The Golden Rule Across the World's Religions

[Mika]

For many in today's world where the masses do believe in Religion as their Spirituality, there are many organizations that are working hard to promote 'unity' between their Faiths. Below is the questions from one such organization's workshops (with the Golden Rule Quotes following after)

I'm not endorsing the organization, as much as i simplly appreciated their their thought provoking questions in general. They speak to the Na'Vi/Avatar part of me, the part that when she watched the movie, saw in living 3D color, the essence of the harmony that could be achieved!



The Golden Rule Across the World's Religions

c) The Golden Rule’s implications for society

What could things be like if everyone behaved according to the Golden Rule?

Why is it that sometimes we don’t behave according to the Golden Rule?

Do you think that people generally live by the Golden Rule? Why? Why not?
If not, what Rule do you think many people do live by?

How do people usually treat each other at work (school, home, etc.)?

Why is that so? How might the Golden Rule make a difference?

To what current issue in your city or country might the Golden Rule offer a solution? How so?

Do you think that these Sacred Writings could be helpful in promoting conversation, communication and harmony within a family? Why or why not?

Do you think that these writings could be helpful in promoting such communication among families, including families of various faiths? Why or why not?

Select a social, political, economic or religious issue that interests you. How might these Sacred Writings contribute to your thinking about or acting on this issue?

How, in your opinion, do these Sacred Texts challenge us in terms of our relationships with people who are hurting e.g. the hospitalized, the imprisoned, the abused, the homeless, refugees etc.?

Do you think that these Sacred Writings could be helpful in bringing about equality between women and men? Why or why not?

Do you think that these Sacred Texts could be helpful in healing a societal disease known as racism? Why or why not?

Do you think that these Sacred Writings could be helpful in promoting a deeper appreciation of racial, cultural and religious diversity? Why or why not?

From the domestic to the international level, there appears to be a growing reliance on violence to resolve conflict?

Do you think that these Sacred Writings could be helpful in promoting a non-violent approach to conflict-resolution? Why or why not?

For all beings on this planet, ecological destruction is a threatening development. Do you think that these Sacred Texts could be helpful in efforts to protect and heal Mother Earth? Why or why not?

Do you think that these Sacred Texts could be helpful in efforts to promote social and economic justice for all? Why or Why not?

Do you see any connection between the message of these 13 Sacred Writings and the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights? Why or Why not?

Across the planet, thousands of people including educators, humanitarians and religious people are working to develop a Global Ethic (Stiftung Weltethos für interkulturelle und interreligiöse Forschung, Bildung und Begegnung). This effort to develop a universal ethic, which calls upon the wisdom of the world’s many religions, considers the Golden Rule to be a key reference point. Here, the Golden Rule is not just a moral ideal for relationships between people but also for relationships among nations, cultures, races and religions. Do you think that the development of a Global Ethic is important? Why or why not? If yes, do you think that the Golden Rule could make an important contribution to this universal ethic? Why or why not?

Do you think that these Sacred Texts could be helpful in efforts to promote interfaith dialogue? Why or why not?

Where do you think there is a special need for these Sacred Writings today? Why?

Thirteen Sacred Texts - English Version

Bahá'í 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.

Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings

Buddhism

Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.

The Buddha, Udana-Varga 5.18

Christianity

In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.

Jesus, Matthew 7:12

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

Hinduism

This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you.

Mahabharata 5:1517

Islam

Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others
what you wish for yourself.

The Prophet Muhammad, Hadith

Jainism

One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated.

Mahavira, Sutrakritanga 1.11.33

Judaism

What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary. Go and learn it.

Hillel, Talmud, Shabbath 31a

Native Spirituality

We are as much alive as we keep the earth alive.

Chief Dan George

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, p.1299

Taoism

Regard your neighbour's gain as your own gain and your neighbour's loss as your own loss.

Lao Tzu, T'ai Shang Kan Ying P'ien, 213-218

Unitarianism

We affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

Unitarian principle

Zoroastrianism

Do not do unto others whatever is injurious to yourself.

Shayast-na-Shayast 13.29


for other language translations: Scarboro Missions — A Society of Canadian catholics, priests, and laity dedicated to the mission of Jesus Christ