Questioning Reasoning, Understanding, Right, Special, Thankful, and Divorce

“The frame, the definition, is a type of context. And context, as we said before, determines the meaning of things. There is no such thing as the view from nowhere, or from everywhere, for that matter. Our point of view biases our observation, consciously and unconsciously. You cannot understand the view without the point of view.”

-- Noam Shpancer

Honestly, at this point, is there even a reason I shouldn’t give up?

Some explanation would help. Give up what?

Do good people do something or nothing?

Good people should do something. If they decide to do nothing they are good people with no balls. If you want to be recognized as “good people,” you need to put it all out front. Let your voice be heard. And, more importantly, let your actions tell those around you, it is okay to buck the system.

What is the term for someone who constantly relies on others to make decisions and then complains about the outcome?

A clinging little bitch. Just saying.

How can motivation be maintained during times of despair and failure?

If the motivation is moving along at 100 MPH, it is limping along during despair and failure, even though failure should help them to learn why they are failing.

What are the characteristics of an emotionally intelligent person? How can one differentiate between a genuinely emotionally intelligent person and someone who is manipulative and claims to be emotionally intelligent?

Question 1: Fun. Question 2: The manipulative is not much fun.

I don't want to be in my religion anymore (Catholic). What should I do?

I was raised a Catholic. During my military service, I decided that organized religion was too structured for loving God. I chose to go out on my own and find my own way. You need to decide what you are going to believe. I decided that my God was something that the church was not recognizing. The more the better. I believe in a God, a power that created the universe. It is an omnipotent power that no one can deny, truth be known. It is a power all of us are connected to. And if you recognize this power, the better for you.

“Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one's weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.”

-- Mahatma Gandhi

Scientists want their "scientific method" to "understand" reality. But, what is "understanding", without practical significance and results? Don't scientists sacrifice all practical progress and knowledge on the altar of abstract "understanding"?

Well stated.

What is the term for not being informed or aware of something?

Ignorant.

What is the term for someone who lacks their own opinions?

Ignorant.

What is the term for when someone delays making a decision in order to have more time to think?

Smart.

Do you like nice things?

Yes.

How do atheists cope with the concept of God's wrath if they do not believe in Him?

Faith.

“My One Word provides us with a lens, with a new way of seeing. It’s a tool to train our eyes. It helps us frame the way we process the world around us and what happens to us. And”

-- Mike Ashcraft

How do I know if I am with the right person?

Do you love them? Will you die for them? You took a second or two to think. Are they the right person or not? Will you die for them?

Why would I rather die than be around humans?

Why are you still here? Either do the nasty or ask yourself why you are still here. If you would rather die, then the act of suicide is late to come. So, why are you still here? There must be a reason, and you must find that reason. It is a non-round trip to kill one’s self. Maybe you should think about it, a bit longer. Death, especially suicide, will get you no life in the hereafter. You are dead. That’s it. Again, maybe you should think about it. 

How should one respond to the statement "it's just my opinion"?

“Well, your opinion sucks.”

How can one increase their fear and trust in God?

Never fear God. Be good always, and always ask forgiveness for transgressions. God is a loving God, no matter what religion says. He is the Father.

Readers comment: Fill your life with the word of God, be alone with God for prayers and meditation, exercise faith and you will find yourself becoming God-fearing.

My reply: The last thing I ever want to do is become fearful of my loving God.

Do non-believers realize how offensive being an atheist is as there suggesting that one's deceased relatives and friends are essentially in a void of eternal nothingness?

Ignore atheist beliefs. Believe only what you have in your heart.

What is a respectful way to ask an atheist not to impose their beliefs on others?

It doesn’t matter. They will do what they want, especially after you made your point. Being respectful may work for a minimum of the atheist population, but the majority rules. Kind of like theists.

“Religion is the outcome of human weakness or the limitation of human knowledge.”

-- Bhagat Singh

Do you think you're special?

I am what I am. If people think I’m special, so be it. If they don’t, it’s another opinion. Either way, it doesn't matter who I am. You can like me or not.

Should we be worried about A.I. taking over certain jobs?

Oh, hell yes.

Why do people tend to live more selfishly as society becomes more modern?

In America, we haven’t really changed our selfishness for several decades. More to the point, America is becoming less selfish, except when it comes to politics. Politics makes most people lose their minds or reminds them they don’t have one.

Why are scientists all such pathological liars? Is it because they really don't know anything at all, but have to pretend that they do?

You must not be a scientist.

How do I help someone who speaks to people like they are stupid?

They “speak” like they’re stupid, but they’re only ignorant. If you want to help them, educate them. You can help them to see the facts.

Why does nobody like good people?

This question is a bit... negative. I like good people. As a matter of fact, I choose to hang around with good people, all the time. So, If I like good people and I’m not a nobody, then someone, me, likes good people. This makes your question inaccurate. Just saying.

“A truly good person will speak truth, act with truth, and stand for Truth. A truly good person is not afraid to think from their heart; therefore, allowing nonconformist decisions, viewpoints, and perspectives to lead their life. By following their heart, they stand with their conscience, and only with God.”

-- Suzy Kassem

Would you rather be thankful, for every little thing happening in your life, or decide not to be satisfied with what you don't have, and want more?

I would rather be thankful for my life, and work toward what I want. You can be thankful for life and still have desires.

If a teacher is bragging about a specific student failing a subject he teaches, can it be said that he deliberately caused it? Context: He said that he likes to delay and cull students in his subject. He is even bragging that Student A failed.

Bragging that a student failed, is not the mind of a truly, good teacher. A good teacher will help the student to succeed. If they want to brag, brag about the help they gave, that moved the student forward.

Why do things that I wrote on the internet a few years ago when I was 18-20 years old seem extremely stupid and silly to me now?

You were young and lacking wisdom.

Is revenge harsh justice, even after a while?

Justice has little to do with revenge. Justice is what society expects to deliver to its criminals. It isn’t revenge, it is justice. The court system, these days, tends to forget about justice and lets the criminals go so they can create more carnage. It is a sad reflection of our long-standing system of justice.

What is humankind’s greatest weakness?

Charity.

What do you think of people who don't know they're alive? The roof could cave in on them and they wouldn't move a muscle. Everything is the same with these creatures.

They know they are alive, they just don’t care. If the roof caves in on them, it is what it is. If the roof caving in on me, it is what it is, but I would try to move my ass to safety in an expeditious manner.

“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.”

-- Robert Frost

My wife divorced me because I talked with a woman she doesn't like. What can I do now?

Find a mature woman to marry. It sounds like she was looking for an excuse to dump you.

My ex-wife lied to the police and courts for a quick divorce 3 years ago. Why does it still bother me?

My wife did the same thing. It took me many years to forgive her, and my part in the entire drama. When you can accept your fault in the scenario, it becomes easier to get over it.

What do you believe is the meaning or purpose of life?

To learn. We learn throughout our life, even if we don’t recognize it.

Is this world worth being born into?

It is the only choice we have been given (like you actually had choices). If you can’t make it here, as simple as it is, how do you expect to make it somewhere more difficult? 

Why might a student cry and apologize to their professor during graduation?

An epiphany. The professor was always on their side, even when it seemed they weren’t.

A guy cheats on his girlfriend with me, confesses to me that he can't stop thinking about me, and finally turns me down. What's his deal?

He is full of shit. He can’t stop thinking about you because he expects more great sex from you. Why did he turn you down? He got tired of you and found some new stuff. If he cheats on her, he will cheat on you. Cheating with a guy who has a girlfriend is a sleazy way to get laid, even if you like the guy… a lot. You are looking to get screwed. (Hah! that wasn't on purpose.) 

“Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. And if you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away”

-- Will Smith

 

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