Faith, Gamble, Other, Liars, Equations, and God

 

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A page of short answers.

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Why do you consider faith a cognitive vice?

I don’t. Having faith is something I grew up with.

How much responsibility do we have for our own fate?

Your life is yours to do with whatever you want. Your “fate” is in your hands.

Is life and destiny in our life already fixed by birth?

No. Your life and destiny are yours to do with what you want.

Can obsession with a specific goal limit your ability to enjoy the journey toward it?

I have no idea. I don’t obsess. Obsession causes me to have "drama." This is not a good thing.

Why can't slavery and freedom be defined?

Where do you live? In the United States, it has been defined since I was a child.

What do you do if every second in life is a colossal gamble?

Put all your money on success. Screw the gamble. It is your life, so live it.

“Life is a gamble. You can get hurt, but people die in plane crashes, lose their arms and legs in car accidents; people die every day. Same with fighters: some die, some get hurt, some go on. You just don't let yourself believe it will happen to you.”

-- Muhammad Ali

Am I the only one who wishes that I was never born?

There is a solution to that. The majority of us make the most out of our lives.

Is being humble a sign of wisdom?

It can be.

What matters more, good choices or good plans?

Good choices. You can plan once you have a good choice.

Is being unassuming a bad thing?

It depends.

What happens if you’re not humble?

You are something else. But, shit happens to the best of us. 

Can a person be both humble and arrogant at the same time?

No. You are either one or the other, or something else.

"It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit."

-- Harry S. Truman

How do you know when you know yourself?

You can never totally know yourself.

Are you trying to take the piss?

Are you standing in front of me?

Is it best to be totally honest?

If you are “totally honest” you don’t have to remember your dishonest moments.

Why don’t I want to hang out with my family?

Some families are boring.

What if Allah is Satan in disguise? How does anyone DISPROVE 100%?

Allah is God. The majority of “followers” are the real problem. 

Why don't all liars become honest?

They are. Okay, that’s a lie. If you’re a liar, it is hard to be honest.

“I’m a liar, but an honest one. People reproach me for not always telling the same story in the same way. But this happens because I’ve invented the whole tale from the start and it seems boring to me and unkind to other people to repeat myself.”

-- Federico Fellini

My husband doesn't understand panic attacks, so I'm not allowed to cry in front of him. If I cry, he is upset and ignores me. Is it emotional abuse?

He is not understanding, and it can be seen as emotional abuse.

Do some people think God can make mistakes?

Yep. Have you read Genesis? One mistake after the other.

How can I reduce the anger of my wife?

I divorced my wife. Been happy ever since.

How can people identify when they're being manipulated into participating in group harassment?

Don’t get manipulated. Weak minds get manipulated. Be strong.

How do I make people do what they don't want to do?

Find weak-minded people.

Can you provide some quotes about life's journey being different from our expectations?

Try this:

“It is what it is.”

-- F.A. Villari 

When did you leave yourself out of the equation?

Never. I am the one coming up with the equation, so I’m involved.

Why do others always fight to be right and me to be wrong?

Because they can. You need to learn to fight for the right.

What are some strategies for controlling emotions while answering a question?

It is a question, so answer it. Emotion confuses people, so leave it alone.

Should children be given money or education?

Education, so they can earn their own money.

What does it mean when guys say they are "soft" but act "hard"?

They are confused, so don’t turn your back on them.

Are you idle most of the time?

Oh, hell no. Do you think answering questions is “idle”?

“Those who keep sitting idle and waiting for miracles to happen cannot be a part of the process and hence, their ideas never get any closer to reality.”

-- Dr. Prem Jagyasi

What does God’s intervention mean to you?

It means the Bible is wrong.

Why is it so easy for some people to judge and always assume your intentions?

They are too ignorant to “judge” and “assume,” when it comes to me.

How can you convince a Christian that god isn't real?

Why would I care? Your belief is what it is. You can be right or wrong.

How do you feel about AI bringing time travel to life?

Good luck. Time travel is so far from our reach.

What three things God can do for me this year?

Nothing. God doesn’t work that way. God gives you the ability to do for yourself.

Is life short like I heard?

If you think this is the only life you will live… then, yes.

"When I was younger I probably didn't understand something basic about tact, but I think it kept faint-hearted people at arm's distance and that's not such a bad thing, because life is short and I know the kind of people I want to work with."

-- Debra Winger

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