Questioning Art, Stupid, Rape, Revenge, Happy, and Failing

 

“Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.”

-- Leonardo da Vinci

What is your own philosophy about art?

If it “speaks” to you, buy it. If you can’t buy it, admire it. My philosophy about art… is that most of it sucks. But, those “gems” that don’t, are worth the time to study and admire.

Why is mutual respect important in a relationship?

If you want the relationship to last - mutual respect.

What are the most surprising life lessons you’ve learned from a hobby or passion?

A mistake can be just what you’re looking for., whether you are painting, woodworking, or on the potter’s wheel, a mistake can make everything fall into place.

Why do you not have any friends?

I have acquaintances, but few true friends. It is my choice to keep friends to a minimum. 

Why are people so deeply insecure with themselves that they try to tear someone down that has done nothing to them?

They are deeply insecure with themselves. They have to blame someone for what they are. God forbid, they blame themselves, the root of their problems. 

How are you being a blessing to others?

I help where I can and ask nothing in return. If I let them know the “help” was from me.

“When you walk to the edge of all the light you have and take that first step into the darkness of the unknown, you must believe that one of two things will happen:

There will be something solid for you to stand upon, or, you will be taught to fly.”

-- Patrick Overton

When do you know you are stupid?

Nobody is ever “stupid.” Ignorant, possibly, but never stupid. I am ignorant of many things, “women” being the largest portion of my ignorance. I love most of them, but my ignorance is something I can’t get past. I accept this ignorance with a smile… and all humility.

Why do some people believe that claiming to be humble makes them appear more intelligent than others?

If they really believe this, they aren’t humble… at all.

Would we go to hell for not forgiving someone before we die?

Mahatma Gandhi says, “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” You will probably be sent back, to set the record straight. Whether they know it or not, “forgiveness” is what everyone looks for when they screw up.

How should we respond when someone makes fun of God?

“Well, you’re gonna burn in hell. I’ll be on the other side of the room. Please don’t follow me.”

How can one define the act of helping others? 

If you help others selflessly, you are truly helping from the heart. To help selflessly, you do so with no thought of reward or thanks. The act of being of help is reward enough.

When did you realize talking to women was pointless?

When I realized she was much "smarter" than I was.

“A smart woman fixes her own crown. She does not dethrone other women from their own glory. For she knows on her own, she is strong.”

-- Gift Gugu Mona 

If you were faced with a choice. Rape your child to save his life. Would you do that?

No. Death should be accepted with dignity. Spit in the eye of the captor, and show the child how to die.

Is sex meant for two people or one person?

It depends on what you’re doing. 

How should one respond to the statement "You are so afraid of God"? 

But, I’m not. I have no reason to fear my God. What I have done in this life is my choice, no one else’s. If it comes time to pay for any indiscretions, I will own up to all of them. Why would one fear anyone, when they have the "choice" to do better? If you “fear” God, what choice have you made to deserve it?  

My grandfather is dying. What do I do?

I would wish him a peaceful trip to the next great adventure.

Can suffering course greed?

I’m assuming the word is “cause” before “greed”? We are here in this life to learn. Suffering is a “lesson” life presents us. Suffering can cause greed if you don’t pay attention to the lesson before you. Pay attention.

How do atheists typically respond to the statement "Atheists are afraid of God"?

Atheists don’t believe in God. So, how can they be afraid of what they don’t believe in?

“Is man merely a mistake of God's? Or is God merely a mistake of man?”

-- Friedrich Nietzsche

How do I get revenge on someone who bullied me and humiliated me?

You don’t. Let it go, and don’t be around them. They are very “small” personalities, and their personalities are usually fake. You don’t need to be smaller than they are. They will grow out of it, or some larger bully will take them down, It is not your job, Everyone who witnessed your bullying and humiliation, knows they are nothing but crap. Don’t join them.

How can I be good at having sex with a girl?

Take your time at it. There is no rush. In the end, only she will care.

Can one person be considered more valuable than anything else? Is it possible for someone's existence to hold no value to anyone but themselves?

If you don’t consider your life to be more valuable than someone else’s, you aren’t trying hard enough to be valuable to yourself. Your value is up to you, not to other people, but to you. Other people have opinions, but your opinion should carry more weight than theirs… when it concerns you.

Why would anyone want to know every thought that another has?

That thought creeps me out.

Caring about other people is weakness. Do you agree or disagree?

I disagree. Caring about other people takes selfless effort and love. If small people see it as a weakness, they need to serve their country in the military service, or they can change or stay ignorant. It is a choice they need to make.

How should one respond to comments like "you are always in your own world" or "why are you so weird"?

“I like my “own world” and, as for being weird, we are not going to have sex. So there.”

“There are people who are generic. They make generic responses and they expect generic answers. They live inside a box, and they think people who don't fit into their box are weird. But I'll tell you what, generic people are the weird people. They are like genetically manipulated plants growing inside a laboratory, like indistinguishable faces, like droids. Like ignorance.”

-- C. JoyBell C.

Can someone be "truly" happy without others knowing about it?

Of course. Whether people know, or don’t, is of little matter to personal happiness.

Is taking accountability never judgment-free at all?

You are always judged, even if they sat they they aren’t judging. The fact that you take accountability for what happened shows those who judge that you are mature enough to take responsibility. To be seen as someone who takes accountability, and responsibility is to be seen as a person with great ethics.

How would you differentiate between a simple man, a good man, and an honest man?

It is my experience, that simple, good, and honest people are all the same people.

How can you politely tell someone they are not as skilled as you, without causing offense?

“Can I show you the way I do it? It takes half the time, and I’d like your critical opinion of my end product.”

What are some good ways to help others?

Selflessly.

Why is there always someone who seems to know more than everyone else on any given topic?

They read more, study more, and listen more. Or, they are full of shit. I listen to those who seem to know more than everybody else. I like to learn. I like to determine whether they are full of shit. For the majority of those I have listened to, I find they know a bit more than I do. I am impressed with my friends.

“The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know.”

-- Albert Einstein

What’s the best way to make sure I don’t fail university?

Don’t study to study. Study to understand.

What are some ways to be a good example for others?

Have a good “code of ethics” that you can stand by. An ethical person is a good example for others to emulate.

How do I know the whole human instructor?

You got me stumped. But, I could be ignorant. What is “instructur”?

Should we be kind to people?

Even if they’re assholes, smile and wish them a “good day.” We should be kind to everybody, even those who don’t deserve it. If we are always kind, those who aren’t might change their attitude. It is a choice. Choose well.

Can you stand word errors, why does it happen?

It happens on this site constantly. I correct them, by pointing out the errors. 

 Are Listenbourgers real people?

Try this:

“A fake European state called Listenbourg has taken on a life of its own on French social media, with big brands including Amazon, national politicians and official organizations playing along with the joke that it really exists.”

-- Où est Le Listenbourg? French have fun with fictional country

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