Dear Ryan,
I really enjoyed reading your column in the Alligator on Wednesday. Your example with the mountain really hits the spot. I have used the same idea in other areas besides religion and agree that various religions are different paths climbing toward the top.
Here is where our opinions differ a bit. Agnosticism (nonreligion) and even atheism are paths people follow in their quest for something more noble — with great success I might add. If we modify your example a bit, I think we can get a better idea of what is really going on.
I will not put God on the top of the mountain; I will put the “good” person there.
By “good,” I mean that inherent notion that every being carries within. (I know this sounds naive, but I am a mathematician, and my skills with words are limited.) The path will then be our efforts to become that ideal person.
Religions help you get there (that should be at least part of their agenda), but they are not the only way. I, like you, believe that human beings are not capable of achieving that true noble goal. At least I am not capable of becoming that ideal person, but that is OK. The point is to try to climb up that mountain every day, any way you can. Help others around you, not by showing them the path you are taking, but by promising them that the view from up there is awesome. Help those in need, forgive and ask for forgiveness when you do something wrong, because you will do something wrong. Help others better themselves, and ultimately, love each other.
I am Thanos Gentimis, I am agnostic and I support this message (without the typos and the bad grammar).
