Questioning Afterlife, Liars, Feelings, Bigots, and Trust

 

“The real question of life after death isn't whether or not it exists, but even if it does, what problem this really solves.”

-- Ludwig Wittgenstein

How does a belief in an afterlife affect our morals and ethics?

Well, if you’re immoral and unethical, you have learned nothing in this life but bad shit. So, it stands to reason that, in the next life, you will go through the same life as you did here, if you move on at all. Personally, I think people like this will stay here until they catch a clue.

Why do I feel triggered when a friend thinks for me?

Maybe, you hate being so slow. If he’s right, that would piss me off.

How can I retain more from books about philosophy, knowledge, etc.? How should I read to not fall asleep?

Well, first, you need to enjoy what you read. If you don’t enjoy it, good luck not falling asleep during it. I, on the other hand, enjoy the hell out of philosophy, quantum theory, time, and religion. It does put me to sleep (because I'm tired), but not before I get some tidbits of information to raise the bar on my knowledge base. I am not that intelligent, but I’d like to think I’m kind of smart.

What is Moses’ style of leadership?

Uh… he talked to God. He had a massive staff. People followed. Any more questions?

Why do people usually not trust my answers to their questions? I always give accurate responses based on actual facts and evidence, never just an assumption, but they only believe it when someone of a higher authority confirms it. Am I too direct?

Nope. Don’t take it too personally. I’ve got a varied background. Usually, people like what I say. If they don’t, it’s something that I can’t change. I just press on doing what I do. I just enjoy helping people, but, occasionally, I run into members of the League of the Perpetually Offended. No matter what I say, or how intelligent I am, they are perpetually offended by whatever I try to tell them. You win some and you lose some. Smile and press on.

What is the lowest recorded IQ in human history?

Try this:

“There’s no record of the lowest IQ ever. However, the lowest IQ score possible is zero.

Can someone actually get this low of a score? In theory, yes. But no one in recorded history has officially scored zero on an IQ test, even if that result is theoretically attainable.

Even determining the lowest IQ ever, it’s tricky territory. IQ scores below 75 points are often held by those with some form of mental or cognitive impairment, which typically aren’t asked or required to complete IQ tests.”

-- Jim Kwik

Can we tell if someone is lying about being an atheist just for internet points?

A true theist wouldn’t do that. Lying is not in their wheelhouse.

Why should we hang out with people that are smarter than us? Shouldn't we only hang out with people on our level, as we can learn just as much, or more, with the people already in our circle?

It has been my experience that intelligent people get bored. It isn’t that we want to trade up, as much as it’s them, wanting to trade down.

What commitment can make stopping procrastination easier?

Uh… commit to not being a procrastinator.

What are five things you do when you wake up?

Thank God for another glorious day in paradise! Scratch your balls. Pee. Shower. Eat breakfast. (Brushing your teeth comes after you eat breakfast.)

Does praying help with schoolwork and grades?

No. God has enough to worry about. Schoolwork and grades are all on you.

Do prayers always work? Does God have a plan for everything?

Prayers are you helping yourself. You talk it out with God, and God lets you find your own answer, which has probably been in your head all the time. More times than not, our issues are really our own making. We make bad choices and decisions. God’s plan is for you to learn from your mistakes and failures.

“The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.”

-- Soren Kierkegaard

Why do I constantly feel depressed or sad and want to cry all the time, but also smile or feel happy occasionally? Is it normal to feel down nearly all of the time?

Sounds like the onset of puberty, or the onset of Irritable Male Syndrome, or you’re just getting old. Males also have their ups and downs. Welcome to life.

Why do people say "you'll see" in response to something they don't want to answer?

The same reason people won’t answer a question but will rail on your answer.

Do any religions have no taboos or sin?

Not that I’m aware of. Oh, okay, maybe the Church of Satan. But, even then, it is taboo to worship God.

How do people trust these days technologies? Why aren’t they using their minds?

I’d love to communicate using only my mind, but a cell phone is a lot easier.

Do past failures teach us anything, or are they just reminders of our inherent flaws?

If you don’t learn from your failures and mistakes you have wasted an opportunity offered to you by life. We are all flawed, and our failures and mistakes are the best way we learn. 

Do stories of successful people breaking through limitations inspire you or set unrealistic expectations?

Not at the age of 70. "Unrealistic expectation" for my age is a hard-on. One can only hope.

“Right now, it didn’t look good, the life. What doesn’t kill you makes you horny.”

-- Aleksandar Hemon

How can I tell if someone is a nigger or not? 

Ask them. Let me know how that works out for you.

Why is my intuition telling me to get into a long-term relationship with an ex? This happened after reconnecting months after a breakup.

My “intuition” told me I couldn’t teach an old dog to do different tricks. I suppose this is why I never tried to reconnect with her.

What does "true lies" mean? Is it true that there are true lies?

Roll playing. It isn’t you, but who cares? Spankings will commence! 

What does it mean when someone says they're not good at lying, but that's what liars say? Is this true?

Well, if they’re not good at lying, they have been lying and have been caught. So, if they’re not good at lying, that is exactly what a bad liar would say.

Do you have any heroes in your hometown?

I live in the Deep South. I trip over them all the time. We’re legends in our own minds.

How do you deal with the fact that your life is a failure?

Failure and mistakes are the best way we learn. It isn’t that you’ve failed, it’s about what you do with the failure. You can quit, or you can try, try again, until you attain your goal. The choice is yours.

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

-- Thomas A. Edison

What are the benefits of being true to ourselves even when others aren't always true to us?

You have the benefit of knowing one person you can trust.

How do people who lie often know when they are telling the truth?

The benefit of telling the truth is that you don’t have to remember the lies. In other words, they don’t know. The more they lie, the more they slip into living the lie. Pretty soon, they can’t tell lies from reality.

Are men allowed to say "I'm sorry" when they are not at fault?

They are allowed, but why would they? Submissive?

Can people tell what's going through your mind by just looking at you?

Nope. 23 years in the military Intelligence field. Not a chance. I don’t even know what’s going through my mind, so how would they?

I am gay. My boyfriend is bi. Am I wrong for being uncomfortable with this?

Only if he’s cheating on you. 

What is the connection between your relationship with God and your mental health?

There isn’t. I choose to strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. God is a matter of spiritual faith, my life is a matter of reality, self, and good choices.

“The aim is to love God because the pure heart loves loving God and because the true mind knows He deserves it. Unlike the accusations and beliefs of the critics and skeptics, it is neither an obligation of duty; nor a fear of damnation; nor a wish for power; nor a desire to appear more righteous than others; nor because God needs it; but because through all love, truth, reason, faith, honesty, and joy in and beyond oneself and the universe, He is worthy.”

-- Criss Jami

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