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