Questioning Decisions, Growth, Love, Existence, God, and Faith

 

“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.”

-- Heraclitus

What is a major decision you've made changed the course of your life? How did it change your journey?

I was drafted, so I joined the Air Force. I did it without a job guarantee. I had a college Psychology major, so they offered me “Intelligence.” It definitely changed everything. I stayed for 23 years. When I got out I went to work for an Institutional Review Board, because the VP wanted a person who wouldn’t lie to him. I stayed there for another 17 years. So I went from psychology to Intelligence to an IRB. 42 years of my life in the service of my country. Who knew it would turn out so well?

Does writing a journal make you mature?

If your mind can’t remember stuff… unless you write it down. What do you think?

How would you process the end of your life if you had few days left to live and how would you do this if you spent your whole life with no support system, almost isolated?

It is the end of my life, so what process would you like me to waste time on? If I had no “support system” then I was my support. If I am isolated, then I’m probably going to die alone. If I’m the intelligent person I know I am, I know I’m supposed to learn from this… and I would. The next life will present more possibilities that I will take advantage of, not like this life.

What makes you thankful for the time you have left on this planet?

The people I have met and the opportunities I have created for myself.

Why do you think you’re unique and gifted?

I’m not “gifted” the way I see it. I am as unique as the next person. I created my own “luck” in life, with some help from my parents. You may be “unique and gifted” but it takes friends and associates to make your life worth living. If you cut yourself off from everyone else, who are you?

What makes you feel bored?

When I don’t fill my time with creativity. I like to cook, so when I feel bored…

"Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else ever thought."

-- Albert Einstein

How does accountability strengthen your personal growth?

“Accountability” means I have recognized where I have failed. For me, this means I need to go back and see where the problem was. I learn from the issue. If I learn from the issue, I have personal growth.

Why do people sometimes feel compelled to apologize even when it's unnecessary?

Unfortunately, yes.

Is there a conflict between God and Satan, or do they collaborate to test humanity's faith?

There is no conflict between God and Satan. God recognized that the universe He created needed balance. When Satan stepped out of line, he was assigned Hell as his punishment. In Hell, he can tempt all he wants. Those who buy into the temptation can find their reward in Hell. They collaborate.

Why do liberal men think women don't want love or relationships?

Uh… the men are liberal. God help the children the women are talked into murdering.

How well do you know yourself compared to knowing who you want to be, and what others want you to be?

The decision to be a psychologist was my moment in the sun. I was drafted into the Army, so I joined the Air Force. I always knew myself, and Intelligence allowed me to know myself better. People tried to talk me out of my reenlisting, but I knew where I needed to be. 23 years later, I retired and started another career with a business that helped people in need. What others wanted from me had no bearing on what I wanted. 25 years into my marriage I divorced my “wife.” 40 years into my professional life, I retired with a smile on my face. Knowing who you want to be is so much more important than what others want you to be.

How do you respond when someone says they don't know what to make of you?

“Nobody does. Can I buy you a drink?”

“No one knows what you have been through or what your pretty little eyes have seen, but I can reassure you... whatever you have conquered, it shines through your mind.”

-- Nikki Rowe

Is it wrong to love someone?

Absolutely, not.

When should you care about something?

When it affects you. If someone shoots a dog, I will be right up in their face. That goes for most people, and cats, as well. You can’t think your anti-social behavior won’t get a response. It will, and it will be from me… if I witness it.

Will this day be forgotten in 20 years?

If I’m dead, then yes.

What are some ways to forgive someone?

If they are acting stupid, you can shake your head and forgive them for acting stupid. Or, if they recognize their “faux pas” and ask forgiveness for their misstep.

How did your partner explain why he/she cheated on you?

She had no excuses, She admitted it all. I divorced her, after 25 years of marriage. 

Can a person be completely ignorant? How can one determine if someone is completely ignorant?

Because they act completely ignorant. “Judging” ignorance is up to the person witnessing the ignorance. Some people might think they weren’t thinking, and others might think they were totally ignorant with no excuse.

“Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.”

-- Martin Luther King Jr.

What are reasons people might believe there is a purpose for human existence?

God did not want to admit He failed. Ta-da! Here we are!

Do you agree that being able to find moments of enrichment and reasons for gratitude each day indicates that we are on a path that is right for us?

No. We found moments of enrichment and gratitude. Let’s not go overboard thinking this indicates the right path for us.

Have you peed in a park?

Hasn’t everybody?

What are some ways that lack of awareness can lead to suffering?

People have not thought through to “awareness” that, what they’re doing, will lead to suffering.

Do you need help with anything?

Nope. I have all the help I need.

What are some benefits of being an atheist, sort, and long-term?

Short-term, you don’t need to believe in a deity. Long-term, if you continue to not believe in a deity, when you die that will be it. Which is exactly what you, probably, believe. The rest of us, however, might be able to enjoy life after death… hopefully.

"Scientific views end in awe and mystery, lost at the edge in uncertainty, but they appear to be so deep and so impressive that the theory that it is all arranged as a stage for God to watch man's struggle for good and evil seems inadequate."

-- Richard P. Feynman

What are some ways people can experience God?

Get out of the city. There is no better evidence than experiencing nature... or birth.

What are the reasons and motives that lead to marital infidelity?

She was trying to look for something better, which she should have done before agreeing to a marriage, and had two kids.

In dating someone for almost 3 months, is it okay to ask what things he likes and dislikes about me?

It makes very good sense to get a good idea of what he thinks of you. 

What does it mean when people say "don't get too woke" about important issues? Is being "woke" a positive thing?

No, and if it ever becomes a “positive thing” I will join the revolution to nix it. “Woke,” as the liberal minority believes, is not a “positive” thing.

What are some benefits of believing in God?

A life after death would be a big thing. I would hate not to believe, and just die.

Have you ever seen a ghost or thought maybe you did?

Yes, but then, I’m a paranormal investigator. I had one experience where I asked a “special needs” girl, who died before the Civil War, to stand in front of the camera so I could take a photograph of her. Dumb me, not realizing she would be right in front of the lens. Everything was sharp, except it looked like I took the photo through white smoke.

“Ghosts are all around us. Look for them, and you will find them.”

-- Ruskin Bond

How do atheists acquire knowledge without faith?

In the same way, theists acquire knowlege. Knowledge has nothing to do with faith unless you are discussing religion.

Is a belief in god or a higher power necessary for a better life?

No. It is necessary for a better afterlife.

Can the atheists on this platform go two days without attacking God?

Probably not. It makes so little sense, though. Neither side, atheist or theist, has any proof to offer, to back up their argument. But, they keep going after each other, even with no proof. I wish they would just shut up about it. It would keep me out of the argument. 

Is belief in God based on faith or common sense?

Faith. 

What is more intelligent, emotional intelligence or rational intelligence?

Rational intelligence. If you let “emotion” get in the mix, you could be wrong. “Rational” intelligence might be wrong, but not as much as emotional intelligence would probably be. Personally, I’d rather put my money on facts, than rely on my emotions or my rational opinions. Just saying.

How can the spiritual world be proven?

Die. Kind of a "one-off" proof.

“The more you allow yourself to be ruled by negativity, the harder it is for you to walk on the spiritual path.”

-- Khorshed Bhavnagri

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