Questioning Bosses, Traits, God, Happy, Atheists, Creation

"I wish my boss understood that yelling and degrading her employees doesn't make things run smoother."

-- Chanda Jordan

I had a boss who was extremely jealous of me. My question is, why did she hire me in the first place if she felt like that?

It was a head game, with herself. Are you still with her?

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving, 2024?

Life. At 71 years old, I am thankful for another day on the planet. My mind works, but the connection between my mind, and my mouth, seems dicey. Typing seems like the best communication. My mind has no problem with my fingers.

If not for the giver, there would be no takers. What do you feel?

Are there any takers? It would depend on what the giver was giving. There may still be no takers. 

Have you ever been told that you are overthinking? How did you react and what does it mean in your perception?

Yes, and they were right. I laughed, agreed, and told them to continue. My “overthinking” was spot on, and was proved to be right. I continue overthinking.

What are the consequences of believing in fantasy?

You end up in “la-la land.” Fantasy is not real. This is why they call it “fantasy.”

Why do some people believe that God does not exist because He cannot be seen or touched? Can we rely on our senses for all knowledge?

Do the senses tell some of us that God is real? If so, the “knowledge” of the Bible is extensive, and the archeology is proven time and time again. What we read can be bullshit. Our senses need to take the information and put it through the grinder. If it survives, it might be the truth. Facts are few and far between, and our ability to question facts is the litmus test.

“And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.”

-- Anonymous

Why do people view being an "open book" as a positive trait?

Because they know everything about the person. It is not a positive trait. I am not an open book. People think I am, and this is a good thing. But, I’m not. What people think is, well, what people think. it is usually wrong.

Can saying "I'm not religious, I'm spiritual" be considered a religion?

No. I say it all the time. But, I don’t see it as a religion.

Why does my partner always get offended when I open up to them about a problem instead of being compassionate?

You both have a different idea of what is important. You have to get together on what is important before you take your relationship to the next level. Compassionate feelings are important. 

Is it appropriate for an atheist to try to change the beliefs of religious believers?

It is wrong for either side to dabble in this. It is wrong. What you believe, is what you believe. If anybody tries to strongarm you, it is very wrong.

Were we in our fathers before we were born?

Yes.

What would you do instead of what you would like to do, but can't do at the moment?

Nothing is preventing me from doing what I want at the moment. If a friend wants to do something else, this is a decision I must make. It is a decision that concerns my friend’s happiness. I will decide what is more important, what I want, or what they want.

"If you really want to do something, you'll find a way. If you don't, you'll find an excuse."

-- Jim Rohn 

Why does God allow people to fall in love but not always have the means to maintain it?

God cut us loose. We learn by what we do… or don’t do. Such is the life God wanted for all living creatures.

What is the immorality of illegal immigration?

It’s illegal. Is this a trick question?

What's the happiest thing?

Life. To live makes me happy, throughout all the drama that life delivers, to be alive, to be able to deal with it all, is the greatest gift that was offered to me.

What did you learn about happiness and peace through life’s challenges?

Happiness and peace are worth fighting for.

Should we hug black people?

Should “black people” hug white people? If we are going to get along on this planet, we should get past bigotry.

Should people be thankful for what they have or don't have?

Be thankful for life. If you don’t have it, well…

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”

-- Epictetus

 What makes you happy now?

Life. Any time on this side of the dirt is a great day. Revel in it.

Do you agree that religion helps us find and create meaning in our lives?

If by “religion” one means “spiritualism”, then yes. What we think of “religion” creates an atmosphere of hate in most people. To be “spiritual” sets the bar significantly higher.

Do you have to accept the world as it is, or do you want to make a difference?

Never accept the world as it is. Be the change that makes life better.

What does it mean when a guy says he is unsure if he can love someone again?

I went through this when I divorced my wife. I wasn’t sure if “love” was for me. As it turned out, I didn’t believe in marriage anymore, but, I fell in love again, and again. Such is life. I have been single for 23 years, and so much happier than I was when married.

What does it mean to be "too good for this world"?

It is a stupid saying. You can be “too good for people” but the world is all you have.

What is human life?

By definition, “a life form that contains the 46 chromosomes that define a human.” Human life is somewhat different from person to person, once the 46 chromosomes have done their job. We can be ignorant, smart, intelligent, and bordering on genius, depending on our brain function. We can be criminals, or we can be what we call normal.  We can be everything in between. We can be poor, well-off, or wealthy. But, the best of us, are truly happy.

"You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty."

-- Mahatma Gandhi

Do atheists have to believe in science and not magic, or can they believe in both?

Atheists have the same choices as theists do. People can believe in anything they want.

Is there a meaning to life? If not, why do we still have one?

To learn. This is why we are here, and this is the meaning of life. Every life form on this planet, learns, from cradle to grave. When we die, we are reborn better, if we were good students.

What’s one thing everyone assumes about life but might be completely wrong?

Learning. It is why we are here. Okay, not everybody assumes this, but it could be wrong.

Is belief in magic common among scientists and atheists?

Belief in “magic” is not that common. What we used to know as “magic” was finally understood as science. Science has made our lives better… when science follows the rules for life. Atheists are on par with theists when it comes to believing in magic.

Can you explain the meaning of the phrase "life is a lie"?

Someone lives in a lie. It is that simple.

I really hate Thanksgiving. What should I do?

Don’t celebrate the holiday. Don’t celebrate any holiday you don’t agree with. I’m certain that most atheists celebrate Christmas, but they call it something else. If you celebrate a holiday that you don’t agree with, you are being a lying turd. So, it is best that you don’t.

“The problem is that I hate holidays… I hate the whole idea of it… That for you today is Christmas for me is nothing different than the typical week or weekend.”

-- Deyth Banger 

What is considered the most difficult task for God to accomplish in creation?

Difficult? For God? I had to laugh, sorry.

How do agnostics and atheists differ in their approach to forming beliefs?

“Agnostics” question the existence of God. “Atheists” don’t believe in God, at all. Two differing approaches.

How would you react if life was just one big dream, and everything we experience is just a part of our dreams?

Why can’t I keep dreaming of having the sex of a lifetime?

What if I don't have goals in life?

You have the real possibility of being in the way of someone who does have a goal. It is so much better if you sit on a curb and stay out of the way of people... who have real goals. If you're in a grocery store, with no goals, you have a chance of being run over by a guy with a cart.

Is there any evidence to support the belief that humans are chosen by God?

As opposed to God choosing others? There is no factual evidence.

Is it possible for an omnipotent god to create something that even they cannot destroy?

Do you even know what “omnipotent” means? Look it up. Anything God creates, God can destroy. It is in His wheelhouse. If there was anything that God can’t destroy He wouldn’t be much of a God.

“In my efforts to flee God, I will always end up someplace where He’s at, because I’ve never left where He was.”

-- Craig D. Lounsbrough

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