Questioning Atheists, Thankful, Right, Lessons, Old, and Smart

 

“Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.”

-- J.R.R. Tolkien

Can an atheist's belief be changed by proof? If so, what proof would be needed?

Incontrovertible proof of God. If you can’t provide proof that they can’t challenge, you have lost the contest. As it stands, neither side can provide this proof.

How can we scientifically respond to an atheist's claim that "there is no god"?

You can’t. There is no incontrovertible proof to offer for either side of the argument.

What are the reasons behind most atheists not believing in God? Is it due to a lack of personal experience or scientific evidence?

What are the reasons for theists believing in God? There is no incontrovertible proof for either argument. Both sides rely on their faith that they are right, and “faith” is a belief in something for which there is little or no proof.

What is the most important concept for an atheist to understand about God?

If you have no incontrovertible proof for the atheist, the “concept” will be meaningless and will fall on deaf ears.

Is it possible to identify as both a Catholic and an atheist simultaneously? How do you personally define being a Catholic while also being an atheist?

You can’t. The two are incompatible. However, if you were an agnostic, it would be more reasonable. An agnostic questions the existence of God, while an atheist flat denies the existence of God.

What's the best question to ask an atheist that they wouldn't be able to give a good answer to?

Prove that God doesn’t exist. The problem for them is that they can’t, any more than a theist can prove that God does exist. Neither side can prove the “faith” in their belief.

“The religious man will constantly look for the proof of Heaven and Hell, while the atheist man will constantly look to disprove Heaven and Hell. And they go on like that, locked-head in battle, both battling for beliefs that really cannot be proven. Neither the existence nor the non-existence of Heaven and Hell can be proven. And, soon they will all be dead. And nobody will know where they go to, except they, themselves, who die. And so the battle continues, as it always has. And why should I join either side? If there is a God Almighty, I should imagine Him not needing human beings made out of carbon to believe in Him. What use to God would our species be? If He loves us, then He will love us because He chooses to love us. Never because He needs us to believe in Him. It wouldn't make any difference, whatsoever, to an Almighty God if carbon species breathing oxygen believed in Him or not. If He wanted to love the species, then He just would, regardless of their own persuasions. And if there is not an Almighty God, then it would not matter if I joined such a battle, either. Either way, why would I join such a cursed downward spiral? The truth that we do know for sure is that it is our responsibility, and it is in our best interest, to live our lives in such a way that creates Heaven on Earth and puts Hell on Earth far away.”

-- C. JoyBell C.

Shouldn’t someone pushing 40 be thankful they still are and got to experience being a young person when the 21st century began? Doesn’t the fact millions and billions before didn’t get to see it, give all the more reason to be thankful I did?

Absolutely! At 70, I'm ecstatically happy I made it this far.

Would you agree that a good witness should also be someone with good decision skills?

A good witness is the person who saw the face of the perpetrator. I suppose it would help if he “decided” to tell someone.

What does "No!" mean?

Whatever you said, they don’t want any part of it.

Do atheists follow a moral code similar to those found in religions?

If they are good people, their “moral code” should be the same as a good code of ethical behavior. I think religion held people’s feet to the fire (not really) over this, but atheists got on board by saying that good "behavior" made logical sense. 

What distinguishes "I need to get" from "I have to get"?

“Need” is a definite ASAP. “Have” is a “whenever I get around to it.”

Is it possible to be successful with both a "fixed" and "growth" mindset?

It is possible, but you have to be perseverant in the face of failure to attain your goal, otherwise, you will quit and figure the goal wasn’t meant for you.

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”

-- Maya Angelou

How does “f*#k you” and “f*#k you too” mean?

One is a threat, and the other is a counter threat. If they manage to follow through, there might be a marriage in the offing.

What is the right thing to do when someone won’t take no for an answer?

Walk away.

So frequently, I ask an initial question, and someone responds with a hate-filled epistle. THEN comments are disabled so I can't respond or ask for clarification. How is this done and why is it allowed?

I think this is handled by a program. I don’t think people are involved. I have many answers that are disallowed, even though the question was worse than the answer. This may be why you can’t respond, as well.

Is childcare a significant source of stress for parents?

More stress for the mother than the father.

Can someone be an atheist and still raise a child? Is it fair to the child to not have a belief system?

The atheists have a belief system, it just isn’t “God” oriented. Both sides have faith in their belief, but “faith” is a belief in something for which there is no proof. Neither side has any incontrovertible proof to bring to the table. They will find out the truth when they die. Although, if theists are right, there will be more room in the afterlife, since atheists won’t be there. Just saying.  

What is a Liberal? What is a Leftist? And what's the difference between the two?

Not much. I always consider socialism as socialism.

“If there is ever a fascist takeover in America, it will come not in the form of stormtroopers kicking down doors but with lawyers and social workers saying. "I'm from the government and I'm here to help.”

-- Jonah Goldberg

What important lessons can a person learn while working with private security companies?

This doesn’t pay what I thought it would. I should have paid more attention in class. That son-of-a-bitch is pointing a gun at me. I should be working "self-checkout" at Walmart.

How does practicing self-awareness enhance your ability to empathize with others?

Being self-aware does nothing for my empathy. I empathize because that’s who I am, and who I was brought up to be. I could do some introspection, but that would only confirm what I already know. If I were an asshole, and were “self-aware” of it, I would still be an asshole and have little empathy for others. So, being “self-aware” does nothing to boost the empathy that I already have.

I feel stupid. Should I change my major?

Is changing your major going to make you feel less stupid?

Can a hypocrite ever succeed in life?

Don’t do as I do. Do as I say. I’m a self-proclaimed hypocrite, and I’ve attained all my goals in life. In 2005, five years after my divorce from a 25-year trek through hell, I chose to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances, and I am. At 70 years of age, I have nothing left to attain but a good cigar, and a glass of bourbon, I already have the good woman.

Why are all good people toxic?

Well, aren’t we judgmental? I’m a “good people” and I’m not toxic. Just because you’re not good, you feel you can’t slam everybody that is. That just isn’t fair.

How are you today?

Try this on, for size:

“Every day you wake up on the right side of the dirt is a good one.”

-- Paula Deen

How much older is too old for you?

When everything starts to shut down, I think you’ve reached that time.

Yesterday a monk said to me, that I'm a very lucky person and said not to give money/anything from my hand to others because it'll take my luck too. What does it mean? Any Buddhist here?

It means the monk was selfish. There is nothing such as luck. The cards fall where they may, and you get the cards you are dealt. What you do with the cards has much to do with “odds” in life. I like to think we make our own odds, through the good choices and decisions we make. Be as good as you can be, and be selfless in your giving to others. The only way selfless giving will take your “luck” is if you buy into it. 

Why do good people harass me all the time for trillions of years to be social?

One would think, that if you’ve lived trillions of years, you would have learned to be social by now. 

Why do most people seem to believe that their lives are worth something despite them having contributed very little to society?

Maybe they haven’t started yet? They know that what they contribute to society has very little bearing on their self-worth. I love the safety briefing on airlines, where you have to don your oxygen mask first before you help the passenger next to you. In this way, two people die from lack of oxygen and you are more capable of assisting the other passenger. If you don’t believe you are worth something, what something will you contribute to society?  

What are the effective ways of aging?

Staying alive comes to mind. 

How do you convince yourself that you know nothing?

We spend most of our lives learning what we don’t know. When we die, we have learned so little that the universe has to teach. In reality, we have learned very little. There is a quote that makes this very clear:

“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” 

-- Socrates  

Why are smart people very, extremely few?

Intelligent people are very few. Smart people are so many more. 

Is faith based on the absence of proof?

Of course. One needs to understand that “faith” is nothing more than a belief in something for which there is little or no proof. Atheists and theists both have faith in what they believe, but neither of them has any incontrovertible proof that they are right.

How many Americans are actually smart?

More than you would think, and there are so very many more than intelligent Americans.

Can someone be highly intelligent but have no knowledge? What would this imply?

They are smart.

What is the earning potential of a genius? What sets intelligent individuals apart from others?

It depends a lot on what they are a genius in. Their intelligence sets "intelligent" individuals apart from others. Is this a trick question?

Since the word Apple in the English language was originally used for any kind of fruit, does this mean that the proverb "An Apple a day keeps the doctor away" applies to all fruits and not just the fruit specifically called Apple in modern times?

You may not understand, so let me explain. The apple is a healthful fruit all by itself:

“Apples contain key nutrients, including fiber and antioxidants. They may offer health benefits, including lowering blood sugar levels and benefitting heart health. Apples are high in fiber, vitamin C, and various antioxidants. They are also very filling, considering their low-calorie count. Studies show that eating apples can have multiple benefits for your health. Apples contain key nutrients, including fiber and antioxidants. They may offer health benefits, including lowering blood sugar levels and benefitting heart health.”

-- Healthline.com

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