The Golden Rule

[_Doctor Steuss]

Christianity:
“In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law of the prophets.” – Jesus, Matthew 7:12

Baha’i Faith:
“Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things you would not desire for yourself” – Baha’u’llah, Gleanings

Hinduism:
“This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you.” – Mahabharata 5:1517

Buddhism:
“Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.” – Udana-Varga 5.18

Confucianism:
“One word which sums up the basis of all good conduct… loving kindness. Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.” -- Confucius, Analects 15.23

Taoism:
“Regard your neighbor’s gain as your own gain, and your neighbor’s loss as your own loss.” T’A.I. Shang Kan, Ying P’ien, 213-218

Sikhism:
“I am a stranger to no one; and no one is a stranger to me. Indeed, I am a friend to all.” – Guru Granth Sahib, pg. 1299

Unitarianism:
“We affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.” – Unitarian principle

Native Spirituality:
“We are as much alive as we keep the earth alive” – Chief Dan George

Zoroastrianism:
“Do not do unto others whatever is injurious to yourself.” – Shayast-na-Shayast 13.29

Jainism:
“One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated.” -- Mahazira, Sutrakritanga

Judaism:
“What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary.” – Hillel, Talmud, Shabbal 31a

Islam:
“Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself.” – The Prophet Mohammed, Hadith

[_BishopRic]

Judaism:
“What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary.” – Hillel, Talmud, Shabbal 31a

Hey Steuss, thanks for all these. I enjoyed the differences along with the similarities. I particularly like this. It confirms my belief that I don't need religion -- just live the GR, everything else is "commentary."

Islam:
“Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself.” – The Prophet Mohammed, Hadith

I struggle to see how the suicide bombers (I know they are a small "radical" sect, but man, the twists that must go on....) can justify their behavior with this.

[_Doctor Steuss]

Judaism:
“What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary.” – Hillel, Talmud, Shabbal 31a

Hey Steuss, thanks for all these. I enjoyed the differences along with the similarities. I particularly like this. It confirms my belief that I don't need religion -- just live the GR, everything else is "commentary."

You are definitely welcome. There are various translations of this that give slightly different readings, but this is probably my favorite rendering.

I think the main source for it is probably Leviticus 19:18 (although there are others, but this is the one that most closely parallels not only the Shabbal commentary but also Christ’s words in Matthew). I remember when discussing this once with a Jewish friend, and they pointed out Leviticus 19:34 to me and reminded me that loving your neighbor is one thing because we already know who they are. But loving a stranger… that’s the stuff that separates us from the animals.

[_wenglund]

I think there's a reason for that. Like many teachings, what is taught is sometimes not practiced very well. Since Christianity is mostly a borrowed religion from Paganism and earlier Greek traditions, The GR is also borrowed. But when you really dig deeply, Christians are among the major religions today that don't follow it well...

While people can reasonably debate the origins of Christianity and the Golden Rule, I don't know if it is edifying to proffer sweeping judgements about Christian observance (or lack thereof) of the Golden Rule. Instead, I think we would be better served to focus our analysis of GR observance inward, where we are in possession of all the pertinent facts, and where we are in a position to affect change rather than simply judge. At least that is what the GR directs me to do.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

[_BishopRic]

I think there's a reason for that. Like many teachings, what is taught is sometimes not practiced very well. Since Christianity is mostly a borrowed religion from Paganism and earlier Greek traditions, The GR is also borrowed. But when you really dig deeply, Christians are among the major religions today that don't follow it well...

While people can reasonably debate the origins of Christianity and the Golden Rule, I don't know if it is edifying to proffer sweeping judgements about Christian observance (or lack thereof) of the Golden Rule. Instead, I think we would be better served to focus our analysis of GR observance inward, where we are in possession of all the pertinent facts, and where we are in a position to affect change rather than simply judge. At least that is what the GR directs me to do.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

Or we can learn from the mistakes and contradictions of some dogmas, and find a way that is more consistent with integrous and honest living and shape a lifestyle that leads us to true happiness. Yes, I also believe that involves looking inside to our own sorce of truth and live consistent with our heart.

That's what has worked for me.

[_BishopRic]

Judaism:
“What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary.” – Hillel, Talmud, Shabbal 31a

Hey Steuss, thanks for all these. I enjoyed the differences along with the similarities. I particularly like this. It confirms my belief that I don't need religion -- just live the GR, everything else is "commentary."

You are definitely welcome. There are various translations of this that give slightly different readings, but this is probably my favorite rendering.

I think the main source for it is probably Leviticus 19:18 (although there are others, but this is the one that most closely parallels not only the Shabbal commentary but also Christ’s words in Matthew). I remember when discussing this once with a Jewish friend, and they pointed out Leviticus 19:34 to me and reminded me that loving your neighbor is one thing because we already know who they are. But loving a stranger… that’s the stuff that separates us from the animals.

Well said!

[_Moniker]

Judaism:
“What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary.” – Hillel, Talmud, Shabbal 31a

Hey Steuss, thanks for all these. I enjoyed the differences along with the similarities. I particularly like this. It confirms my belief that I don't need religion -- just live the GR, everything else is "commentary."

You are definitely welcome. There are various translations of this that give slightly different readings, but this is probably my favorite rendering.

I think the main source for it is probably Leviticus 19:18 (although there are others, but this is the one that most closely parallels not only the Shabbal commentary but also Christ’s words in Matthew). I remember when discussing this once with a Jewish friend, and they pointed out Leviticus 19:34 to me and reminded me that loving your neighbor is one thing because we already know who they are. But loving a stranger… that’s the stuff that separates us from the animals.

Wow! Stu, that is so true. It's easy to love those close to us -- they are "real". It is those that we look over because they're different or shadowy to us -- they are abstract -- that we need to love as well.

[_Moniker]

I think there's a reason for that. Like many teachings, what is taught is sometimes not practiced very well. Since Christianity is mostly a borrowed religion from Paganism and earlier Greek traditions, The GR is also borrowed. But when you really dig deeply, Christians are among the major religions today that don't follow it well...

While people can reasonably debate the origins of Christianity and the Golden Rule, I don't know if it is edifying to proffer sweeping judgements about Christian observance (or lack thereof) of the Golden Rule. Instead, I think we would be better served to focus our analysis of GR observance inward, where we are in possession of all the pertinent facts, and where we are in a position to affect change rather than simply judge. At least that is what the GR directs me to do.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

Hi, Wade. I asked the question to see if it is stressed in the Church. I saw Stu posted scripture, and I knew there are passages in the Bible that deal with the GR. My question was; is it stressed? Is this something emphasized in the Church? How is it done?

I was looking for examples or experiences that those in the Church might like to share. I know I emphasize this with my children. We do many charitable acts and I allow them to experience first hand the intrinsic rewards of loving our neighbors. Especially those that are in need. In their interactions with each other the GR is often what my message essentially boils down to when I chide them to be more loving with another. It's in the everyday little actions that we can see this principle reinforced -- and the biggies too. :)

Do you have a way in which you can share as to how the Church has a positive influence on helping teach this principle?

[_harmony]

I think there's a reason for that. Like many teachings, what is taught is sometimes not practiced very well. Since Christianity is mostly a borrowed religion from Paganism and earlier Greek traditions, The GR is also borrowed. But when you really dig deeply, Christians are among the major religions today that don't follow it well...

While people can reasonably debate the origins of Christianity and the Golden Rule, I don't know if it is edifying to proffer sweeping judgements about Christian observance (or lack thereof) of the Golden Rule. Instead, I think we would be better served to focus our analysis of GR observance inward, where we are in possession of all the pertinent facts, and where we are in a position to affect change rather than simply judge. At least that is what the GR directs me to do.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

It would probably be most helpful if you followed your own advice, Wade. You know... focus inward, rather than outward. I'm seeing a whole of outward focusing from you, and not a whole lot of inward. The teacher who actually lives what he teaches is the most effective.

[_wenglund]

I think there's a reason for that. Like many teachings, what is taught is sometimes not practiced very well. Since Christianity is mostly a borrowed religion from Paganism and earlier Greek traditions, The GR is also borrowed. But when you really dig deeply, Christians are among the major religions today that don't follow it well...

While people can reasonably debate the origins of Christianity and the Golden Rule, I don't know if it is edifying to proffer sweeping judgements about Christian observance (or lack thereof) of the Golden Rule. Instead, I think we would be better served to focus our analysis of GR observance inward, where we are in possession of all the pertinent facts, and where we are in a position to affect change rather than simply judge. At least that is what the GR directs me to do.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

Or we can learn from the mistakes and contradictions of some dogmas, and find a way that is more consistent with integrous and honest living and shape a lifestyle that leads us to true happiness. Yes, I also believe that involves looking inside to our own sorce of truth and live consistent with our heart.

That's what has worked for me.

I don't happen to view it as an either/or situation. I think that while it is in one's interest to focus primarily internally (particularly when making judgements) for working towards "true happiness", one can learn from others, be they individuals or groups, be they described as "dogmas" or described less stereotypically or otherwise. I just don't think that kind of learning comes best from making sweeping judgements of "out groups" on discussion boards.

Anyway, I am wondering if you made it into work today. If so, I hope your commute was safe. I have been shoveling snow most of morning (here in Sandy we received about a foot or more, added to the several inches that had yet to melt) and am just now giving my back a rest. I took a friend to work around 11:00am, and nearly got into an accident. I am not looking forward to picking her up from work later this evening when the roads start to freeze. In spite of the hazzards, though, the snow is beautiful.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-