shoot.

Why are people so afraid to be alone with themselves?

I don’t trust myself.

Why does a person who always solves everyone's problem never find the solution to his own problem?

It is so much easier to solve a problem that isn’t yours. In reality, it is just as easy, but, in the mind, we fight ourselves about the solution. We are never satisfied that our solution will be right. It is so much easier to screw up someone else’s life than to screw up our own.

“If you choose to not deal with an issue, then you give up your right of control over the issue and it will select the path of least resistance.”

-- Susan Del Gatto

How does a woman show her man that he is her everything?

It is a good bet that he has an unknown fantasy she can fulfill.

What should we do without God?

Die with no thought of an afterlife. Atheists will experience this. Well, they actually won’t.

How do you get dignity?

By definition, you must have the quality of being worthy of honor or respect. You must be composed, have a serious manner, and have pride and self-respect. You can do this by developing a personal code of moral ethics that you will stand by through thick and thin.

What is the point of our existence in today's society?

Survival. The same point that has always been, throughout history.

Does being nice make people treat you better?

Why do you care? Being nice is the right thing to do. Being nice is being selfless, not selfish. Whether people treat you better or not, being nice is always the right thing to do.

How can we prove that humans are not perfect?

Since nothing is perfect, there is nothing to prove. Even God is in question.

“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”

-- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

How is being a single mom of two considered ruining your life?

If she truly enjoys being a mom, then her life is fulfilled, not ruined.

What are the requirements for something to be considered a religion? Does atheism fit these requirements?

If we use the definition of “a particular system of faith and worship,” and we admit that atheists have faith in their belief, then yes. Atheists also pursue an interest to which they ascribe supreme importance, a non-belief in a supreme being theists call “God.” Both of these meet the requirement to be considered a religion, though atheists will probably deny it.

What does it mean when your boyfriend says, “We need to talk”?

Uh oh… 

Should religion be a personal choice?

I always thought it was.

Why do people dish out shit, but you’re the bad guy when you give it back?

Two wrongs don’t make a right. So, both of you are dishing out shit and you wonder why you look bad? It would be better to let the bigger asshole dish out shit. Everyone knows what they are, so you really don’t need to join in. 

What are people's thoughts on when someone says "I don't want anyone's opinion" but then proceeds to ask for our opinions anyway? Is it rude in this situation?

They are being hypocritical, not necessarily rude.

“We are all hypocrites. We cannot see ourselves or judge ourselves the way we see and judge others.”

-- José Emilio Pacheco

How do you politely tell someone that their life philosophy doesn't make sense to you?

“Your life philosophy doesn’t make sense to me.” It’s actually pretty simple.

What is a polite way to say, "I'm not answering that"?

“I’m not answering that.” Another simple answer.

What does it mean when someone calls something boring and they don't want to do it anymore?

They think it’s boring, and they don’t want to do it anymore. Is this a trick question? 

What do you say when someone says they "have principles"?

If they’re people I know, I just chuckle.

What is more important: being correct or being polite?

Being "politely correct" would be a better tact. Being correct doesn’t mean you have to be an asshole about it.

Should you encourage your son to talk about his problems?

Yes. Holding it in does him no good. You may be able to help him find solutions.

“Sometimes life knocks you on your ass... get up, get up, get up!!! Happiness is not the absence of problems, it's the ability to deal with them.”

-- Steve Maraboli

If there is a God, is our search for Him/Her meaningful?

It depends on whether you want it to be meaningful. Personally, I find it hard to understand why someone would put their energy into a search that they wouldn’t find meaningful.

How do you not make people talk to you?

Try ignoring them. It usually works for me. Of course, I’m also hard of hearing.

What does it mean when your boyfriend asks you to not lie?

He wants you to tell him the painful truth. Or, you lie all the time and he really needs you to be honest for a change.

Do you think people should be judged for their religious beliefs (or lack thereof)? Why or why not?

People’s beliefs are personal. They shouldn’t push their beliefs, nor should they have beliefs pushed on them. Pushing beliefs on others is simply rude.

What would you say to a minister who refused to perform your wedding because of their religious beliefs?

“Thank you, for your time. I’ll look elsewhere.”

When you make a promise to other people, do you really mean it?

Absolutely. Why make a promise if you have no intent on following through? Keeping your word defines who you are to those around you.

“Don’t be afraid to celebrate a promise when kept. In doing so, you’re embracing the potential for a better world.”

-- Unknown

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 twenty-three years of military intelligence, I have come to believe that engaging each other in this manner, and in this arena, is a 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