The Golden Rule

[_Moniker]

I consider the golden rule as the ethic of reciprocity, and recognize it as being the core fundamental principle of human rights. I've never been a Christian so am unaware if this is something that is stressed in the Church -- I would assume it would be?

Is this emphasized in the LDS Church? Is this something that members take with them when they leave?

How is this taught in the Church? Is there any part where the Church might actually fall down on the job of teaching this fundamental principle? Is there a way in which the Church does a superb job of stressing this principle?

Is this a Christian principle that you considered when you were active -- or do you still consider it if you are still active? Did this change when you left? If so, why?

Of course there are issues with the golden rule we could delve off into -- such as how different cultures may not desire to be treated the same as the culture dictates you have.

But, for this discussion let's stick with the Church culture.

[_The Nehor]

The golden rule as it exists in western culture comes from Paul who said it was a saying of Christ.

I suppose we could get into a discussion of whether reciprocity is the best response. I've met people who define the Platinum Rule as:

"Do unto others as they would wish to be done."

This is problematic though as it could turn you into a doormat.

I personally try to follow the rule:

"Do unto others as should be done unto them."

Harder rule to figure out but I think it's worth it.

[_Moniker]

The golden rule as it exists in western culture comes from Paul who said it was a saying of Christ.

I suppose we could get into a discussion of whether reciprocity is the best response. I've met people who define the Platinum Rule as:

"Do unto others as they would wish to be done."

This is problematic though as it could turn you into a doormat.

I personally try to follow the rule:

"Do unto others as should be done unto them."

Harder rule to figure out but I think it's worth it.

Hi, Nehor! I can always count on you to participate in my threads! :) Thanks!

I am aware of the Platinum Rule as advanced by Popper. I'd never heard of it called the Platinum Rule, though. That's cute!

Anyway, this is a hard one to figure out:

"Do unto others as should be done unto them."

What precisely do you mean by that? Can you give an example?

[_The Nehor]

The golden rule as it exists in western culture comes from Paul who said it was a saying of Christ.

I suppose we could get into a discussion of whether reciprocity is the best response. I've met people who define the Platinum Rule as:

"Do unto others as they would wish to be done."

This is problematic though as it could turn you into a doormat.

I personally try to follow the rule:

"Do unto others as should be done unto them."

Harder rule to figure out but I think it's worth it.

Hi, Nehor! I can always count on you to participate in my threads! :) Thanks!

I am aware of the Platinum Rule as advanced by Popper. I'd never heard of it called the Platinum Rule, though. That's cute!

Anyway, this is a hard one to figure out:

"Do unto others as should be done unto them."

What precisely do you mean by that? Can you give an example?

I think what people want and what they need is very different. Giving a child candy because they want it is not likely to be doing what is best for the child. Sometimes you find yourself in that situation with adults too though. When my friend is in trouble I sometimes have to try to help them by saying things they don't want me to say. The beggar might be content to survive off continual handouts but shouldn't I try to help them find a better way?

The danger in this is that you have to recognize that you are not omniscient and also (probably) not the wisest person on the planet. Some people think like this but also think they're infallible. They tend to screw stuff up.

[_Moniker]

I think what people want and what they need is very different. Giving a child candy because they want it is not likely to be doing what is best for the child. Sometimes you find yourself in that situation with adults too though. When my friend is in trouble I sometimes have to try to help them by saying things they don't want me to say. The beggar might be content to survive off continual handouts but shouldn't I try to help them find a better way?

The danger in this is that you have to recognize that you are not omniscient and also (probably) not the wisest person on the planet. Some people think like this but also think they're infallible. They tend to screw stuff up.

How do you determine what they need vs. what they want? How does one go about doing that? What if the beggar does not desire more than handouts? I've known quite a few homeless/squatters in my early years and they enjoyed where they were. They would have curb stomped anyone that tried to tell them they weren't living the American dream. :)

How do you know what the best thing is for someone else? What if they disagree with what you think? What then?

[_The Nehor]

I think what people want and what they need is very different. Giving a child candy because they want it is not likely to be doing what is best for the child. Sometimes you find yourself in that situation with adults too though. When my friend is in trouble I sometimes have to try to help them by saying things they don't want me to say. The beggar might be content to survive off continual handouts but shouldn't I try to help them find a better way?

The danger in this is that you have to recognize that you are not omniscient and also (probably) not the wisest person on the planet. Some people think like this but also think they're infallible. They tend to screw stuff up.

How do you determine what they need vs. what they want? How does one go about doing that? What if the beggar does not desire more than handouts? I've known quite a few homeless/squatters in my early years and they enjoyed where they were. They would have curb stomped anyone that tried to tell them they weren't living the American dream. :)

How do you know what the best thing is for someone else? What if they disagree with what you think? What then?

You just do the best you can. It's a very broad rule. Also depends on how much influence you have with the person. Basically, you try to figure out how to help that person as much as humanly possible to be happy.

I should mention that my implementation of this rule is still a work in progress.

[_truth dancer]

I love the GR, imperfect as it may be, it is in my opinion, one of the best guides to help us manage life.

I also love the scripture, (slightly altered by me), "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these thy brothers and sisters, ye have done it unto me."

While I do not believe in a personal man/God/being up in heaven directing the world, I do find that for me, the idea of treating people recognizing their divinity helps me treat others more kindly and compassionately. Not that I am great at this but it is a vision I hold.

While the scriptures are certainly taught in church I have rarely heard emphasis on the Golden Rule.

~dancer~

[_Blixa]

I think I heard it alluded to a couple of times in Primary.

[_charity]

How do you determine what they need vs. what they want? How does one go about doing that? What if the beggar does not desire more than handouts? I've known quite a few homeless/squatters in my early years and they enjoyed where they were. They would have curb stomped anyone that tried to tell them they weren't living the American dream. :)

So it is my (and socieites') responsibility to support this guy, give him food, clothes, shelter when it's cold because he doesn't want to work for it?

[_Moniker]

How do you determine what they need vs. what they want? How does one go about doing that? What if the beggar does not desire more than handouts? I've known quite a few homeless/squatters in my early years and they enjoyed where they were. They would have curb stomped anyone that tried to tell them they weren't living the American dream. :)

So it is my (and socieites') responsibility to support this guy, give him food, clothes, shelter when it's cold because he doesn't want to work for it?

Ha! Did you read my post? These people drop out of society. -- on purpose. They don't want your help, and from your reply it seems as 'though you may not want to offer it anyway. :)

Charity, can you reply to the op?