Questioning Belief, Atheism, Emotions, Life, and Losers

“The thoughts in our minds are not facts.”

-- Joseph Nguyen

Do you think that people should believe everything they think?

What I’m thinking now, is dicey. Believing everything you “think” is dangerous. It can be a waste of time better spent researching facts.

Can you describe your life, with one word?

Learning.

What is the evidence that there is no god?

Where is the evidence that there is a God? Theists and atheists both have the same problem - proof. Neither side has any concrete proof to back up their argument. We will find out the truth when we die… or, maybe not. We may just be dead.

Why do cowards block responses?

What about “cowards” do you not understand?

What is the concept of purpose and direction in life? Why do some people believe in it?

The purpose of life is to learn. This is the direction we should all take. Everything else we do in life supports our prime directive - to learn. When we die, what we have learned will be evaluated. Then, we will be sent on another assignment… to learn more.

Would anything ever change in life if everyone had the same opinions? Why or why not?

If everybody had the same opinion, and the opinion required a change, then, there would be a change due to the requirement of the opinion.

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”

-- Lao Tzu

Can the atheists on this platform go 30 minutes without attacking Christians?

Probably not.

I'm an atheist who believes in God. What should I do?

First, look up “atheist” in the dictionary. If you believe in God, you’re a theist. Once you define who you really are, you can start living a real life. I believe in God, but my definition of “God” differs significantly from most others. My definition works for me, and it keeps me a theist.

What should I do if my wife isn't even touching me anymore?

Divorce comes to mind. The bigger question is, who is she touching?

Is life really worth it? 

Is death? Life continues on, whereas death… well, it is permanent nothing, depending on how good you’ve been. If you’re asking if life is really worth it, maybe you should do some introspection. Life is so much more than permanent death. But, if you live life to its fullest, are selfless, and always good, the chances of you moving forward are great.

Why do I pray to God but he doesn't help me?

It isn’t God’s responsibility to help you. You pray to God for the strength to help yourself.

I don't want to live. I feel like such a failure. What should I do?

Live, and change your lifestyle, so you can start not thinking of yourself as a failure. Our purpose on the plane of existence is to learn. Instead of learning, you see failure as the “end all.” Get back in the boat. Learn from your failure. Change your tactic. If it seems impossible, put it aside for another day, and move on. Life is all about learning lessons presented to you.

"Don't be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart... Instead of worrying about what you cannot control, shift your energy to what you can create."

-- Roy T. Bennett

What is the alternative to believing in God according to atheists?

Not believing in God. Is this a trick question?

If I say "the idiot", who comes to mind first?

I must have surrounded myself with great people. I have no “idiots” to mention. There might be a few “ignorant” people around me, but I can’t think of one that is an idiot. 

How are you aging on your own terms?

Very well, thank you very much. 

Are sarcastic people more likely to be introverted?

I try not to be sarcastic, and it is quite a task. I am certainly not introverted, though. Sarcasm, as I understand it, comes from our need to be humorous, whether we know we do it, or not.

What is the outcome for those who overestimate their abilities and underestimate the ability of others?

A significant loss.

I woke up inside a wooden cabin, full of air on the surface of Pluto. I am being kept warm by the cabin's fire chimney, and have four logs of wood left. I have to wait for humans to rescue me. How do I survive?

You don’t. The atmosphere on Pluto has already killed you. The cabin, fire, and logs were a split-second wish you had before you died. How you got there is a mystery, but if you’re waiting for humans to come and get your corpse… it will be quite a while.

“A thing is not necessarily true because a man dies for it.”

-- Oscar Wilde

Why do people think their emotions are more important than their ability to reason?

They aren’t thinking. Emotions are in the way of their ability to reason.

What can we do about the fact that all "higher education" is really about is advanced training in lying and stealing? Doesn't that help to explain why the world is such a mess? All our professionals really know how to do, is lie and steal.

You have confused “higher education” with a desire to lie and steal. Not all “professionals” lie and steal. 

How can one partner move on when the other absolutely refuses to let go?

One partner has common sense, and the other is thick.

As you've gotten older, do you regret getting tattoos, and do you warn young people of your regrets?

I had no tattoos when I joined the Air Force. When I took the job with Intelligence, we were prohibited from getting tattoos for good reason. When I left the service I never considered scarring my body with art. I hate needles.  I don’t warn others, because what you do to your body is up to you.

What was the most satisfying display of instant karma you have ever seen?

A enemy sniper, that had quite a list of kills, was taken out by a friendly sniper. Waiting...

Should you fix yourself before fixing others?

When I hear this question I recall airline safety briefings. The flight attendant says: “Put your air mask on before you assist other passengers.” The reason? Two dead people are much worse than one, and I agree with them. Save yourself, before you think about saving others. It is hard to help if you are dying.

Reader comment: It’s funny you mention that. I just finished reading The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. In Chapter 60, Randy writes this about caregiving/taking care of others: 

"For starters, we both try to remember that some of the best caregiving advice we’ve ever heard comes from flight attendants: "Put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others." It can’t be argued against - two dead people is a worse outcome than one dead person.

“Always choose yourself first. Women are very socialized to choose other people. If you put yourself first, it’s this incredible path you can forge for yourself.”

-- Rebecca Traister

How do I gain a life when my circumstances keep bringing me back down to nothing?

You need to rise above your circumstances. Strive to be truly happy always, and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. If you are truly happy, then, where you are in life, makes little matter. If it makes little matter, then rise above where you are. It is a choice we all need to make to rise above nothing.

Why don't people just give others the benefit of the doubt, if there's is no trouble in public, or simply respect their space instead of judging them, discriminating against them, even when they are empty allegations, when they did nothing wrong?

Some people love drama and will stir it up whenever they can, “empty allegations” or not.

Can it be true that you should be a reflection of what you’d like to receive?

Always be a reflection of what you’d like to receive, even though you probably won’t be receiving it. Of course, being truly happy all the time helps. Being truly happy throws people off, especially if you do it always and regardless of your circumstances. You are rich beyond your dreams of avarice, even though you might be poor. It is a choice we should all make to be continuously happy.

I’m 28, with no money, and incredibly depressed living at home with my parents in a very remote/southern town. I want to give up. How do I overcome this?

Get a roommate… or two, a job, and an inexpensive apartment. Other than that, get married.

Can you be smart/intelligent but still evil and selfish? People usually say that smart people are often good and have more morals, but is it possible to be smart and lack morals/concern for others?

Of course. It is your choice to do with your smarts or intelligence, what you will. Of course, karma will hunt you down and punish you for being evil, selfish, and lacking morals and concern for others. Again, it is your choice.

What was one experience in your life that hardened you as a person?

I joined the military. It hardened my scattered beliefs into a simple belief in doing what is right, regardless of the circumstances.

"Boot camp was the first time I got a heavy dose of discipline. It was the best thing that ever happened to me."

-- Nelsan Ellis

How do I stop being a morning loser?

Start waking up at noon. Or, you can try not being a loser. What you are is what you decide to be. You can blame what you are on anything, but it all comes back to you, and what you want to be. It is your choice.

Sometimes, people who want more than they can handle, end up losing everything, altogether. Will greed and selfishness get people anywhere in life?

Not if karma is paying attention.

How do you test the concept of a "higher being," when nothing, in science, supports it?

So, you listen to science? Someone has to... I suppose. A “higher being” is a belief most theists have. They have faith in their belief that “something” must have created everything. I think it is a higher power, while most people think it is a higher being. A pound of feathers or a pound of lead, all equals a pound. It is a matter of faith and what you believe, when it comes to the concept. Testing is out the window.

Is atheism just about being contrarian?

Only if atheists think about being contrarian. Most atheists believe that God doesn’t exist.

What is the purpose of life, if there is no God and if no faith-based religions exist?

Regardless of “God” and “faith-based religious” existence, the “purpose of life” is to learn. From “cradle to grave” we are to learn… everything we can. The more we learn, the farther we progress in our next lives.

Why do the people you respect and love the most, betray you?

It only happened with my ex-wife. If it happened to you, find better people to love and respect. I did.

“Here is where couples often run into trouble as they try to work out their problems, even small ones. Women confront to connect. The typical response from a man, however, is that he thinks his wife is confronting to control. If another man talked to this man like that, he would sound intentionally provocative. Is that not why some men feel their wives are picking a fight?”

-- Emerson Eggerichs

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