So once at the beginning of time, and ever since, the caribou have marched on through the tundra and mountain pass.

Two eagles sat high above the pass on a lone mountain spruce.  From their vantage they could watch below them day after day as the herd moved forward on the long journey to the north. 

“Have you noticed how that large reindeer is always butting the little one in front of it with its great antlers, and grunting a mantra ‘Butting makes the line go faster.’ with each thrust?” 

“Yes, everyday as the herd moves ever onward.  It has not had its question answered.”  

“But it has!  The answer is always no, and since time began it has been so.  Butting does not make the herd move faster, it never has.  Silly caribou.” 

“To him the question is faith.  Forever he has heard no. He believes that if he persists his faith will change the result.  Such is the beauty and the curse of faith. He was once told a parable that an ancient had indeed made the line move faster.  It was a joke but he thought it true and formed his faith and belief before he grew his horns.” 

“Caribou are strange creatures then to believe as truth in something that has never been seen and is contrary to reality and the rules of our universe.” 

“Not all reindeer are like this one.  But that is not the true shame of faith.” 

“What could be worse than believing something unproven as truth?” 

“Using great antlers to inflict the pain of your conviction on others.”