Letter to the editor: Political incivility and our Judeo-Christian heritage

Much of the loss of civility in our current politics can be attributed to the devaluation of our Judeo- Christian heritage. Admittedly, we have failed to live up to its ideals in many ways but at its heart, it asserts the God-given value of every human life.

Beginning in the Old Testament, Cain asked God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The Judeo-Christian answer is a resounding “YES.” It is amplified in the New Testament in Matthew’s Gospel, where Jesus said: “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me. I was ill and you comforted me, in prison and you came to visit.”

These and similar injunctions form the heart of the Judeo-Christian social vision. It calls us to better citizenship by affirming the sacred value of every human being, particularly those with whom we disagree, and to serve each other freely in ways which go beyond anything government coercion alone can accomplish.

It is time for reappraisal of what we are losing in devaluing this heritage and the spiritual roots which nourish it. It remains our surest guide to a better future for all of us.

Raymond DeFazio

Southwest Greensburg