“And yet the leaders, pastors and members are themselves nasty, corrupt and immoral.”
Very largely untrue from what I am witnessing, concerning Christians and Boudhists.
Even if it was true, it would be relevant only if comparing it to a society without religion or Christianity.
We are presented everyday with leaders in our churches being exposed for immoral deeds. Not just in the Catholic church, where there was a systematic coverup of misdeeds. But in non-structured churches. Generally, only a pastor or possibly a teacher in a Christian school setting makes the headlines. Members don't unless they are pillars in the community.
Surrounding ourselves in and practicing/embracing religion will not result in Ms. Starr's conclusions.