Questioning Why, Questions, Here or There, Belief, Thought, and Caring

 

“Why?' He asked.

'Why what?' What could I say? Noah, despite you being an asshole, or maybe because of it, I'd like to rip off your clothes and have your babies. Don't tell.”

-- Michelle Hodkin

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Note to my readers:  I don't mean to toot my own horn, but... I'm still averaging 10,000 views a week. Not bad for an always humble, semi-ancient, pie-hole philosopher, writing bathroom quasi-wisdom.  Not bad at all.

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What shall I ask?

“Why?” Without a topic, no one can answer that, except by saying, “Because.”

Does social networking change our behavior?

It probably does, for many. I like to get out and visit my favorite haunts just so I don’t get hooked online. Face-to-face communication is so much more personal than online.

Who is the most powerful in this world who gives the right answer? I will give a gift.

Why?

What do you need to be completely satisfied with life?

True happiness. I strive to make true happiness a reality. I choose true happiness always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. It is a simple choice we should all make for our lives. It is sustainable as long as you don’t change your choice, which would be counterproductive.

What does the saying "You are a wolf in the world of sheep but in the world of wolves, you are a sheep." mean?

You’re just a pussy. Time to man up!

All my life I thought I was good, I only felt and remembered feeling love. But around 15 years ago, I started to change. I became evil. But why have I only just realized? Can I change?

We can always change. It is a matter of making a choice and working toward it. You have already started your journey back to who you were by asking this question. What you want is obvious, now you have to reach out and work toward it.

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”

-- Leo Tolstoy

How many potential [this site] questions are there?

Potential? Thousands, and probably thousands more. Questions are, virtually, endless.

Why is there more passion in forbidden love?

For one thing, it is forbidden. Any time something is “forbidden” it becomes that much more exciting. Forbidden means the rules are out the window and animal lust is in play. Animals just want to mate, again, and again, and…

Reader comment: There is increased adrenaline from the fear of getting caught.

If someone said, "Where are we going?" as a comeback, what would be a good response?

“To hell, if we aren’t careful.”

What is the best response to an atheist who says that life has no meaning?

Well, for one thing, they’re an atheist. Maybe they should try talking this out with God. He is a good listener. I’ve never got any negative feedback. Just saying. 

What is marital status?

Are you single or married? That would be your status.

How can we react to someone saying "You seem like an angry person" without becoming angry or defensive?

I would laugh, because them saying this is laughable. I am anything but an “angry” person. As a matter of fact, the people around me would probably start laughing.

“Anybody can become angry — that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way — that is not within everybody's power and is not easy.”

-- Aristotle

Can we say "I am here" or do we have to say "I am there"?

If you’re there, you still say “I am there.” If you’re here, you can say "I am here." You can’t say you are here when you are, really, there. Wait… I’m getting confused.

“Are you there?”

“Yes, I’m here.”

“So, you’re here?”

“If I were there, you would see me. I’m here, at the library.”

“Oh, so you’re there.”

“Yes, I’m here.”

"But, you just said…”

“Oh my God…”

Why is a man jealous of a man?

The man has what the jealous man wants. Nowadays, a woman can have what the jealous man wants. It makes no difference to the jealous man, especially if it involves a love interest.

Is a guy groping a guy’s ass?

I don’t know. Is he?

How do you respond to, "What if God isn't real?"

What if God is real? In reality, neither side has any “proof” to back up their claim. What Christians say about God, may be what they get from biblical text, not from any reality. In reality, God may be simply the energy that creates all things. Whether the energy is “sentient” or not, is the big question. For atheists to deny an omnipotent energy in the universe, well, that is a question they will answer upon death. But, maybe not. If you don't truly believe, will you be reborn? The questions keep on coming.

Reader comment: The null hypothesis is assumed correct until evidence proves the test hypothesis. So until theists provide evidence for a god, the. Then there is no god by default. The only group that must provide evidence are those that claim the fanciful.

My reply:  Spoken like a true atheist. You can’t assume a “null hypothesis” if there is no proof either way. To “assume” you will eventually make an ass out of you and me. 

Is ignorance a legitimate excuse for spiritual unbelief?

No.

You're at a party and the conversation turns to religion. Everyone around you is talking about how they believe in God. You open your mouth to express your atheist viewpoint and they all turn around and start laughing in your face. What do you do?

It is an opinion. You voiced it. For them to start laughing and having no proof for their own belief, is pretty stupid. Faith is a belief in something for which there is little or no proof. And they should respect that, or come up with incontrovertible proof for their pudding, which niether side can not.

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

-- Soren Kierkegaard

How would your life change if you believed in God?

Life doesn’t end with death. There is an afterlife to look forward to. 

What’s keeping Christianity and Islam from fading away into myth, unbelief, and superstition like all of the other gods such as Norse gods, Greek gods, etc.? What makes them so special?

What makes one think that it won’t fade into myth like all the others? Our version of God has weathered the storm of controversy, so far. But, whether it continues to do so is up to man, and what he believes. Atheism has a good foothold, with mankind, and the only proof will be revealed when we die. For atheists, there will be nothing. But, for those who believe in God and a life after death, there may be salvation. It is yet to be proven, however.

What does it mean when someone says, “I’ll more than likely be there.”?

They aren’t sure, but they will try and more likely succeed.

What does it mean if someone asks if you love them?

They want to know if you love them. They probably want to know how you feel so they can make their own decision about you, as well. You can read more into it, but, at a basic level, it is a simple question they’d like an honest answer to.

What should be the reply to, “Do you love me?” from a boyfriend or girlfriend?

An honest answer of “yes” or “no” would be nice.

What are some things we should not call God?

It would seem that nothing but the Lord, God, Yahweh, or I AM, would be suitable.

“And God said unto Moses, ‘I AM THAT I AM. Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.’”

-- Exodus 3:14

How can a man that thinks he’s so smart be so dumb?

Because he thinks, instead of knowing.

What are some ways of being aware of something before telling out?

Being “aware” is not enough. What you see or hear might be wrong. You need to do your due diligence and become aware of the facts… before you make a fool of yourself.

How do I reply to a married man who said that he wants me?

“Divorce your wife. When that is done, tell me how your loyalty will be different with me.”

Do narcissists treat their husbands right?

Not if they're a true narcissist. The husband must have a submissive personality to tolerate their wife’s narcissistic personality. She is always on top, so to speak.

Is it common for men to feel that sleeping with a virgin is boring?

Not at all. The class begins in five minutes. It might be painful, but, be prepared to learn.

How many wealthy people are smart?

I’d say that most of them are not only intelligent but pretty damned smart, as well. People generally don’t get wealthy by being average unless they inherit or hit the lottery. They have to work at it.

“The Vikings thought they were big shots because they had boats. You know how obnoxious people get when they own a boat. They always want to go on the boat. "We're taking the boat out this weekend. It's supposed to be beautiful. Why don't you come? You never come. You're always working. You know how many people wish they would get invited to come on the boat? And you turn it down.”

-- Colin Quinn 

If you ignore and refuse to talk to someone, does that mean you don’t care, or you punished them?

I never ignore or refuse to talk to anyone, except my ex-wife. I haven’t said a word to her for 23 years, and I’m better for it. It is a punishment that she doesn't recognize.

May we see you naked with a hard-on?

Are you all women? Let me see you all naked with rigid nipples, and we'll talk.

What does it mean if you're constantly bored despite having an above-average IQ?

You aren’t trying… at anything. With an above-average IQ, you should be focused on something. I'm retired for the second time, and I still focus constantly.

Is it normal to be convinced you can never be with someone after so many people hurt you?

Yes, but you find that someone wants to be with you. After my divorce from a 25-year marriage, I was convinced that I could not make myself happy. But, all the women around me thought my wife was an idiot. What I had convinced myself, was wrong. I started dating a better class of women until a woman asked me out on a date. I’ve been with her for about 20 years.

What are the benefits of dating someone who has many interests, hobbies, or talents?

If they include you, you will never be bored.

Why do so many questions with a false or misguided premise get asked on [this site]? Are they some sort of tongue-in-cheek provocation or are some people so absolutely stupid?

People, in general, use this site to ask honest questions they have no clue about, hence the false or misguided premise. People aren’t as stupid as they are looking for a reasonable answer to what they think is a reasonable question. You have asked many questions in your life, and that hasn’t defined you as, necessarily, stupid. Has it?

"The only stupid question is the question that is never asked."

-- Ramon Bautista

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 in 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