RELIGION: Makes the world better

I had some thoughts in response to an opinion by Mike Ruskovich printed in The Press dated Jan. 28.

The article decries the evil perpetrated and the atrocities committed in the practices of religion. The author cites two historical figures such as Richard Lion Heart and Adolph Hitler as examples. He then asks, “Wouldn’t life here on earth be much more precious and not so expendable if we believed it to be the only life we have?”

I worry that some folks might read the article and scrap the whole idea of religion.

In contrast to the historical examples given there are many others. How about William Carey, Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael, or Doctor Paul Brand and his work with leprosy patients in India? How about Teresa of Avila — “Mother Teresa?” How about organizations such as The Salvation Army, World Vision, Compassion Int’l, Samaritan’s Purse, or Prison Fellowship?

Right here in our community there is a group of men, several of them retired, who cut, split and deliver firewood, the proceeds go to dig wells so that there will be clean water in India and Ethiopia.

Granted, there are some fakes out there, but some people get it right.

One last fact, Christianity is not a religion. It is a relationship with Christ that dictates behavior.

VIRGIL McANALLY

Coeur d’Alene