Questioning Wealth, Gender, Faiure, Behavior, Sex, and Company

 

“I think that, people are people. That's why the way I treat the lady working in the deli who slices my ham is the same way I treat my friend who drives a Chrysler. That's why the way I treat the guy who packs my groceries is the same way I treat my rich friends. Because people are people. Some are rich and some are poor, and they're all people.”

-- C. JoyBell C.

Why is there such a huge divide between the rich and the poor?

I’ll bet it has to do with money.

Why do some atheists choose not to discuss the topic of God?

Why discuss what you don’t believe in? It is a waste of time better spent on reality. Neither theists nor atheists have any proof of their argument. If you have no proof, then, why get into a discussion? It makes no sense.

Why are there about 10 people on Earth who are truly open-minded compared to everyone else?

I’ll bet there are more. I mean, 10 people? Really? On the entire planet?

Are religious people stupid or smart?

They are the same as non-religious people. Some are smart and some are ignorant. You can’t segregate people to make an argument seem intelligent. It just doesn’t work, especially when it comes to a subject that neither atheists nor theists have any proof to back up their beliefs.

Who is a religious atheist?

That is an oxymoron unless you consider Buddhists.

Reader comment: Many Buddhists (one of the largest religions in the world) are atheists… so, no it isn't an oxymoron, just facts. 

My reply: Buddhism is more of a philosophy of life than it is a “religion,” per se. But, I will relent.

How would you respond to someone who says, "Atheists fear God"?

Why would atheists fear who they don’t believe in? The statement makes no sense, especially to atheists.

“That which can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.”

-- Christopher Hitchens

Would you in a university share a room with the opposite gender?

Oh, hell yes! But, only if she agrees.

Am I bad to want revenge? I feel like I’ve always been letting people do me wrong, and now I am tired.

Revenge is always wrong. Karma will take care of them now or down the road. Pay attention to not letting people do you wrong, that way you don’t have to think about revenge for what you let happen.

Who’s someone you know who has too much time on your hands?

My girlfriend.

Why am I not allowed to give up fighting when it's been eating up my energy?

Are you someone’s slave? Who is not allowing you to take care of yourself? If you aren’t someone’s slave, you have a “free will” to do what you must.

What are some reasons why people may ask for more than they are worth?

Unreasonable greed. 

Who is credited with saying the quote, "The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, but belief."?

It is this:

“The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.”

-- Daniel Boorstin

Does failing make people purposely hate you? If yes. What names do they call you?

“Failing” is life telling you to do better. It is a problem that you need to pay attention to. I don’t care what people call me, or if they hate me. Focussing on the problem is the only thing I need to do. What other people do or say, says more about them than it does about me. I will still be on the problem while they are still finding fault. It is what it is.

What's the nicest surprise you got while traveling?

I was in the Air Force, returning from Sicily, and the flight attendant said there was an extra first-class seat. I flew to the U.S. in style.

I'm over my ex now, and I want to make him jealous so he knows what he's missing. What do I do?

Let it go. Enjoy your new life. 

Does having more suffering or difficulties in life, make you more grateful, or does it make you bitter?

Suffering and difficulties are a minor part of life. They remind you that shit happens, and it is usually your fault. You take what life gives you. You smile, say thank you, and continue on your way. Anything else propagates drama, and there is way too much of that already. 

If you could only have one trait in a partner-honesty or loyalty-which would you choose and why?

Honesty. If they are disloyal, they will admit to it… because they are honest.

How do I let people go when they want to, and not chase or push situations, believing I can fix the problem in our relationship (whether friendly or romantic)? I get in this rut too often.

So stop. You aren’t a “fix-all” to problems, even if they are yours. It is what it is. We are here in this life to learn from issues that crop up. Learn, not necessarily fix. Learn where things went wrong and try not to do the same thing next time.

“Letting go means to come to the realization that some people are a part of your history, but not a part of your destiny.”

-- Steve Maraboli

What are 5 critical factors that may contribute to young people deciding to engage in risky behaviors?

Peer pressure, bad critical thinking, having no filter, bad parenting, and an uncontrollable ego.

What is something India has that everyone wants? And Why?

Rubies. A king’s ransom. Some of the best.

Which is greater, a human being or religion?

Without human beings, there would be no religion. So, human beings are greater than religion, if you’re a theist. If you’re an atheist, on the other hand, they don’t recognize religion, so, again, humans are greater. 

How do Chinese men keep their wives?

Under their thumb.

As a man, why do you love your wife?

I loved my wife because I thought she was special. I hate being right most of the time. She was special at getting under my skin. She was special at finding ways not to love me. She was special to so many other people. Again, I hate being right, most of the time. I still love her, it is a switch I can’t turn off. I just can’t be around her, for obvious reasons.

How many idiots can you fit in one basket?

It depends on the size of the basket.

“To every rule, there is an exception - and an idiot ready to demonstrate it. Don't be the one!”

-- Vera Nazarian

What would you like to see me do to your wife?

At this point in my life, I could really give a shit.

Can you explain the concept of a partner in a marriage?

They are invested, as you are, in making the marriage pay dividends. They are your best friend and your equal. And, whenever one of you dies, the world will come crashing down. You are each other’s right hand, and if it’s gone… 

Was sex as good as you expected?

Better. 

Should we start getting rid of atheists for a better society?

No. They are the balance in a world with many “God” theories. They create a discussion where no discussion would be. Atheists create more room in the afterlife, where no room would exist if we all believed in a God.

Dominants, what are your expectations of your submissives?

To be submissive. It isn’t rocket science. I say and you do.

Why does the sin of atheism outweigh all others?

It is only a “sin” to theists. It “outweighs all others” because it denies God. And denying God, well, when you die, that’s it… unless God wants you to know you’re wrong, and will make you pay the price for denying Him.

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

-- Friedrich Nietzsche

Why does no one enjoy my company?

The only way I wouldn’t enjoy your company is if you’re an asshole.

Who are the most hate-filled people you know, and how do they express that hate?

Atheists. They express that hate through long rants full of colorful epitaphs. The problem is, that neither theists nor atheists have an incontrovertible argument they can prove.

How do I check my wife?

Do you see your middle finger?

What should a man sacrifice for his wife or girlfriend?

His love for any other woman he has targeted. He has to give up any other romantic tryst that he might be open to or might consider in the future. This is what he should sacrifice. But, it doesn’t always work out that way. Both parties are usually players.

Would you allow your wife to have an affair?

What do you mean by allow? My “ex” did what she wanted.

In your opinion, who deserves respect and how much should they be given?

I will give the same respect I get, regardless of their ideology. If they are stuck up, I can math their effort. If they think they are better than me, they had better be. I will follow military and political courtesy, to the point when they think they are better, then, all bets are off.

“I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.”

-- Albert Einstein

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