Three Farmers and A Merchant

There were three farmers who all produced rice. When it was time for the harvest, there was only one merchant who would buy their produce, and he was on the other side of town.

Now, at the time of the harvest, each farmer chose a different path to bring their sacks of rice. One took the straight and narrow path, which was not without danger with thieves lurking about. One took the path through the forest which wasn't very safe either with all those wolves. The other took a boat and headed downstream, which also had its share of dangerous curves and rapids.

So all three arrive at the merchant's place of business and sell their rice to him. Of course the merchant is happy. And the merchant never asks, "So which way did you pass by to get here?" What he always asks is, "How much rice did you bring in?"

Nice analogy to religion, wouldn't you say, eh?