Questioning Why, Opinions, Time, Genocide, Good, and Names

"Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it."

-- Henry David Thoreau

Why am I me? Why couldn't I be another human or maybe even a bird or dog?

You are here to learn. Maybe in the next life, you can be a bird or a dog. Personally, if I had a choice, I’d shoot higher.

Why are Westerners born as clowns? Is that their nature?

We clown around and try to end wars, if we didn’t start them. It’s in our nature.

Do you agree that "questions are a mirror of a person's intellect and knowledge"?

Not all the time. Questions add to the knowledge of the individual, depending on the answers. If you ask a question about a subject you don’t know the answer to, where is the mirror?

The devil knocks on your door. He offers you a briefcase containing £100,000 in cash in exchange for your soul. Would you accept his offer?

Not enough cash, and I don’t trust the devil. I will be happy limping along through life.

When considering helping the poor, do you make distinctions among those in need, labeling some as "good" (those who are seen as deserving of help) and others as "bad" (those perceived as irresponsible or unworthy)? What is the criteria for each?

Too much work. Helping the poor is a selfless project I take on. I usually buy food for the local church soup kitchen. It is their responsibility to weed out the “irresponsible or unworthy.” I donate money and supplies to their cause.

If a relationship started based on an affair, what are the chances that it would last, knowing it started with betrayal, deceit, and destroying the unsuspecting partner of the cheater?

In my painful experience, it probably won’t.

“But looking at a photograph of oneself is not proof of an affair. And asking a question about a type of flower is not proof of an affair. These are, though, the kinds of things that fester in a person's mind until she no longer feels loved; they are the happenings that took us from a place we could have survived, even in the grave face of death that nearly killed me, too, to the place we simply could not come back from. These things became too heavy and too hurtful, habitual abuses in what once felt like the safest place in the world.”

-- Ashley Audrain

When asked a question, do you immediately provide your opinion or do you carefully think about it and/or research the answer?

At 71 years of age, I’ve been around the block. My answer isn’t immediate, but it doesn’t take very long either. My opinion is usually spot on. If it isn’t, then we lived very different lives.

Why does the vast majority of humanity lack ambition and standards, and accept whatever trash is thrown at them?

A bad upbringing... in my humble opinion.

Is it normal for people with weak arguments to disable responses on [this site]? I have mixed feelings as weak arguments are easy to demolish, but I am usually relieved that I don't have to bother doing so.

To disable responses on this site is a sign of cowardice. I move on and shake my head in disgust. If you don’t want your arguments responded to, you should go elsewhere. Better for here, however, is to put your big boy pants on and throw your opinion out there. I really dislike cowardice, can you tell?

My present is a disaster because I didn’t do things in the past for the future. What can I do?

Start doing things now for the future. It is never too late to start.

Do we need another word for "pride"? It is used in both very positive and very negative ways. What is a term for "pride" that is arrogant, bigoted, or narcissistic?

"Pride" means what it means. If you think it has another connotation, you are probably wrong. The people using it, however, might be using it in error. But I can’t think of a way you can use it negatively. People take “pride” in many things. And, to ask for another "term" for pride is not using the term, which is the point.

Would people who don't care about Remembrance Day, or are indifferent to it every year, keep it to themselves due to judgment and lack of respect for their opinion?

Other than you, who else really gives a hoot? It dregs up too much drama.

“People don't want their lives fixed. Nobody wants their problems solved. Their dramas. their distractions. Their stories resolved. Their messes cleaned up. Because what would they have left? Just the big scary unknown.”

-- Chuck Palahniuk

Why do people want to go back in time and restart their life?

Mistakes they’ve made. I’d like to go back and not marry my ex-wife. The problem is, I have two great kids… that would not be born. “Living” is a classroom, and we are supposed to learn lessons so we don’t make the mistakes again. At 71 years of age, I have learned this lesson.

Reader comment: Not to make the mistake again, would you say you will never remarry or just be more cautious to marry a better match with yourself?

My reply: I would not go back. Marriage was a lesson I needed to learn. The fact that I would not have these great kids is a decision-maker for me.

Can someone be considered intelligent at critical thinking, although, they are bad at math?

Being good at math is optional for critical thinking. 

What is the best revenge, I mean evil/dirty to a former colleague, an employee that went out of their way to get you fired, for really…exaggerated nonsense, and joined the ship with others because you pissed off two of their friends?

You have been busy. The best revenge is to do better at your next job, get promoted, and forget this putz. What they did was a lesson for you. Learn the lesson and succeed at your next job.

Why can't people tell that I'm asking questions for them to write reports, rather than for me to learn the answers (most of which I already know)?

You are wasting your time. People are answering questions because they think they know the answers, not because they want to write reports about crap you already know.

How do wealth and power, in general, affect your ability to reason and think clearly?

Not as good as if I needed the ability to think clearly if I were poor. Wealth and power can negatively affect your reasoning. Think about Hitler. The world would have been better if he put his talent into writing more books. He was a lesson we needed to learn.

What role does forgiveness play in overcoming betrayal, and can true love exist without it?

True love will be difficult without forgiveness. 

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”

-- Mahatma Gandhi

Would you wipe out a whole group of people because you disagree with their religion?

Genocide? I think not, unless they want to wipe out my people, because of our beliefs. What they believe is their belief. It is what it is, so be it.

Who is credited with saying, "The greatest hero is a humble man."?

I have no idea, but… it is very true.

Don't atheists realize that God is so immensely powerful, it is impossible to cancel Him, no matter what vile hate they spew?

Atheists don’t recognize “God,” specifically as a deity. Atheists don’t believe in deities, at all. So, for you to ask these questions is kind of a waste of time. They spew hate because theists keep nitpicking them. If everybody would shut the hell up, we’d all be better off. The basic truth is that neither theists nor atheists can prove their beliefs.

Can atheists provide a simple and clear explanation for why they choose to not believe in a higher power?

I am a theist. So I ask this: Do you believe in fairies? Have you ever seen one?

Can we learn anything positive from human history, or has it been a series of mistakes?

Your question answers itself. We learn from human history, whether it has been a series of mistakes or successes. The only reason we are here is to learn, and we learn from our successes, as well as our mistakes.

How can you effectively address someone who is bothering you about something they don't fully understand the impact of?

You explain it to them, in detail. If they still don’t understand, wait till they see the impact.

“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”

-- Carl Gustav Jung

Why isn't everyone a good person?

Balance. There must be balance in the universe. Where there is good, there must be bad. Where there is light, there must be darkness. Balance is necessary, so we know the opposite.

What made you not give a damn about someone anymore?

Her cheating and my divorce. Ta-da!

Why do you think, it is important to be a "good" person?

Karma. I don’t want karma hunting me down to make me pay for my sins. It is better to be a good person than to have “karma” hanging over your head... always.

Who do you take seriously in this world?

Myself.

Do you think it's possible to be an atheist, without searching for answers about a higher power?

As a theist, I see that atheists seek answers about a higher power. They just don’t name it “God,” like theists do. They make up a “reasonable” theory to explain why a particular “higher power” exists.

Should atheists have a unified stance on the origin of gods?

If they can’t prove it, what is still the point? Neither side has "proof" of their belief.

"Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving that there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof."

-- John Kenneth Galbraith

My "ex" calls me Sunshine. And, recently, I found out that he has a girlfriend. Why does he call me that?

Maybe he is being facetious. You are his “ex.” But, maybe, you forgot this little point. 

What is the difference between being clever, intelligent, wise, or smart? Why do some people seem "more clever" than others in similar situations?

You can be “clever” if you are intelligent, wise, or smart. Some people seem more clever in similar situations… because they are. Being “clever” has to do with what you have learned, and has little to do with what people choose to call you.

Is it possible to ruminate and obsess over every single word and sentence and feel like you don't understand it and need clarification on the simplest of things?

I had this in Air Force Intelligence. It concerned me they made it through tech school.

As a leader how can you ignite passion and purpose in your followers?

In a group meeting, ask their opinion of what they are doing. People like to know their "opinions" count. A leader can listen to opinions, weigh them, and make some of them come to fruition.

Is it more important for you to act on your beliefs or to speak about them?

If you don’t have the balls to act on them, you shouldn't discuss them.

What are some arguments against atheism that do not involve religious beliefs or faith-based ideas?

The only argument against atheism has to do with facts. The problem with atheism and theism is that they have no “facts” to back up their argument. If they did, there would be no discussion.

“The world, we are told, was made especially for man — a presumption not supported by all the facts.”

-- John Muir

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

Questioning Punished, Experience, Atheism, Greatest, Honest, and Names

"Power is of two kinds. One is obtained by the fear of punishment and the other by acts of love. Power based on love is a thousand times more effective and permanent than the one derived from fear of punishment."

-- Mahatma Gandhi

How many more times do I need to be punished? I've been punished quite enough, for one lifetime?

Stop screwing up, is a good answer. If you aren’t screwing up, then why are you being punished?

Why is it that it seems the world is over and no one is hopeful anymore about anything?

Well, you are not looking in the “deep south” of Mississippi. We are not only hopeful about everything, we’re investing our hard-earned money in businesses and products. When you want to find “hope” you need to look, no further, than the Mississippi Coast.

Why do others eventually gain any abilities at any adult age, instead of their young ages?

Because in America we don’t force our young people to get jobs. It is a sad reality. Students would learn so much faster if they had jobs to do.

We are not a mathematical formula. Do you agree?

If we are, why do we keep coming up negative? No. We are not a mathematical formula. We have the free choice to be better than we are, at a moment’s notice. Our “free choice” to move either side of the median, puts the “mathematical formula” in the trashcan.

Why is it that when people answer my questions, they keep attaching a link to my profile?

They want you to follow them. I could give a shit. If you want to follow, it is your choice.

What do smart people do that others don't?

They focus. Most people just cruised through life. Smart people focus on what they see as important. They see, focus, pick the subject apart, and then they decide about it. But, if they don’t focus, they won’t move forward.

"Education is not the learning of the facts, but the training of the mind to think."

-- Albert Einstein

Would like your genuine experiences: Is there really strength in walking away from a situation/person etc., or is it a failure?

I have walked away from many situations and people, for one reason or another. I have never seen that as a failure, more than I have seen it as a strength. If you can walk away, it takes courage.

Is baddie culture bad for society?

“Baddie” culture? If it’s “bad” culture, how can it be good for society?

If you could change one thing about your life what would it be?

I would study harder. I almost didn’t graduate high school. Not that I was stupid. I just didn’t want to learn what they taught.

What does “I’m in your soul” actually mean?

They think they know you. Nobody knows you completely. They certainly aren’t in your soul.

Do low-lifes typically know they're bad people and take pride in it or are they oblivious and think they're just being normal?

I think they’d rather be, what we call, normal. They are caught in a cycle that keeps them where they are. The longer you stay in an area, the more you become comfortable with the cycle. For many, they don’t want to leave. They find a way to take “pride” in being what they are - a low-life.

Is the problem with the world in general, a lack of empathy?

The problem with the world is greed. Greed creates a lack of empathy.

“The world says: "You have needs -- satisfy them. You have as much right as the rich and the mighty. Don't hesitate to satisfy your needs; indeed, expand your needs and demand more." This is the worldly doctrine of today. And they believe that this is freedom. The result for the rich is isolation and suicide, for the poor, envy and murder.”

-- Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Do you think atheism is a positive or negative thing?

What I think is different than what an atheist thinks. What the atheist thinks is more to the point.

What words or actions prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that an ugly person who thinks you like them is wrong?

I have no idea. I like all kinds of people. “Ugly” is in the eye of the beholder. For me, I see the “inner” beauty of most people, even those who “think” they are beautiful. Attitude has a lot to do with how I “see” a person.

Is love considered an emotion or a thought by most people?

It is a misunderstood emotion.

How can one achieve a state of complete ignorance?

Become Homer Simpson. No one can “achieve a state of complete ignorance.” the fact that you think you can achieve it, says that you are smart enough to try. This, alone, means you cannot become completely ignorant.

Are human beings anchored by their emotions?

Pretty much. But, where they anchor, every day, makes a lot of difference to life. 

Why is it difficult to be in love? Do other people find it easier to be in love?

Loving is easier than being in love with someone. Being in love takes more energy to make the one you are in love with know that you are completely in love with them all the time. For example, my ex-wife found it easier to love other men than pay attention to her husband. Love takes a bit of effort. I think she learned this.

"You are my heart, my life, my one and only thought."

-- Unknown

Who do you consider to be the greatest person to have ever lived?

Mahatma Gandhi.

What is the meaning behind the phrase, "Going through the process of mourning"?

The “process” can be different for everybody. When my Mom and Dad died, I took a day to mourn my loss for each of them. They were dying for some time, so I was “ready” at the end of their lives. Some people lose their minds when a loved one passes. I think, if you have some time to accept the inevitable, it makes it a bit easier.

Is Satan more clever than you are?

Of course.

Should I "duck roll" random people on the internet?

Why? It sounds cruel, to me. It serves no purpose, other than you have too much time on your hands.

How does a genius differ from a stupid person?

The “genius,” generally, has an IQ a bit higher than a “stupid” person.

What are the downsides of feeling sorry for yourself?

Feeling sorry for yourself is ignorant, to begin with. It serves no purpose but to make you even worse off than you were. Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, try solving the issue that started this emotional crap. Feeling sorry for yourself is a choice you make. It is a bad choice since it doesn’t solve the issue.

"Feeling sorry for yourself, and your present condition is not only a waste of energy but the worst habit you could possibly have."

-- Dale Carnegie

Why is it so hard to find an honest guy?

We are few and far between.

What types of conversations make you feel uncomfortable?

None. I’m 71 years old, so nothing makes me uncomfortable anymore. I’m more concerned that what I say might make someone else uncomfortable. I have no filter, so I have to watch my mouth.

When did being a moron become something to be proud of?

Most bullies are morons. They don’t think about it.

Is it over the top for someone to make a Facebook page calling the person a bully with their full name on it?

So, the victim becomes the bully? Not a great way to live life. Making friends with the bully and explaining to them why their actions are sociopathic makes so much more sense. Of course, they won’t listen to you, but you would have tried.

Aren't atheists scared that helping people will make them believe in God?

If an atheist is that easy, he is more of an agnostic than an atheist.

What are atheists' biggest fears?

Maybe they’re wrong? It would be something if either side had a handle on the truth. Unfortunately, neither side can prove their argument.

"Yet all the people quoted in my last blog say you cannot 'scientifically' prove or disprove God's existence. If they mean prove beyond any doubt they are right. But then hardly anything is provable in that sense, not even the non-existence of fairies."

-- Stephen Law

My boyfriend keeps on calling me by his ex's name and argues that he loved her like he does love me, now. At times, I feel like he is not over her, yet it's been 7 years. What should I do?

7 years? Find a boyfriend that can remember your name, would be a good thing.

Be brutally honest, do you believe in just being yourself?

Absolutely. I worked hard to create this facade, and you’re not going to ruin it. But, honestly, I have worked for 71 years to create who I am. I’m pretty proud of myself. "I strive to be truly happy always, and in all things, regardless of my circumstances." I don’t have to be “brutally honest” to admit this. Not many people that I know can say the line. I chuckle, because not many people can remember the line, either.

Did you deserve the last spat, slap, or punch to the face you received?

The last person to touch my face, other than a woman, regretted it.

Can we talk about stupidity? Much intellect is devoted to being stupid, which is great for comedy, but what makes us think and act stupidly?

Acting stupid and being stupid are two ends of the subject. And the subject sucks. People are not stupid, they are ignorant. I am ignorant of many things. Most of them, thank God, are not very important to my life. But, we need to stop using “stupid” as a description.

What's the main reason behind atheism?

Not believing in a God figure.

What should a person do when they want to follow God's will, but others disagree?

What do “others” have to do with a person’s belief system? A person who lets people dictate the beliefs they should have is weak-minded. If they want to follow God’s will, so be it. The “others” can go to hell. Just saying.

“Be brave to stand for what you believe in... even if you stand alone.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

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 

Questioning Production, Words, Humanity, Monsters, Gays, and Religion

 

“To say that a man is made up of certain chemical elements is a satisfactory description only for those who intend to use him as a fertilizer.”

-- Hermann Joseph Muller

How can I stay productive without burning out?

Pace yourself.

Why can’t we express ourselves without ruining this world?

“I am extremely happy!” Wait for it… wait… Huh… It seems my “expressing myself” didn’t ruin the world. How about that?

Why do people feel that two wrongs make a right?

They’re idiots. Two wrongs are double the wrongs, not a right.

What are the three kinds of lies?

Kind of a lie, a lie, and a serious lie. This is all bullshit. A lie is a lie. There is no making a lie seem better than it is. It is a lie. Period.

Why can being vile and vindictive to others be rewarded sometimes?

It depends on if they’re submissive.

Why do you think it seems, people want to get "dirt" about other people, when this should be wrong?

I don’t care about getting “dirt” about other people. It is wrong. People are who they are. If they like me, so be it. If they don’t, it is their loss. Gay, straight, bi, it really doesn’t matter, in the great scheme of things. If we can be friends, that is all that matters.

“There is nothing better than a friend... unless it is a friend with chocolate.”

-- Linda Grayson

What do words mean to you?

Communication. The more words you know, put in the right order, the better the communication will be Of course, the people listening to the communication, must also know the words being used, or have a dictionary at hand.

What are some things you realize as you get older?

You realize you aren’t the “sexual animal” you used to be. It is a loss.

Why are people so ignorant and judgemental in public?

Once a person opens their big mouth, it is very hard for them to get it shut. Stupid is as stupid does, and the mouth is the worst.

Do bad people eventually pay for all the bad things they have done?

Karma has then well in hand. They will pay now or later, but they will pay.

How can it be, that people can't get any agreement, even though it's an important case?

I assume this has to do with a court case. One of the reasons they have 12 jurors is for them to agree or disagree. All it takes is one juror to hear something none of the jurors understood. A juror’s opinion is something the court shouldn’t take lightly.

Is it possible for someone to be completely free from ignorance, or does everyone have at least a little bit of it?

Impossible. Ignorance is a balance of intelligence.

“To know that you do not know is the best.

To think you know when you do not is a disease.

Recognizing this disease as a disease is to be free of it.”

-- Lao Tzu

Why can't humanity stop having war?

Greed. No greed, no war.

If a man loves you, shouldn't he be concerned if you cry? Even if he thinks the reason is dumb?

Of course. If he doesn’t, he evidences a heartless bastard. Not a good thing, when trying to make your wife think of you as a warm, understanding person… even if she cries over bullshit.

What can't redeem the soul?

Anything but the truth. Only the truth will set you free.

How do we live without knowing how our brain uses knowledge?

That is the "mystery" of our brain. Sometimes we think it is on vacation and, BAM! It gets us out of danger. Our brain “thinks” while we are doing something else. It “multitasks” without us even realizing it. It is good to know how the brain works, but, the fact that it does work means we really don’t need to know.

How do people find purpose in their lives? Is it normal to not know what one wants in life or their purpose on earth?

The purpose on earth is to learn. What you do to earn a living while you learn is up to you.

What is the key to finding true happiness? Is it achieved by being content with everything in life?

Pretty much. We let too much “drama” invade our lives. In a normal life, nothing is so important that we need to lose sleep over it. Even the drama that slips in is manageable. All you have to do is take a big breath and handle it. I have managed to get a grip on life. I wish I had done this before my marriage went south. 23 years ago, after the divorce, I made a promise to myself. I “strive” to be truly happy always, and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. It is my choice, and it works.

“People don't want their lives fixed. Nobody wants their problems solved. Their dramas. Their distractions. Their stories resolved. Their messes cleaned up. Because what would they have left? Just the big scary unknown.”

-- Chuck Palahniuk

Who are you calling a monster? Have you looked in the mirror?

I don’t remember calling you a monster. It wouldn't be in my character.  However, I did look in the mirror, and I hate to admit this, but... I’m the same handsome SOB I was yesterday.

Are you scared that you may not survive?

May not survive what?

Is pain and suffering necessary to have a meaningful life?

Life insists we have "balance" in the universe. Pain and suffering balance out the happiness in life. How you handle the pain and suffering is up to you. I strive to be truly happy, always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. It is a choice that works for me.

What is it like being an idiot?

I have no idea. Ask an idiot.

What is the worst thing a person can do to upset you?

Upsetting me is a difficult thing to do. I used to get upset over people accusing me of things I didn’t do, or they misunderstood. But, now, I let that go as their issue, not mine. If people ask me what the fuss was about, I’ll tell them, and then I let it go. There is too much drama in life. Bad drivers piss me off. They piss most of us off.

Can anyone be more stupid than you?

You, but I think that’s a given.

“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.”

-- Albert Einstein

Can gay people turn straight without God?

Yes. Religion did not turn them gay, so God had no position in the argument.

Can all human beings think and act as one?

No. This is why we have supervisors, managers, commanders, etc. If we could think and act as one, we wouldn’t need all the supervision.

What is the difference between humans being creatures of habit and being lazy?

Nothing. If they are lazy, that is their habit.

On a scale from 0 to 10, how much do you hate people?

One half. I don’t "hate" many people, I may not like them very much, but I don’t hate them. My ex-wife, maybe. In the Air Force, I heard a couple of aircrew talking about bombing another country. I asked them why they hated them. "They are the enemy." That was it? But, why did they hate them? They couldn’t answer. I told them to keep that in their heads as they go dropping bombs. They are told to kill us, and we are told to kill them. We follow orders. Any other day, we might buy them a bourbon. If you hate, ask yourself why you hate.

Who is the most successful man in his life?

The happiest.

On a scale from 0 to 10, how much do you hate people?

One half. I don’t hate many people. I may not like them very much, but, I don’t hate them. Hate is a terrible word.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

-- Martin Luther King Jr.

If religion is true, why does it never correct science?

Who says it doesn’t? The scientists? It is not the purpose of religion to prove science; it is more likely that the purpose of science is to prove religion.

Is atheism fact or opinion?

An opinion, just like theism.

Is atheism a false religion?

What makes atheism any more false than theism? There is no concrete proof of either one. Both are belief systems based on nothing but stories and beliefs. There are no concrete facts to prove or disprove God.

Can our religious beliefs be incorrect?

Of course. They are “beliefs” not based on facts.

Whenever something good happens in my life, why does God counter it with something bad within a day?

Balance. There must be balance in the universe. A little good, a little bad, makes us humble. It is the way the universe is wired. It doesn’t necessarily mean that God is targeting you. It is the way life works.

What makes you unable to trust women?

My ex-wife.

“The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.”

-- Ernest Hemingway

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