Picking and Choosing Is Not Religion

Re “Build-It-Yourself Religion” (June 17): No clearer demonstration that humans can treat ourselves and each other as commodities is required than when religions become costumes to don or refuse, pick and choose, alter and fashion at will.

Religion reduced to how-to techniques for self-improvement is superstition, a more insidious enemy than even apostasy. The popular attitude, for instance, that reincarnation just guarantees a second chance to enjoy life misconceives the original belief monstrously.

Religion (the authentic dimension common to all major religions) tells us why we are here, our destiny, what we cannot change and why.

REXFORD STYZENS

Long Beach