Questioning Science, Lessons, Life Path, Life, Forgiveness, and God

 

"Science is built up with facts, as a house is with stones; but a collection of facts is no more a science than a heap of stones is a house."

-- Henri Poincaré

How do we know when to let go of the past we hold and how much is the extent of it? Are there any scientific parameters?

What you have been through you can never let go? It is a part of your life. It is what you have learned from. There are no “scientific parameters” to life. You live it, and you learn from it. In the next life, you will learn some more, and in the next, and so forth. Learning is what our lives are all about.

Author comment: Agreed. When the past we discuss is merely a made-up mind. If some consider physical things, like passed away people’s ashes, unused gifts from ex-partners, photos from high school, also, the absence of physical things.. might as well “since that day.. he never eat that special noodle, poor kids never healed with the noodle”. Yes, if they have other functions, we may as well keep and use them. But when it is purely something we hold and something that may have been thrown away years ago (hence, past)?

Idk.”Keep it 4 years then delete”? or maybe “have another brand new spouse then eat that special noodle”?

My reply: Indeed. 

What is life without a job?

Boring

Are you really willing to let doubt steal the life you’ve always dreamed of?

I’m 71 years of age. I have never let “doubt” do anything in my life. I did 23 years in the Air Force, which should stand for something. I am retired and not looking forward to any more responsibility than I have right now. I'm a happy camper.

I am in my late 20s and feel I have wasted a lot of time. Is it too late for me to achieve something worthwhile?

Not a bit. You are in the part of life where achievement has much to do. Do something worthwhile.

Are you still able to be amazed at the simple things of life?

Absolutely. You can’t get more simple than small children. At 71 years of age, and a grandfather, I am always amazed at the wonder on the face of small children, confronted with something they have only seen in pictures. I have to laugh when I see them at the zoo or an aquarium. We take what they see as part of life, but not so for them.

If you could summarize your life lessons into one chapter of a book, what would the title of that chapter be?

Uh… “Life Lessons” would be my title.

"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing."

-- Socrates

What’s one life-changing lesson you learned the hard way?

You can be the richest person on the planet, but if you’re not truly happy, then what's the point? I went through a nasty divorce after 25 years of marriage. I thought about taking my life. But, what would be the point? I went out of my way to be the happiest guy I know. In less than 5 years I recovered all I lost. She is probably miserable. This was 23 years ago, and I have not given her a second thought.

What do you think is the most important in life as a believer?

Learning. Believe in it.

Is not wasting food a sign of wisdom?

Pretty much. We all think we are safe, but… what if we aren’t? The “end of the world” can come any time, and you’ve thrown half of your sandwich away. It is wise not to waste food.

How can you describe a person who has a great personality?

“He has a great personality.” This isn’t that hard.

How do I get unlimited options in life?

Become filthy rich. The problem you will have is, you’ll not be truly happy. But, if you don’t care about true happiness…

Can you provide some quotes about the power of silence?

Try this: 

“Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom.”

-- Francis Bacon

Who decides your life path?

When I graduated high school, I decided on my life path. I went to college, got drafted, joined the Air Force, retired after 23 years, and went to work for another 20 years. I am finally retired for good. But, it was a great run! I enjoyed it.

What are your career gaols?

As an aside, you spelled “goal” wrong. I have no career goals, being 71 years old and being very comfortable in my retirement.

Can being stupid be such a permanent thing just one perspective of a change?

Only if you want it to be. “Stupidity” is something we learn from… if you think about it.

What is some advice for a better life?

Strive to live a truly happy life, always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. Drama is stupid if you’re trying to live a better life, so ignore the drama in life.

Is it good for us to make mistakes in our life?

Yes. It is how we learn.

Why did I love you so much?

My magnetic personality? My chiseled good looks? My sense of humor? Or, it could be that I care so much for so many people. If you are a woman, it makes so much sense. If you are a man, you are barking up the wrong tree, even though I appreciate your thought.

“It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.”

-- Andre Gide

Why should I believe your different perspective on life?

It is an opinion. Believe it or not, it’s only an opinion. I think I’m right, but, that’s just me.

Can someone live a good life without being fortunate?

It depends on how you see yourself.  I would say, "No." Being “fortunate” is being truly happy in your circumstances. I can’t imagine anyone being fortunate and being miserable. Some people may call you “fortunate” and you may not think they know you. In this, you are not fortunate. You need to see yourself as being fortunate to live a good life.

Does God let you pick your own mom here on Earth?

No. Your mom is a crap shoot. God has nothing to do with it.

How can one uphold the principle "I am not here to be popular, I'm here to do what's right" in personal relationships while still maintaining healthy connections?

If you aren’t doing right, are you doing wrong? Being popular is doing the right thing. If people think you are wrong, maybe you need to find better friends. Do what is right, not what is popular.

Does God let you pick your own mom here on Earth?

No. Your mom is a crap shoot. God has nothing to do with it. 

What should you learn from your mistakes?

They are mistakes. What you should learn from them is never to repeat them. Mistakes are lessons we need to learn from. We can ignore them, and risk repeating them. It is better that you learn from them.

“When you find your path, you must not be afraid. You need to have sufficient courage to make mistakes. Disappointment, defeat, and despair are the tools God uses to show us the way.”

-- Paulo Coelho

What life experiences taught you the most about forgiving others?

When they make the same mistakes I have made. My advice to them? To learn from their mistakes so they don’t make them again. Making mistakes is life trying to teach us something. Better not to fight it, but to learn from it. 

Which is better, Dostoevsky or self-help?

If you can’t help yourself, learn from someone else.

What are the little things that can ruin someone's life?

Unrequited love can ruin your life… if you take it to heart. We love, at the drop of a hat. But what we feel is questionable. The one we think we love can be our downfall. Better, we ask the other person if there is a chance we can get together with them. If the answer is “no,” then move on down the road. Remember, that unrequited love can ruin your life.

Do you want there to be a heaven, or do you just want it all to end?

I want there to be a heaven or another life. I am not done learning and there is so much more to learn.

What should you do if you've ruined someone's life?

Why have you done this? If the only answer is to “ruin someone’s life” then… don’t. This is something wrong, and you don’t need to live with it. If you have already made the mistake, try to fix their life. It is your mistake, so try hard to fix it. Ruining someone’s life makes you an asshole. Better that you don’t be an asshole.

Why should a person like you exist?

A good friend? I like parties, I like sex, I like women, and I’m cuddly. Why should a person like me not exist? I have brought happiness to every woman but one, and I divorced her.

“Life is surreal. When you step back, and really take a look at it, the irony is absolute.”

-- Julieanne O'Connor

How do I know that God is within me?

You asked the question. You are blessed.

How do I get over a failure in my academic journey?

Failure is a learning tool. Have you learned anything from failure? Have you tried again, or have you moved on... without learning anything? Something to think about.

What are the consequences when a good person commits bad karma?

They have proved that they are not a good person. The consequences are known.

Why could it still make you suck at everything?

You actually have to try not to suck. You need to try. It means that you have to learn. Learning is why we are here. If you fail, you try again, and again, until you succeed. If you suck at everything, you have learned nothing, and this is a waste of your time on Earth.

What is the karma for those who cheat?

It will be bad... when they least expect it. They will be cheated until they are poor.

Can we achieve good karma without causing harm to others and still get what we want?

Good karma has nothing to do with what you want. Good karma gets what you need, not what you want. What you need is so much more important than what you want. For most of us, what we need is true happiness. We can get this and be very poor. Even though some of the rich are truly happy, true happiness is the purview of the poor, especially if they believe in God. The righteous poor have no drama holding them back from being truly happy.

"How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours."

-- Wayne Dyer

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