Questioning Christians, Wisdom, Judging, Wealth, Communication, and Goals

 

(I find it hilarious that atheists want to "question everything" just like I do.) 

“The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. It does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.”

-- Thomas Jefferson

 

Are Christians the sickest and stupidest pricks on the planet because of their doctrines?

Do you mean, next to atheists? Oh, my… yes.

Is it possible to be too intelligent for your friends?

Oh hell yes. Sometimes I’ll be talking and their eyes will cross. Someone will comment, “What in hell are you going on about?” I think, “Where did I lose you, fellas?” But, because I have no filter, that comment is said out loud.

What do you call a human without humanity?

A Chinese communist.

Why does a man, who has been dating for years, refuse to get married, despite constantly promising to do so?

I divorced and have been with the same woman for 20 years. She is my girlfriend and I told her, after the messy divorce, I promised myself never to get married ever again. I swore off marriage. We are 70 years of age, and we are stuck with each other.

Why are human beings causing a problem every day in the world?

It’s what we do - cause problems. Every day, and twice on Sunday.

What makes a man want to know a woman better?

Great legs and a nice butt. Shallow, I know. But it is a reason. Her interesting character, her razor-sharp mind, the way she dresses, her caring personality, yadda. yadda, and yadda, are all good reasons, as well.

“That's always seemed so ridiculous to me, that people want to be around someone because they're pretty. It's like picking your breakfast cereals based on color instead of taste.”

-- John Green

Can someone be intelligent but not wise? Can someone be both intelligent and wise simultaneously?

Yes, and yes.

What are simple ways to make everyday life easier (or at least more tolerable)?

Strive to be truly happy always, and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. It is a simple choice to be more happy in your life. 

What can make a woman happy?

Multiple orgasms? Some men focus on bringing this to fruition. It tickles their fancy.

Why do people act like reality is make-believe? 

Reality is something most people would not like to recognize. "Reality" treats them poorly because of their own choices and decisions. Unfortunately, they can’t escape reality without losing their mind. They can treat reality like “make-believe” until they cross the line into criminal conduct. Once they cross that line, reality will slap them in the face... everywhere but in California and New York.

Why is my self-treatment always poor?

Do you not like yourself? This is a reason for treating yourself poorly.

What is the best lifestyle for life?

To have a philosophy that you can stand by. I strive to be truly happy, always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. It is a simple choice, to keep other people’s “drama” out of your life.

“You can tell when people are truly happy. Their energy is genuine.”

-- Alexandra Elle

Maybe you should learn to understand but I guess that's not for stupid people? Which a vast majority is

(I did not correct the question. It is in the format they typed.)

Judging is the purview of stupid people. Welcome!

Can a bad marriage be fixed after a second child?

I thought this would work. It didn’t stop her from having affairs. I still can’t understand why she had the second child, if she didn’t love me. 25 years after we tied the knot, I demanded a divorce. I wasted a quarter of my life loving her.

Can I care to be honest?

The option is to be dishonest. It depends on what you want to be known for.

Do people go for a job that is right for them?

Why would you go for a job that isn’t right for you? You will make money and be miserable doing it. Many people do this, and they bitch and gripe about the job, not about the decision they made. Better to go for a job that is right, than to settle.

What is the meaning of  "Doubling down on your stupidity"?

You do something stupid. You follow by doing something else, just as stupid. Like you needed to prove the point.

I’m 43. I don’t want my 22-year-old son to be independent at all. I do everything for him including cleaning up, preparing his meals for him, picking up after him, etc. Is this normal?

No, and he will greet the world with no tools to welcome independence. Good job.

“If you truly want to be respected by people you love, you must prove to them that you can survive without them.”

-- Michael Bassey Johnson

Why do all humans run after money?

I have never “run after money” in my life. I was in the military for 23 years, because I enjoyed what I did. Not much money there. I got out and went to work for an Institutional Review Board. I enjoyed what I did. Not much money there. And at every job I held, I enjoyed what I did. Some money was there, but the enjoyment kept me there. If you don’t enjoy what you do, you’re an idiot to stay at the job.

What do people mostly need daily?

Food.

Is there evidence for the existence of God? Can we communicate with God directly?

No, and no. This coming from a Christian. We have “faith” and faith is a belief in something for which there is little or no proof. Neither theists nor atheists can prove their belief. But, both parties have “faith” in what they believe to be true.

Why does my friend tell big and unbelievable lies?

Be happy they are “unbelievable” lies.

What do you do when you do not feel respected?

If I’m not being respected I’ve come across a liberal. I am respected by most of the people I’ve met, and I reciprocate that respect. But, if you have integrity and can stand by it, what people think of you is of no consequence. I have received comments on my answers from the League of the Perpetually Offended. I can ignore them as they are riddled with foul language, typical of the League.

How do I discipline myself to not get angry at anything or anyone?

You can try to follow my thought: “Strive to be truly happy, always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances.” It is a choice you can make for your life.

“Don't underestimate the power of consistency. By practicing simple disciplines daily, you lay the groundwork for lifelong success in every aspect of your life.”

-- Linsey Mills

What are all meanings, intentions, and purposes?

Communication.

Can it be true that one should not trade their authenticity for approval?

Indeed. Truth be known, approval is overrated. Be authentic before any thoughts of changing for approval. Who you are is more important than who someone wants you to be. Trust me on this.

Author comment: Brilliant! I like this, thank you. 

I have a fear that I know is stupid and irrational, but I'm still scared. What do I do?

Fear keeps us safe. How do you know it’s stupid and irrational? Live life. A little fear never hurts. 

Why do you laugh at people with mental illnesses?

I see nothing funny about mental illness.

Are humans inherently good or bad? Why or why not?

That all depends on how they were brought up, how their brain chooses to work, or their environment. They could be inherently good and/or bad.

What is the nature of reality? Is it possible, that we are just brains in a vat, or just living in illusion?

We could be “brains in a vat” but we would know we are. That would be our reality. And, an “illusion” could not hold the sense of “reality” for so long before it becomes obvious that it’s an illusion.

“Reality is the sum or aggregate of all that is real or existent within the universe, as opposed to that which is only imaginary, nonexistent or nonactual.”

-- Wikipedia, “Reality”

What's holding you back from reaching your financial goals?

Absolutely nothing. At 70 years of age, I’m there.

How can leaders stress the importance of every employee's role in keeping the company moving toward its goals?

Say what you just said. People working at a company are not stupid, not all of them.

Where is the humanity?

Every time we find it, we put it down and lose it, again. Russia attacked Ukraine. Really? What did Ukraine do to them? Hamas attacked Israel. Why? Where is the humanity? We put it down somewhere.

What do you have to say about judging people?

Don’t. What makes anyone think they are perfect? Their judgment says more about them.

Is it anybody's fault when being a human being?

Blame the parents. They could of had an aquarium, a dog, or a cat. But, nooooo. They wanted a baby.

Why do smart people never share their wise opinions freely while dumb people insist on sharing their stupid opinions uninvited?

Smart people know when to keep their mouths shut.

“Smart people learn from the experiences of others.”

-- Steven Magee

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