Questioning Nature, Privilege, Insanity, Rape, Intelligence, and Money

 

“A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”

-- Albert Einstein

How did you interact with nature as a child?

All the time. I lived a block from the woods, and Dad would take me hunting and fishing. Hunting didn’t appeal to me, but fishing was more my style. Catch and release. I loved being out in nature. Very peaceful.

"If he studies hard enough, he can pass the test tomorrow" Does this imply the person already has the ability to pass the test, but he just needs to study hard to utilize his potential?

It “implies” he has the ability, whether he does or not.

Why do good people comply with evil?

If they are “truly” good people, why do they comply with evil? That would make them “evil” people, trying to convince us they aren’t. Truly good people would never go near evil, much less stoop to comply.

What do you think the reason is, why people today, find it difficult to live without computers, cell phones, and the internet?

If it would all go away, I would be a happy camper. I would need a phone, though.

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

Caring about anyone is a weakness an enemy can use against you, no matter how strong you are. You can stand your ground, but someone is going to die. Their death will be on your head because you couldn’t prevent it. There is nowhere the enemy can hide that you won’t find them.

What are some meaningful quotes, or messages, that you like to share with your loved ones?

Try this:

It Is What It Is

“Reality is what it is, and what it isn’t, it isn’t.

Sometimes, what it is, it isn’t, and what it isn’t, well... it is.

Other times it’s nothing, and then it isn’t anything.

But, if it’s nothing, it isn’t, and if it isn’t anything, it is.

Because acknowledging nothing gives nothing reality.

Therefore, whether it is or it isn’t, it must be,

Because even nothing that isn’t, already is.”

-- F.A. Villari

Is it more important to check your privilege or check your character?

I check my character. Checking my “privilege” would be evidence I am better than others. I am so not better than others.

Does someone really need philosophy to lead a good life? What do you think?

Not really. But, those who think they don’t, probably have a philosophy of life they live by.

What are the values of social work?

You can see people for what they think they are, and then you see them as they really are. They may not be aware of who they really are.

Do women suffer romantic loneliness more deeply than men?

Indeed.

Is it manipulative to be blamed for “creating fights” because you said something the other person didn’t like, and you were not mean or harsh or yelling or anything like that?

Someone is manipulating you into a fight you don’t want to have, because of something they took umbrage at. You should apologize.

Why does it feel good to look down on others sometimes?

If I look down on others, it only feels good if I see how I can raise them up.

“You can throw a seed away, but, you can’t stop it from growing into a tree.”

-- Michael Bassey Johnson

Are you really speaking to people that have passed on, or are you just completely mad?

Who says those who have passed can’t hear you? I talk to my Mom and Dad, now and then. I don’t think I’m completely mad.

Can atheists have morals and ethics without religion and belief in God?

Yes.

What is the true truth?

The “truth” is the only truth worth listening to. Anything but the truth is not the truth. It is up to all of us to fact-check everything someone says is the truth. If you choose not to, you risk believing the bullshit they shovel toward you. Belief without checking the facts is all on you, not them. Don’t try to shift the blame, because you didn’t take the time to check the facts.

What makes something a good idea?

If it’s an idea, and if it’s good. That has all the earmarks of a “good idea.”

Today I helped a poor person by giving money and afterwards, I saw two employees who were heinous and malicious talking behind my back. Why are people so immoral and evil against people who do good and criticize them?

Ignore those who criticize your efforts to do good. They are the ones with the problem, not you. If they talk behind your back, call them down for it. Tell them that only cowards refuse to address the subject of their focus.

Why do people post lies, and then delete comments proving the lie?

Sounds like liberals. "Truth" seems to have no meaning for them.

“The reason I talk to myself is because I’m the only one whose answers I accept.”

-- George Carlin

Did Balaam end up raping the donkey for talking out of turn?

Balaam raped a donkey. This is evidence that Balaam is one sick puppy. It matters little whether the donkey talked out of turn. The donkey didn’t need to be raped for it. Balaam needs some psych counseling.

What does "f#@k" mean?

Sexual intercourse. Ta-da! So, be careful who you say it to.

What reasons do atheists have for rejecting faith as a source of knowledge?

If they have a source of knowledge, they don’t need to accept “religious” faith to accept the knowledge being offered. If they do this, they are “cutting off their nose to spite their face.” This is never a good idea. Many archaeological dig locations have only been described in Holy Scripture. An “atheist” archeologist would have little work in the Middle East if this were the case.

Should a woman's sexual past be held against her?

Should a man’s? Very few people have a leg to stand on, concerning the truth.

Is there a significant relationship between a person's IQ and their ability to achieve self-development, such as increasing self-confidence and self-esteem (aside from other factors)?

I think self-confidence and self-esteem have little to do with a person’s intelligence. I’m sure that people probably think this, but it is a “choice” to believe in yourself.

Is atheism a natural belief or is it taught?

It can be either.

“Isn't it enough to see that a garden is beautiful without having to believe that there are fairies at the bottom of it too?”

-- Douglas Adams

Is being pretentious, ignorant, and obnoxious traits of intellectualism?

All but "ignorance" I think. Ignorance is when the intellectuals act pretentious and obnoxious. When they do this, they show their ass.

Has a girl said “who I am for you”?

Don’t I wish…

Do you believe that we have to respect others' opinions?

I believe we should “respect” other people’s opinions. Having said this, you don’t have to agree with their opinion. If we agreed with everybody, there would be no need for discussion and debate. The world would be boring. 

What makes you think you can add or take away anything to my value?

If you won’t accept what I might add or subtract, then... why should I waste time on you?

 Does the atheist religion believe you should "love your enemies"?

Atheists don’t believe in religion, but they can believe in loving their enemies. It is a choice.

How can one respond to the statement, "Atheism has not been proven."?

“Neither has theism."

"Neither the atheists nor theists can prove their beliefs. It would be better if both shut up."

-- F.A. Villari

How would you feel about a woman who hasn't had sex with you since early May, nor hasn't talked to you in a while, asking to borrow money from you out of the blue?

Sex is immaterial. Not knowing why she needs money, I’d say no, without an explanation.

What are some examples of absolute truths?

“It is absolutely raining.”
“It is absolutely morning”
“It is absolutely nighttime.”
“He is absolutely dead.”
And, my favorite: “If you eat rancid meat you will become absolutely sick.”

My wife doesn’t seem interested in sex. What am I doing wrong?

Why did both of you agree to marry?

I'm an atheist. Can I say I'm sinless?

You can say whatever you want, but sin crosses all boundaries. If an atheist steals, they have sinned. If they murder, they have sinned, and so on. Not sin against religious tenets, but against humanity’s laws.

Do people tend to believe things that make them feel better, regardless of their truthfulness?

Yep, but they’ll never admit it.

Is love truly not fair?

Love is not necessarily fair between two people. However, true love between two people can be fair if they are true friends. True friendship, in love, can trump almost anything.

“Fair means everyone gets what they need. And the only way to get what you need is to make it happen yourself.”

-- Rick Riordan

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