Questioning Illusions, AI, Reasoning, Rewind, God, and God

"Reality is an illusion, albeit a very persistent one."

-- Albert Einstein

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My answers were viewed 12,355 times in the past week.

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God and space are an illusion?

Space is not an illusion. God, on the other hand, depends on your definition. If space is not an illusion, and the “ultimate power in the universe” created space, then the ultimate power, let’s call it God, created space. Again, it depends on your definition of “God.”

If you could make one positive change in the world, what would it be?

Peace.

How can I become very rich and wealthy, and enjoy my life?

You have it backward. If you have time to enjoy your life, you are already wealthy. Strive to be truly happy always, and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. It is a choice you must make.

What if I don't want to exist forever?

Let God know.

Is life really unfair?

It is your choice. If life is unfair, you have done something to make it so. It is your life, so make better choices and decisions.

What do you love most about your life and why?

I had great parents. I enjoyed school, even though I almost didn’t graduate. I enjoyed college. I enjoyed the Air Force, for 23 years. I enjoyed my work for the Western IRB, for 17 years. I’ve had the most active life I could have ever imagined. I only made one mistake, and that was my marriage. But, even that gave me two great children. Now, as I sit here, retired, and think about my life, I would do it all over again… except the marriage. I only made one fricken mistake. Jeeze…

"With me, what you see is what you get. Yes, call me naive, but I love life. I am happy, and for that, I make no apologies. I do like to see the best in people, and when someone is nice to my face, I tend to believe them."

-- Joyce Giraud

I always wanted to be a software engineer and programmer, and do coding, but, sadly, it will done by AI. I am struggling right now to get it. What’s the solution?

You haven’t thought about engineering the coding required by AI? You haven’t studied hard enough. Look at the requirements that are necessary for you to work with AI programming. You may have to climb to the next rung.

Is empathy the ability to see yourself in others’ circumstances, or is it the ability to see others’ circumstances (or similar) readily happening to yourself someday?

It is the ability to feel and understand their pain.

Is someone's entire life determined by horrible actions they committed in the past? Can there truly be redemption for such a person?

Pretty much. If they truly want redemption they can earn it, but, it requires them to revisit all they have done to others, apologize, and try to make it right. Many people would rather burn in hell than go through all this. It is what it is.

Do you think it's necessary to be alive?

Do you think? Then it is necessary to be alive.

Will you help me ? Any one who knows who can take my life and build up a hospital for my needy people am ready, am tried of seeing needy people suffering one live can change the communities.

This is your challenge. You can’t put this on others. You need to do the work, in order to make this happen. If you are tired of seeing people suffer, be the change that makes them better. It is a lot of hard work, and you are the one to make it all happen. Bring people in to help you in your endeavor. Giving up your life is not the answer. Investing your life toward the solution is.

Why should I help others in time of need?

Other than learning, this is another reason why we are here, to help our people to succeed.

"The greatest poverty that can afflict the human spirit is the loss of a generous heart. You will know that success has slipped away when your passion for helping others grows cold."

-- Bill Lane Doulos

How can you reason with stupid?

You can try to reason, but they may be too ignorant to understand. It is what it is.

A person has done some pretty bad things throughout their life. One day, they decide to do a complete 180 for the good of themselves, and for others. Is it too late for redemption?

It is never too late for redemption. However, what you must do gets more complicated the longer you let it go. You must make it right, all you have done to others. Apologies, compensation, etc., are all at your fingertips. You need to make them happen, if you can. This is doing a “complete 180” in your life. It is not going to be an easy task. But, you have earned the punishment.

Is there a term for someone who never receives karma?

Lucky.

Is it a bad thing to always want to help others?

Not if they don't want your help. We are here to learn, and to help each other to be much better than we are. If we can’t do this, then, what’s the point of being here? We are here to learn. Everything else is supportive of this main theme. Helping each other should be the next thing we should learn. Unfortunately, it isn’t… in most cases.

Is everything okay with helping people?

Only if they appreciate your help.

Why do people judge other people, against their own bad and shortcomings? As if other people had these same shortcomings? For instance, if a person keeps talking about the same ethical morals, all time, they probably are not ethical.

Probably? This seems like judging the person you think has no morals. People are what they are. If they want to change, they can. It is up to them. The person talking about morals all the time, but doesn’t have any morals, it is who he is. Does his conversation about morals make any sense? Consider a teacher can teach what they don’t agree with. The student will learn, regardless of the teacher’s bias, or due to the teacher's bias.

"Never judge, until you can see through the eyes of the person you are judging, and then... never judge. The grass is always greener on the other side - until you get there and see it's AstroTurf."

-- Unknown 

If you could go back in time, and talk to a person who passed away, what would you say to them?

You are going to die... soon.

Can it be true that sometimes, you let go of the picture of what you thought life would be like and learn to find joy in the story you are actually living?

My picture of what “life would be like” was that life was moving so fast that I had to keep up. The minute I went to college, and then got drafted, my life was in a spin for more than 22 years. When I got out I managed to get a job that kept me on my toes. Now, I am retired. For my entire working life, I was on my toes and enjoying every minute of it. I had no preconceptions of life. I took it as it came, and it came to give me experience. I found joy in all my work. It is who I am.

Author comment: Brilliant! I like this, thank you. 

Did you know that evil is sometimes necessary?

Evil exists because we have good in the world. Life demands balance.

Can you describe your year and what factors contributed to it being good or bad?

The good is that I’m retired. The bad is that Mom died. The good is that I am now the recipient of the “family trust.” The bad is that the “trust” is a pain in the ass. The good is that I like bourbon, cigars, and female bartenders. And, there you have it.

What are deep quotes, from books, that can change a person's outlook on life?

If I need a “quote” to change my outlook, I make it up. It is what it is.

Does God exist in Heaven?

God exists everywhere, always, and in all time. The energy we call “God” is all-powerful. It creates things that we can’t comprehend and have no knowlege of.

“God has no religion.”

-- Mahatma Gandhi

God is fake. Can you prove me wrong with evidence?

Can you prove God is fake, with evidence? Neither side of this argument has any proof, yet they go at each other like cats on fire.

Is the mainstream media lying to me? How can I tell?

If you are listening to the “mainstream media,” you don’t need to ask the question. They are probably lying to you. You should take this as a probable fact and do your own due diligence. The only media that has even a whiff of responsibility is FOX. Both sides of the political coin listen to them. That should tell volumes.

Is there a difference between Christ and Jesus?

Not that I’m aware of.

Reader comment: Christ is a title. I became God through Kundalini.

My reply: His "comment" should tell everybody a story. One, the only person I've ever heard called the "Christ" is Jesus. This being said... Two, is there a difference between "Christ" and Jesus? No. Ask anybody and they will tell you Christ is Jesus. Three, this guy is a loon, thinking he became "God" through anything. Nuff said.

Are letters and words sufficient to understand God?

You have enough information to understand God as much as you can. Any more information and you might go insane. It’s kind of like, looking at the face of God.

What do you call God in your own language?

God. Is this a trick question?

Is there a contradiction in atheism's belief that there is no god? How can we be sure of this if there is no god?

Neither atheists nor theists can prove their beliefs. Without proof, both schools need to rely on faith in their beliefs. Without proof, both sides kick up a storm when it comes to talking about a belief… that they can’t prove.

“For God to prove himself on demand, physically, would be a grave disappointment, and the strongest Christians should be considerably grateful that he chooses not to do so. The skeptic endlessly demands proof, yet God refuses to insult the true intelligence of man, the '6th sense', the chief quality, the acumen which distinguishes man from the rest of creation, faith.”

-- Criss Jami

What can we do to please God?

Be always good.

Does consistency make a person skilled and perfect?

Consistency makes a person skilled, if “consistency” is creative. Consistency, being the same, will not make a person “perfect” in more than one endeavor. A “perfect” person will be talented, creative, and “consistent” in all things they put their mind to. 

Is life an eternal struggle?

Yes, between good and bad.

Between heaven and hell, which one do you choose?

What I choose will have little bearing, considering the life I’ve lived. I will prostrate myself before God and the creating power will have the final say. I hope the verdict will be life everlasting. I have much to make up for.

How can I exist without knowing someone like you?

I have no idea. 

Does God still love me even if I am gay?

Do you still love God? God loves everything He created, as long as what He created loves God. What will happen at judgment will be up to God. But, I think God will have tolerance for love, no matter who you choose. Be good, love, and praise your creator. It is all you can do.

“If you find someone you love in your life, then hang on to that love.”

-- Princess Diana

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