Questioning Control, Faith, Happiness, Miracles, Smiles, and Beliefs

“We can't control how each day will fall, but we can control how we fall into each day. Learn to make adjustments to match the circumstances.”

-- Anthony Liccione

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This week there were 12,406 views of my answers.  

I am still humbled by the readership.

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Is it true that we have no control over anything in our lives, including our thoughts?

You have total control over your life if you aren’t a prisoner. And, even as a prisoner, you have the option to take your own life. Every person on this planet has free will. “Free will” gives you many options for freedom.

Why do people think I don’t deserve to have been born wealthy, and people who had to work, deserve?

It is what it is. You were born wealthy, so be it. This all sounds like jealousy, to me.

Why is it, that bad things happen to good people, and more hardworking people tend to fail?

Bad things don’t have to happen to good people and hard-working people can get over and make it. Someone has been feeding you a lot of whooy. I spent 23 years in the Air Force, working my ass off. When I got out, I immediately found another “cush” job. 17 years later, when I finally retired, I’m comfortable. Bad things don’t have to happen to good people if people look out for themselves.

Why do young adults lie to their parents?

Again, ALL “young adults” lie to their parents? I don’t think so.

Do you believe in soulmates? I believe I may have met mine. How do you tell?

I never believed in them, until I met mine. She is a beautiful woman, many years younger. We love each other dearly, and it is a “platonic” relationship. Maybe, in another life. In this one, I am a mentor, a good friend, and a father figure. This is enough for an old guy.

Is being good at math a sign of being smart?

Absolutely, in math. I’ve been told you might look into music, as well. Math and music seem to go hand-in-hand.

"Without mathematics, there's nothing you can do. Everything around you is mathematics. Everything around you is numbers".

-- Shakuntala Devi

Can someone lose their faith after having it? If so, what are some reasons and ways this could happen?

Blaming God for something you think He should have been on top of. Of course, God has cut us loose, so we are on our own. People keep forgetting this point. If you have “faith” you must hope that this faith will get you through. If you are wishy-washy, well… what do you think?

Will the world ever get better again?

It depends on your vote, and what you do to better the world. The world will only get better if we all work toward what we want.

Can someone who does not believe in God become religious through spirituality?

It can happen.

Is there a way to ‘create’ luck? How can we increase the chances of being in the right place at the right time?

Be there, at the right time. Luck is what you make of it. You can sit on your ass and hope that ”luck” will take care of you. Better that you make the right decisions, and make what you want to happen come to fruition. Luck is what you make of it. Stay on top of it.

Author comment: I like how you emphasize the importance of making the right decisions and taking action rather than passively waiting for luck. It reminds me of the idea that preparation meets opportunity.

How do you personally stay "on top of it" to create the opportunities you want? Are there any habits or strategies you’ve found especially helpful for putting yourself in the right place at the right time?

My reply: You make me laugh, and not because the comment was humorous. It takes a moment for you to think. Take a moment. Nothing needs to be done immediately, and if does, take the time to decide. Screw them.

What if there is an afterlife, but not the way the major religion perceives it?

Does it really matter? We have screwed everything else up. Why not the afterlife?

Is it possible to ask God for help in any situation?

You can ask, but, it will be more appropriate if you work toward it yourself. God cut us loose. We can ask for help, but it is better if we do the work ourselves. 

"If the only prayer you ever say in your whole life is 'thank you' that would suffice."

-- Meister Eckhart

What are the beliefs of atheism and agnosticism?

Atheism is not believing in God. Agnosticism is questioning the existence of God.

Can the pursuit of happiness sometimes prevent us from truly experiencing it?

Strive to be truly happy. Don’t pursue it. Be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. It is a simple choice you have to make.

Should hell burn for eternity?

Why not? There will be sinners throughout the coming history and beyond.

Do you feel that many aspects of our lives are undergoing the process of "enshittification"?

Perhaps, your life is undergoing this process. My life has been inoculated for “enshittification.” I strive to be truly happy always, and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. It is a simple choice everyone should make.

Does success mean that one no longer has to work hard?

Only if you succeed, make a butt-load of cash, and retire, like I did.

Is achieving a balance in life overrated? Can success come from embracing imbalance?

You can achieve success by embracing "imbalance"… but you won’t be truly happy. And, how long do you think you can embrace imbalance? It sounds like "success" would be a fleeting achievement, if you achieve success at all. There is a reason why people try to achieve balance in life. But, when balance becomes harmony, it will make you truly happy while your success becomes sustainable.

“To put everything in balance is good, to put everything in harmony is better.”

-- Victor Hugo

What is a supernatural miracle that God performed for you?

I was born. The miracle of birth fascinates me.

Why do atheists think their hatred matters to God?

They don’t believe in God, so it doesn’t matter.

Do atheists say "I am an atheist"?

Uh… because they are? Is this another trick question?

What is the most human thing to do?

Be selfless.

If God didn't exist, how do atheists explain religion?

A waste of time.

Can true happiness prevent someone from feeling sad or angry?

It will prevent anger, but being truly happy opens you up to sadness.

“Anybody can become angry — that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way — that is not within everybody's power and is not easy.”

-- Aristotle

What is a snap that makes you smile?

A small child laughing. It gets me every time.

Can a person be both highly intelligent and emotionally immature, lacking empathy and self-centered?

If you have intelligence and can handle emotion, and empathy, and not be self-centered, it really takes a mature mind.

How do you address a mean boss?

“Hey! Asshole. Got a second?” This is my take.  I don't need this job.

What is the best way to respond when someone wants you out of their life?

“Hey! Fine. Just don’t come crawling back when you find you made a mistake.” If someone wants you out of their life, why argue? This was my divorce, after 25 years of marriage.

How does one "swallow their pride"?

I don’t know. I’ve never swallowed it. Pissed my Dad off, more than once.

Do your beliefs offend people?

I don’t discuss my beliefs, so I don’t have to worry about offending anyone. And, even if I told my beliefs, they are my beliefs. I don’t expect anyone to jump on the “Tony Wagon” to enjoy a free ride. They must have asked about my beliefs, for me to tell them. If they don’t agree with me, I never expected them to. So, why did they ask me? Just to be an ass?

"I have found that the greatest help in meeting any problem with decency and self-respect, and whatever courage is demanded, is to know where you stand".

-- Forbes

How can you determine if your beliefs are offensive to others?

Try to discuss them. 

Do we all think the same as humans?

Normal humans all think the same, but they might think at different levels. Some are basic. Some are smart. Some are intelligent. How they think is similar, but how deeply they think, might be at a different level. But, the brain operates the same way, but… different.

When was the last time you needed a hug, and no one was there to give it?

Back in childhood. Since then, I have never been needy… and I’m 71.

Are most people generally good and kind?

Most people are generally good and kind. But, there is a segment of the population operating in a different “moral” pattern. Most of us call it “immoral” bordering on “anti-social.” They don’t operate at a level most would call legal, and most of these people are mean bordering on evil.

Can people make decisions for themselves or is it a real thing that they cannot?

I make decisions for myself... and have not failed in a long time.

Can you change the course of your life if it has already been predetermined?

If I want to change the course of my life, it is my life. I can do anything I want to do with it. It has been “predetermined” until I decide it isn’t. It is the bonus of having a free will.

“Experts in ancient Greek culture say that people back then didn't see their thoughts as belonging to them. When ancient Greeks had a thought, it occurred to them as a god or goddess giving an order. Apollo was telling them to be brave. Athena was telling them to fall in love.

Now people hear a commercial, for sour cream potato chips, and rush out to buy, but now they call this free will. 

At least the ancient Greeks were being honest.”

-- Chuck Palahniuk

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