Questioning Poor, Ignorance, God, Karma, Experiences, and Good

 

"Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses." 

-- Kobe Bryant

Are people poor because they're not producing anything?

Like work? Probably. Or, they are spending beyond their means.

What was your most embarrassing moment in front of a female doctor?

In the Air Force. She grabbed a handful of my package and told me to look to the side and cough. The cough was pathetic. She asked me, “What was that?” I told her that was all she was going to get, with her hand grabbing my package. She smiled and told me we were done. 

Where did the wise man learn to think?

At the School of Hard Knocks.

How does a wise man treat his fellow man?

With the same respect, the “fellow man” shows him. A good rule of thumb is that you give what you receive. Life is funny that way. Or, you can let people walk all over you. Not the best option.

How does a wise man deal with his opinions?

He doesn’t. They are only opinions.

Is atheism an attempt to make God subservient to man?

Atheism does not recognize a “God” figure. So, why would they attempt to make a being, they don’t believe in, subservient to man? As an atheist, this would make little sense.

“A god that doesn’t manifest in reality is indistinguishable from a god that doesn’t exist.”

-- Matt Dillahunty

How ignorant is the wise man?

Not as ignorant as the man who isn’t wise.

What is the significance of a man saying "I love you more" to his wife?

By saying this, he is demeaning the love she might feel for him. For all he knows, she might love him, so much more, but loves him enough not to tell him so he feels his love is insignificant to her.

Does the wise man get stuck in his ways?

If he does, he isn’t very wise.

What is the purpose of life if nothing in this world is permanent?

Learning. The only purpose for us to be here is to learn. Everything else supports the main objective of learning. If you don’t learn, you are wasting your time here.

Does the wise man jump to conclusions?

That wouldn’t be very wise of him, would it?

What is the purpose of life if everything has a beginning and an end?

Learning. Everything revolves around learning. Learning has a beginning and an end, and then it starts, all over again, in the next life. We never stop learning until we reach Nirvana, and then, we may continue learning.

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

-- Mahatma Gandhi

Which God is best?

There is only one God, but many definitions of His existence. The stories we have of “God,” may not be stories of the true God. Stories have been handed down, embellished, and told with strength and meaning. This doesn’t mean they are true. We take the stories on faith. Read “Genesis,” in the Bible, and see how many issues you come up with. And, this is only the first chapter. It is a good book, but you have to take the stories as they are - stories.

Why is the wise man alone?

Because he wants to be.

What is the purpose of the importance of time, in life?

There is usually a beginning and an end. Time is the way we tell people how long they have to accomplish things. With time, projects would be finished... on time.

What phrases do you like to hear during sex?

"Yes… YES… Oh, God… YESSSSSS!" Or, do you mean... from her?

Life ends, but problems do not end. Why?

Learning. Everybody is here to learn. Just because your life ends, doesn’t mean the learning ends for everybody else. You are out of this game, but the game continues without you. Learning is the prime directive.

How does the wise man know if "happy" happened or not?

If he smiles, “happy” happened. The wise man is usually smiling, because he’s usually happy.

"Ignorant men raise questions that wise men answered a thousand years ago."

-- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 

Can we break free from karma?

Nope. Karma is always there to punish the unpunishable.

I only meet guys who are only out for sex. What is wrong with me?

Try not going to bed with them. The "nice" guys will ask you if you’re into a relationship, first. This will come after several dinners where you both had a great time. Then, again, if you feel like you need to screw their eyes out, first… head on. But, be realistic about the endgame.

Why are atheists involved in a love/hate relationship with God?

Atheists don’t believe in God, so where is this “relationship” coming from?

What is your opinion on atheist judges making decisions based on their personal moral beliefs?

Moral beliefs are just that, good moral judgments. It seems many people think that good moral character is only the purview of the religious. It isn’t. You can have a good moral character without believing in God. You only have to believe in good moral character. What is good is still good, regardless of your belief in God.

Is [this site] full of idiots and trolls?

Maybe.  And, you are…?

Is atheism just a lie?

Any more, or less, than theism. Both sides have a “proof” problem. Neither side can provide incontrovertible proof to their argument. One side will simply die, and the other side may be in for another life. But there is no concrete proof for either side. It’s kind of humorous... when you think of all the hoopla both sides go through, thinking they are right.

“Scientists are slowly waking up to an inconvenient truth - the universe looks suspiciously like a fix. The issue concerns the very laws of nature themselves. For 40 years, physicists and cosmologists have been quietly collecting examples of all too convenient "coincidences" and special features in the underlying laws of the universe, that seem to be necessary in order for life and, hence, conscious beings, to exist. Change any one of them and the consequences would be lethal. Fred Hoyle, the distinguished cosmologist, once said it was as if "a super-intellect has monkeyed with physics".

-- Paul Davies

What makes our experiences different even when we are in the same place?

Personal preference. Not everybody wants to do the same things.

Why do millennials and post-millennials delusionally think they can “invalidate” established facts and ways of thought from before they were born, generally because those concepts require actual work and discipline?

Well, you have answered your own question. Millennials and post-millennials aren’t real keen on doing work. They have no discipline. It is better for them to “invalidate” established facts than to do the work required to make them look good.

What does the wise man do for a living?

Whatever he feels like doing. Being “wise” does not prevent a person from doing what they want.

Has anyone lost all hope but then had it restored?

I think many people have lost all hope. Some of them have seen it restored. As for myself, I have never lost hope. Hope is the basis for faith, and I have much faith in our military to fight for peace worldwide. I will never lose hope.

Why do you never go to that one restaurant anymore?

The food began to suck, and it got more expensive.

Who is to say if the wise man is wise or not?

Everybody has freedom of opinion. But, the wise person only knows that they have been given wisdom to do good things with it. What everybody says about them is immaterial. When the world goes to “hell in a handbasket”, a wise person will try to pick up the pieces. It is what wisdom does.

"Ignorant people see life as either existence or non-existence, but wise men see it beyond both existence and non-existence to something that transcends them both; this is an observation of the Middle Way."

-- Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Why should good triumph over evil?

To keep the balance in the universe.

How is game theory used in everyday life?

If you are learning, it is important. If you could give a shit, not so much. Many times what we learn has much to do with games. Game theory would be very important.

Which quality or qualities make your friends/family proud of you?

I’m selfless in my help for others. I don’t brag about it, but I think that would be it.

What would you do if you get a chance to fix your biggest mistake in life?

The biggest mistake in my life was marriage. I can’t fix her head, and even if I could, she gave the world two marvelous children. She actually did two things right in her life. My “biggest mistake” will have to stand as a tribute to my children.

Reader comment: You’re lucky to have marvelous children, considering the circumstances of your former marriage. You don’t hear that kind of thing very often.

 Why does the wise man do what he does?

Because he is wise.

Is it true that one person doesn't matter in a world with billions of people? Why or why not?

A single life is very valuable to the world of people. How many people need to die before people see a detriment? The person we save may be the doctor that saves your life. Are they valuable?

"You have this one life. How do you wanna to spend it? Apologizing? Regretting? Questioning? Hating yourself? Dieting? Running after people who don't see you? Be brave. Believe in yourself. Do what feels good. Take risks. You have this one life. Make yourself proud."

-- Beardsley Jones

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