Spiritual Renaissance

The dual articles on “The Spiritual Void” by Richard Rodriguez and Martin E. Marty (Opinion, Dec. 21) were thought-provoking. It would occur to me that there are things to consider as remedies for our declining moral and spiritual behavior.

The first would be the debasement of language in our society. When communication loses its elegance in forming part of the fabric of living, so does the way in which we treat each other become polluted. I often cringe at the common usage of vulgarity as adjective, adverb or noun. This phenomenon is all too prevalent among young people, but not, by any means, limited to them.

I would also point out the need we seem to have to idolize our heroes and demonize those with whom we differ. For example, it is possible to admire an athlete’s performance and still be critical of his or her comportment. Conversely, those who do not share our views need not be the “devil incarnate.”

I strongly believe that each of us has the responsibility to be a part of a spiritual renaissance, in the sense that we dedicate ourselves to seeking our finest natures. I would certainly want my legacy to be of a person who made the world a little better for having been here, rather than the frightening opposite of having degraded it. Might that be a New Year’s resolution?

SHERRI LIPMAN

Fullerton

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As a longtime critic of and cynic about what I have perceived as expediency on the part of the media, I must take time out to tell you that it has been a long time since I have read two more genuine, uplifting and intelligent messages than the ones from Rodriguez and Marty.

Now, let’s don’t stop with the message. Let’s act. How about The Times being the first newspaper to break down the barrier, and put all of the genuine, uplifting, educational, happy, humorous and romantic news on the front pages. Let the reader hunt for the murders, rapes, robberies, mayhem, child molestations, frauds and other scurrilous and obscene activities in the back pages. That way, the arrogant scumbags will find out that, no matter how lurid their activities are, they will never make the front page.

MARK P. ROBINSON

Los Angeles