Questioning Stories, Attitudes, Targets, Emotions, Atheists, and Self-Hate

 

“Stories you read when you're the right age never quite leave you. You may forget who wrote them or what the story was called. Sometimes you'll forget precisely what happened, but if a story touches you it will stay with you, haunting the places in your mind that you rarely ever visit.”

-- Neil Gaiman

Does every story have a lesson?

Most stories are seen as simply entertaining. But, when you pick them apart… I’ll be damned… there’s a lesson hidden in there. I think most stories have a lesson, intentional or not.

I don’t know what would be the consequences of my actions, so I do it to find out. What can I do alternatively?

Ask the question of someone you know has better sense than you’ve shown.

What is with the rise of online vigilantes taking matters into their own hands and labeling everybody their "enemy" and therefore needing to be destroyed?

Who cares? They’re online, so they’re idiots thinking they make some difference to people who pay attention to them. I don’t. I ignore obvious ignorance. I recommend everybody follow suit.

Why do you have to pay to be harmed?

Everything is about money or compensation, even being harmed.

Is money & reputation the main reason why “the customer is always right”?

Yes. Most customers are idiots. It doesn’t take much to make them think they’re right. If you “suck up” the right way, the business makes some money.

An ex-friend told a disgusting lie about me to my entire class in front of me. At that moment I just froze didn't know what to do etc. But after thinking about it I have some serious dirt on her. When is the time to spill it?

You should have called them down, in front of the entire class, when they told the lie. To do the same despicable garbage they did to you, make you no better than they are. The best thing you can do is tell people who care that they are an ex-friend, and spreading lies is why. Be the bigger person and let karma take care of them for you.

“Things come apart so easily when they have been held together with lies.”

-- Dorothy Allison

How can you improve your attitude if a teacher tells you they don't like it?

Improve your attitude. The teacher is an idiot, probably trying to indoctrinate you.

I didn’t get to college. I’m a f*ck up. What do I do now?

It is what it is until it isn’t. I joined the military, and it straightened me out. Or, you can continue to be what you are. It is a choice. Maybe it's time you made a better one.

Why did I say things I didn’t say?

If you didn’t say them, the question makes no sense… unless your memory is total shit. 

What is the difference between being nice and being kind? Why do people use these terms interchangeably?

First of all, people don’t have a clue. Being “nice” is saying, “Good morning!” Being “kind” is holding the door open for an invalid. Words or actions are the difference.

How should one respond when asked why they are honest?

Honestly.

Why can I not find the difference between thoughts and real life?

Because there is no difference. If you have a thought, the thought is real life. Your thought may deal with fantasy, but the thought is a real thing, even if what you thought about was not. So, what you need to do is separate your real thoughts into what is fantasy and what is tangible. 

“Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she'll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her. So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit!”

-- Erick S. Gray

What personality traits make someone an easy target for being taken advantage of or used by others?

Gullibility, and trusting everyone.

Why do you need quality friends than quantity?

Anybody you bump into can be a potential “friend” by definition. Having friends who truly care about you, however, is rare and precious. These are the friends to be cherished.

Why do people often say negative things about others who are not present?

If the target was present, the naysayer would probably be bitch-slapped.

Is happiness what you make it?

Happiness is what you make of it. It is a choice you must make for your life. Strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances.

What did Jesus do during his “lost years”?

He was in Tibet, at a monastery, learning healing and the power of the mind.

What does religion mean to you personally?

Control and hidden agendas. We take money from the poor and build cathedrals to worship God. Why? Jesus taught from wherever he was.

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

-- Matthew 18:20

What is the difference between feeling loved and wanting to be loved? How can one distinguish between these two emotions?

Really? Think about this. One is wanting, and one is doing. Ta-da!

What makes you happy in general?

Every morning when I wake up, is a great morning to celebrate being alive. Any day on this side of the dirt is a great day to get things done.

What love do I choose?

True love.

Are you currently or have you ever been deeply religious?

I was “religious” before I became spiritual. I learned to be critical of organized religion and its control and hidden agendas. I have my definition of God and my definition of the afterlife, and I have been truly happy ever since.

How do I break up with my boyfriend? I don’t really want to say it face to face.

So, you are a coward. Grow up. You want this, so you need to do this face-to-face.

What makes "Why?" one of the hardest questions to answer?

This is the question of all questions. It is hard to answer because it contains no context. A question without some context can’t be truthfully answered. You can answer it by stating, “Because.” But, this “answer” is not an answer any more than “Why?” is an understandable question. We need some context to make them understandable.

"Why, you ask? Because, I answer. Inadequate yet true."

-- Libba Bray

Where do atheists go when they die?

The graveyard. That’s it.

What would improve your life?

At 70 years of age? A much younger woman… with no inhibitions. Okay, that’s the “old guy” answer. I’m pretty happy where I am in life. I have a good woman and spending cash. Anything else would just add drama where it isn’t needed.

Can rich people be good Christians?

Yes, if they are selfless, good, and giving.

Should we ascribe many of the human developments to certain religions?

Where do you suggest we put “online porn” to? I think we can call this a wash. Everybody has had an equal shot at glory, including religions. Since we don’t report to the Pope anymore, religion has taken a backseat.

How has God's law changed between the Old and New Testaments? Does this reflect on His loving nature?

You want answers from the Bible, written by men with agendas. I’m not sure it reflects much truth.

What are the main arguments used by atheists and believers in God? Which one is considered more powerful and why?

Neither side has an incontrovertible argument for or against it. “Faith” is simply a belief in something for which there is little or no proof. Both sides have “faith” in their belief, but neither side has any solid proof to back it up. Theists pad their bet on an afterlife. Atheists, well… if theists are right, there will be more room at the inn.

“Prayer is not an argument with God to persuade him to move things our way, but an exercise by which we are enabled by his Spirit to move ourselves his way.”

-- Leonard Ravenhill 

Are atheists projecting their own self-hate onto God?

Atheists, by definition, don’t believe there is a God. So, if they project their “own self-hate” onto God, isn’t that recognizing God? Maybe the question needs to be tweaked a bit. 

How come whenever I pray, it never works?

You are asking for what you already have. You haven’t made use of it.

Do people who pray believe they can influence gods?

No, they believe they can influence themselves. God gave man everything they needed to move forward righteously. It is up to man to make use of what he has. Prayer is a way to thank God for the opportunity.

Why do you believe that God is not here?

Depending on your definition of “God,” the omnipotent power could be all around us.

How can humans kill God?

Well, someone’s going to hell. Best of luck trying to kill an omnipotent power. My money is on the power, not on the puny humans.

How can one overcome a lack of confidence, fear, self-consciousness, or anxiety when trying something new? Do you have any advice on regaining confidence after already attempting it once?

Yes! Attempt it again, and again, and again, until you attain your goal. Every time you try, you learn something new, gain more confidence, and lose anxiety. Sooner or later, you will attain the goal. Or, you can quit.  Your choice.

“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

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