Questioning Scripture, Dating, Faking, Anger, and Philosophy

"Both religion and science need for their activities the belief in God, and moreover, God stands for the former in the beginning, and for the latter at the end of the whole thinking. For the former, God represents the basis, for the latter – the crown of any reasoning concerning the worldview."

--Max Planck

What would you say to someone who claims that the Bible disproves science?

They don’t know that science is proving the Bible. Not “religion” but the stories in the Bible. The Bible is a history book, and the history it lists is being proven by science. Almost all holy scripture walks hand in hand with science, even unto the search for the “God” particle.

Will I have to answer my own questions?

Why ask a question you already know the answer to, and, if you don’t know, then doing the research to answer your questions is the best way for you to remember the answer.

If people don't ask stupid questions, how will stupid people, too stupid to ask, know the answer?

This presupposes that “stupid” people care about the answer. If they’re too stupid to ask, not caring kind of follows. But you started by judging the people who ask, in your view, “stupid” questions. There is no stupid question… unless you ask it more than once. Questions are simply a way to glean knowledge that you don’t already have.

What are the religious and spiritual beliefs of Confucius?

Confucianism is what he lived by. Buddhism would not be known in China until the first century, C.E., however, he might have had some knowledge of Taoism.

What is the best answer to, “What is happiness?”

It is a simple personal choice. One must choose to strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of their circumstances. Because it is a personal choice, it is sustainable until the choice changes. To change the choice for true happiness, however, is counterproductive. The antithesis of happiness is misery. No person, in their right mind, would choose misery over true happiness.

What is the best way to deal with a very proud, selfish, and arrogant person?

Don’t. Their drama is not your drama, and don’t make it so. You have little chance of swaying a proud, selfish, and arrogant person. So, just don’t. Simply walk away from them.

“Arrogant men with knowledge make more noise from their mouth than making sense from their mind.”

-- Amit Kalantri

Would you rather date someone that's older than you? Or someone about the same age as you?

Older. I’d like to be taught or to teach, but either with an older woman.

Does having more self-control over one's thoughts and actions increase one's likelihood of being stubborn?

Having self-control might make you more open-minded, as much as it might make you stubborn. Self-control makes your thoughts and actions completely in your purview. You are not swayed by mass media or other people’s opinions unless you see some validity in the argument.

What are the consequences of missing out on happiness?

You miss out on happiness. Is this a trick question?

Can knowledge be neither true nor false?

You’re discussing a premise. A premise can be either true or false, but the knowledge from a premise is found in the conclusion when the premise is found to be true or false. True knowledge is, well… true. False knowledge isn’t really knowledge at all. If someone says it is, they are lying.

Can you get over the fear of public speaking if you don't have to do it?

If you don't have to do it, why are you afraid? Maybe you should look into getting a life.

Can someone truly tell me that they are happy with their life in general?

Yes. To be truly happy in life is nothing more than a choice. Choose to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances.

“Rules for happiness: something to do, someone to love, something to hope for.”

-- Immanuel Kant

 How can you tell if a person is really happy or just faking it?

It really is hard to fake the physical attributes of an orgasm.

How many people know how to do laundry?

Do mine all the time, and iron. I also sew and cook. I learned to be self-efficient in the military.  

How can a man make his wife and mother-in-law happy?

Get a vasectomy.

Can someone be religious and not write a book?

Yes. I’ve been around religious people my entire life, and not one of them has written a book. I’m the exception, I suppose. I’ve written two books. Nothing to do with religion. And I have not published them. I’m not religious. I am spiritual. I wrote the 350-page books just to give me something to do while I was living in Mexico.

What do you call a person who is impossible to please or make happy?

Miserable.

What is to be said about someone who gets with a girl but never talks with her about anything real, barely talks at all, or gets to know her, then after a misunderstanding acts like he is offended by everything she does but refuses to just talk to her?

What an ass. I would clue girls in not getting into anything with him. I don’t understand the “misunderstanding” they had. He barely talks at all, and when he does it isn’t about anything real. Misunderstanding? And, now, he acts like he’s offended? Better the girls give him a wide berth. 

“My own sex, I hope, will excuse me, if I treat them like rational creatures, instead of flattering their fascinating graces, and viewing them as if they were in a state of perpetual childhood, unable to stand alone.”

-- Mary Wollstonecraft

Why do men get mad when women ask them a question?

I don’t get mad. I strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances, or the questions women ask me. Now, if they ask the same question repeatedly, that might get under my skin. But, that never happens.

Can one explain atheism to a religious person in just one sentence?

They do not believe in a deity.

What would Leftoids do if teachers started secretly baptizing their children at school? They would be cool with it, right? It’s the kid’s choice after all.

The League of the Perpetually Offended will lose their minds. Are Socialist kids being baptized? God forbid. Their choice or not, the shit is going to hit the left-leaning fan. 

What questions can you ask an old friend to catch up?

“What’s been going on in your life since we talked last?”

If I clear my mind, does it mean people have access to my thoughts?

Even though they can’t access your thoughts, you’ve just cleared your mind. So, what thoughts can they access?

How do you live your life properly and happily?

I live my life with no expectations. I certainly expect nothing from other people. I’m the only one I can trust, and even that is dicey. When you live life with no expectations, you are never disappointed. I have learned to laugh at service organizations that fall on their sword. Doctors are the worst, I think because they hire the worst, and then expect the patients to deal with substandard care. It is what it is.

“If you want to be happy, do not dwell in the past, do not worry about the future, focus on living fully in the present.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

What is a non-philosophical question?

Huh?

Which event in your life had the biggest impact on your life and your personality?

My divorce. I’ll never get married again, and trust is something I hold dear to my heart. Other than these, I strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of historical bullshit during my life.

How do I tell him I want him to take me seriously?

Withold sexual favors. 

Am I wrong for not wanting to be friends anymore?

Does the punishment fit the crime? 

What do you do when a bully tells you what they are going to do?

Kick him as hard as you can in his balls. If done right, and it isn’t that hard, he will fall to his knees and throw up… a lot. I’d take out my penis and pee all over him. He’ll probably cuss and throw up some more. You’ll eventually get the crap kicked out of you. But, he got peed on… first. Something to be proud of when telling the story to the grandkids.

What do I say when he asks, "Why do I make you happy?"

The truth would be novel.

“Living with integrity means: Not settling for less than what you know you deserve in your relationships. Asking for what you want and need from others. Speaking your truth, even though it might create conflict or tension. Behaving in ways that are in harmony with your personal values. Making choices based on what you believe, and not what others believe.”

-- Barbara De Angelis

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 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 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