Questioning Death, Dollars, Arrogance, Free Will, Benefits, and Wisdom

 

“To live is to die. To die is to live. To avoid death is to avoid living.”

-- Sunday Adelaja

How can you live to die?

We all live to die: Birth, life, and death. We all live to die, somewhere down the road.

What do you value most in life, if I may ask?

“Life” is my answer. I value life, more than anything. My children's lives, my friends' lives, my ex-wife's life, and anyone around me who has their life threatened. Life is the most precious commodity on earth.

Is it better to study philosophy later in life when one has some maturity, life experience, and common sense, or end up in wild cul-de-sacs?

Philosophy will make so much more sense later in life.

I am 60 years old. Why has it taken so long for the exhibition part of me to come out?

You need reassurance, that you haven’t lost your sexuality. If you haven’t lost it now, wait until you’re 70.

Can faith and mathematics be connected in any way?

Not that I can see. 

How do you live according to your values?

First, you have to create a life of value, you can stand by. A life of value is a life you continuously live. If there is a value that you want to have, it should be similar to the other values you have. If it isn’t, why do you want it? All of your values should be good and righteous. People should see your values and be impressed. When people see you coming, they should think, “Here comes a man with great values.” People should want to emulate you.

“Your beliefs become your thoughts,

Your thoughts become your words,

Your words become your actions,

Your actions become your habits,

Your habits become your values,

Your values become your destiny.”

-- Mahatma Gandhi

If life gives you dollars, what do you buy?

Dinner.

Can proof be understood without belief?

Certainly. I understand many “proofs” without having to believe in them. Santa Clause stands in front of me, as proof, and yet I don’t believe in him. God is proof in my mind, yet I do believe in him. Two characters we are familiar with. Yet, I only believe in one. Proof can be tricky. It can be, and yet not be.

Is the mind forever?

Yes, but the mind might get a short circuit. A person could end up being a dribbling idiot. 

What is a believable lie I can tell my mom as to why I have been gone with her car all night and it is 2:00 the next afternoon?

Tell her you had the sex of a lifetime. Thank her for the use of her car. (Smile widely, like you really had the sex of a lifetime.)

Is empathy “feeling with” rather than “feeling for”?

Yes.

Have you ever received a gift you were sure was being re-gifted?

My aunt was filthy rich. She delighted in regifting things she received, I caught a couple of them.

"It is not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving."

-- Saint Teresa of Calcutta

Do arrogant people have a higher rate of being cruel and malicious toward other people, who are humble? Is arrogance behind every evil action?

Being a humble person, I would say, arrogant people have a lock on being cruel and malicious towards others, who are humble. Arrogance is the seed that grows evil deeds.

What does a bad Internet connection teach you?

To spend the money to get a quality connection.

Would you believe words or actions?

If you are a trusting soul, you will get screwed listening to words. Actions are the only facts you can believe.

Why do people generally tend to like humble people?

Humble people are generally safe to be around.

Is realizing my own mistake a sign of being wise and having wisdom?

If you have made a “mistake” it is a sign that you are still working on wisdom. Realizing the mistake, hopefully, will prevent you from repeating the mistake. Not making mistakes is, either, a sign of having wisdom, or a sign that you aren’t going to put yourself out there by doing anything.

Where in me shall I find the Divine?

If you have to look for it, you probably aren’t.

"All men's souls are immortal, but the souls of the righteous are immortal and divine."

-- Socrates

Is it fair for God to hold us accountable for our actions if we have free will?

Oh, hell yeah. If you use your "free will" to do evil, what do you think God would do?

If God is ultimately in control, how can free will exist?

He is in control of creation, miracles, and giving us our free will. If we misuse our free will for evil, we will be punished. God is, ultimately, in control of everything, even giving us our free will.

Is it true that God has a plan for everyone?

Yes, but you can screw up God’s plan for you by exercising your free will.

What makes it difficult for some people, including myself, to not worry about things?

Don’t take on "drama" you have to worry about. I try to keep drama far away from my life. I strive to be truly happy always, and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. It is a choice. I’ve practiced this for 20 years and it has not failed me.

Will I ever find real love these days?

Are you actively looking? You won’t find it if you don’t look… everywhere.

Will you still be remembered 100 years after your death?

Probably not. I rarely think of people who have died, so I figure people won’t change. Unless you have published so people can read, you will be forgotten… in time. 100 years is a long time to remember.

“I have learned that if you must leave a place that you have lived in and loved and where all your yesteryears are buried deep, leave it any way except a slow way, leave it the fastest way you can. Never turn back and never believe that an hour you remember is a better hour because it is dead. Passed years seem safe ones, vanquished ones, while the future lives in a cloud, formidable from a distance.”

-- Beryl Markham

What are the benefits of being skilled at both chess and poker?

You have proved that you have an analytical mind.

Would you rather have a stable job and family or be extremely successful but have no personal relationships?

How boring to have no personal relationships. I’ll take a stable job and family. For me, “extremely successful” means my life is truly happy. It has nothing to do with having a job and a lot to do with being happy.

What is the word,  for feeling very happy and full of energy about something?

“Excited” at the prospect.

Why does it always seem like everybody is winging it and nobody knows what they're doing? Is it because God is a concept and not an actual being, and nobody knows the answers to the big questions?

It only “seems” like everybody is winging it. A lot of us really know what we’re doing. The fact that you brought God into the equation makes little sense. Whether God is a concept, or not, makes little sense to the first question, and almost nobody knows the answers to the “big” questions in the second question. Again, it only seems that most people are “winging it” when they aren’t.

Is it healthy to question everything about life and one's beliefs in God?

It is healthy to question everything, especially about life and God.

Who or what directs your life?

After 23 years in Air Force Intelligence, I can say that I direct my life. It is a benefit of being in a society that believes in free will.

“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”

-- C.G. Jung

How can someone determine their level of wisdom if they have no knowledge?

If they have no knowledge, they have no wisdom. It will be a waste of time.

Can the existence of God be used as evidence that nature is not random?

If we could prove the existence of God, we would be on the right track to prove evidence that nature is not random. Unfortunately, atheists nor theists can prove the existence, or non-existence, of God. It would benefit both schools of thought if they would shut up about what they don’t know. 

Is there any connection between being wise and being mature?

No.

Does having greater wisdom improve one's curiosity?

“Greater wisdom” has already proved one’s curiosity. One follows the other.

What is it in your mind about 4 am?

About 4:00 a.m. I am checking to see if there are stars out. If they are, I get dressed for my mile-plus morning walk. I do this religiously, every morning.

What are some examples of personal beliefs?

God or not, ethics, morals, life after death, and the like.

“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