The Golden Rule

Religious Leaders Agree on the Golden Rule

Regardless of your religious faith, almost all agree with the basic tenets of the golden rule as stated in the Declaration of 1993.   “We must treat others as we wish others to treat us.”  The Initial Declaration was signed by 143 respected leaders from all of the world’s major faiths.  This poster depicts some of the major faiths that signed the declaration.

Scarboro Missions poster ( http://www.scarboromissions.ca/Golden_rule/poster_order.php)

Many argue that the Golden Rule is the primary basis for the modern concept of human rights; that each individual has a right to just treatment, as well as a responsibility to ensure justice for others.

The greatest failure of many organized religions is their inability to convince their followers that the Golden Rule applies to all humans, not merely to fellow believers, like themselves.  Religions should stress that their members also use the Golden Rule when dealing with persons of other religions, other genders, other cultures, other sexual orientations, other gender identities, etc.

Why is this important?

The survival of mankind may depend upon the Golden Rule.

In the past and now, this has generated a great deal of religiously based hatred, conflict, and violence.  Empathy is at the root of kindness, compassion, understanding and respect – qualities that we all appreciate being shown, whoever we are, whatever we think and wherever we come from. ~ Humanism principle.

Whom should I despise, since the one Lord made us all.~ p.1237, Var Sarang, Guru Granth Sahib, tr. Patwant Singh Sikhidm

"Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you." ~ Muhammad, The Farewell  Sermon

Conclusion

This is the most basic all human principles, we need be kind to one another, treat them like we want to be treated, and respect their rights as a person.  We are all equal in the eyes of God.

Comments are most welcome!!