Why is it that all people in all nations have a form of the "Golden Rule" ...
Native Spirituality / We are as much alive as we keep the earth alive. Chief Dan George
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
Buddhism / Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful. The Buddha, Udana-Varga 5.1
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, 13th of the 40 Hadiths of Nawawi
Jainism / One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated. Mahavira, Sutrakritanga
Judaism / What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary. Go and learn it. Hillel, Talmud, Shabbath 31a
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
Taoism / Regard your neighbor's gain as your own gain and your neighbor'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
At this time in the history of the world income inequality is at an all time high and many cries of outrage have sprung up in all corner's of the world.
In the beginning America was built on basic Christian principles and the people are instructed to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (DT 6:5) and “love your neighbor as yourself. ” (LV 9:18) Jesus clearly affirmed these two principles when he connected a right relationship with God to a right relationship with one’s fellow human beings.
One of the core principles of the Judeo-Christian tradition is the link between unjust treatment of another human being with a wrong committed against God. This is a central element in the prophetic teaching of Hebrew Bible prophets as well as Jesus. Further, the Bible expresses a special concern for the most vulnerable and powerless members of the human family. The Bible strongly condemns those who use positions of power or privilege to take advantage of the poor, the marginalized, or the powerless.
In the biblical context, these principles apply to individuals to be sure, but also to groups of people as well as nations. Indeed, within the Judeo-Christian tradition, the ethical norms that apply to individuals are identical to those that apply to nations. Further, these principles are not merely abstract ideals, but are consistently connected to concrete behaviors; for example, leaving sufficient food in one’s fields at the time of harvest so that the poor would have enough to eat. Further, specific biblical laws provide for the periodic forgiveness of debt, the liberation of prisoners, and the return of land to those who may have lost it, even through the consequences of their own behavior. In other words, the Bible outlines specific means for redressing wrongs such that the disadvantaged members of society have an opportunity to regain their means of self-support and self-sufficiency.
In addition to providing special protections for the poor and the marginalized members of a community, the Bible also imposes upon the powerful and the privileged leaders of the nation substantially greater obligation to maintain the general well being of the community. Hebrew Bible prophets focus their harshest criticism against leaders who make decisions on the basis of mere expediency, rather than justice, or who exercise their authority by exploiting the poor or the marginalized. The nation is seen, throughout both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament as having a positive responsibility for the welfare of the entire population.
In the New Testament, Jesus clearly identifies himself with this prophetic tradition. Indeed, in one of the few passages in which he speaks of a final judgment at the end of human history, he makes this identification explicit. In this dramatic passage, Jesus outlines the standards by which entire nations shall be judged: “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.” (See MT 25:32ff) Curiously, those who are being rewarded in this passage are unclear what they have done to deserve such high praise. The answer which Jesus places in the mouth of the “king” in this story is instructive: “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” Here, once again, attaining a right relationship with God is equated with concrete acts of compassion for the less fortunate members of society.
If America was and is based on Christianity then the government has a clear responsibility to act on behalf of the common good and to insure the equal protection of the law for all of its citizens. In a democracy, the people can and must hold their elected rulers accountable.
Yet it is doing the opposite and whittling away basic rights of the people with the passing of NDAA and the new
HR 347 which would make free speech a felony, and restrict political protest.
Many times I have heard the Tea Party and Occupy and even the Move to Amend groups denigrating each other and arguing over the minutia of policy etc.. but I ask everyone what is the end goal? I feel the primary goal of all groups is the one thing everyone can agree on that is the "Golden Rule" lets all hold to that one common standard, then when the government decides to listen to us then we can openly debate the rest.
We have a dream that is against the wall, to save it for one, we MUST save it for ALL - Solidarity
We have to do this together - in all cities, in all states, in all nations for all people
Hostile corporate take over of schools, cities and countries will not be tolerated
These are the weapons “Education and truth, Transparency and accountability, and a Voice for all people”
By demanding truth in education we learn from history
By demanding transparency and accountability we see true justice
By demanding voice for all, we protect even the smallest minority
By exposing and removing the corporate GREED
We can leverage direct democracy and technology
To rebuild a united free world of equality
