Religious leaders fall short

I have seen many letters and commentaries that blame lawlessness and cultural decay on the separation of church and state. I don’t recall anybody blaming these problems on religious leaders or institutions. I won’t recount the many travesties and scandals that have involved organized religions in my lifetime. However, I believe it is they who have failed us.

I hope to see religious leaders truly emulate the kind of selfless behavior that should inspire the same in us. I am a Christian, but I don’t hear my concept of Jesus in any of the complaints about the absence of school prayer, the Ten Commandments or firearms in the trucks of high school students.

My concept of Jesus is represented in two etchings by Rembrandt. One shows him teaching, and the other healing. Use Google to find both. Neither shows him accepting payment.

Americans worship money. When we value community over currency, we will turn the corner on greed and corruption. It is easy to shout Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! It is much harder to follow him with humility, compassion and love for one and all.

David Webb

Spokane