To the Editor:

I found Michael Ives letter, “Giving thanks for nothing this holiday,” at most, interesting.

I am not an atheist, but rather an agnostic (the two are often confused) and I thought Ives letter was an unintelligent attack on those who do not elect to follow the ways of Christianity.

The author suggested that I have neither meaning nor intellect because I choose not to submit to a higher being.

On the contrary, I find that my purpose in life is to seek happiness, intelligence and understanding. I strive to help and understand my fellow man, not because I am threatened by eternal damnation, but rather because I find self-satisfaction in doing so.

If a God considers my actions the pursuit of a stake in a heavenly place, so be it, but may he or she know that I am quite content here on Earth. As for meaningness, can a person not become a doctor, teacher or scientist by his or her own right? Must it be the will of God?

And should religion be the heart of morality, the determining factor between right and wrong, then why is religion often the reason for the many wars we wage? Perhaps the basis of morality should be respect, respecting others and that which belongs to them. Or is respect contingent upon belief in a higher being?

As a human being, I respect Ives feelings and hope that he understands my point of view. Obviously no one has ever argued for more fence-sitters, but I have to wonder if religion is not building a lot of fences.

Sean Collier

Freshman

Agriculture Education/International Agriculture