The Golden Rule- do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Some form or example of the Golden Rule can be found in almost every religion in the world. In the Bible, it appears many more times than most people realize, as various restatements. Perhaps the most famous restatement of the Golden Rule in the Bible is to love your neighbor as yourself. Do unto (love) your neighbor as you would want to be (loved) treated yourself. Another famous example is, as you sow (do unto others), so shall you reap (done unto you). Another example of the golden rule can be found in he who lives by the sword will die by the sword. There are many other examples of these statements in both the Old and New Testaments.
In Judaism, the Golden Rule has been expressed as a mirror image of this. Do not do unto others what you do not want done unto you.
In Wicca, the Golden Rule is known as the Law of Three or the Threefold Law. What you do returns threefold. Some interpret this literally, while others interpret it as meaning that what returns does so in three ways or levels; body, mind, and spirit.
In Hinduism and Buddhism, you will find the concept of Karma. Karma may be where the golden rule first originated. A full discussion of karma and all its subtleties and implications is beyond the scope of this article.
In many ways, the regular application of this rule can be seen as being very selfish. Since what you do for others eventually comes back to you, your motivation behind any action may not be how others benefit, but how you will benefit. What needs to be understood here is that any benefit may be in a future lifetime, or that it may benefit you in a way that is not obvious or recognized.
Unfortunately, many people act as if they never heard of the Golden Rule, let alone understand it. A particularly sad example of this can be found in the behavior of many of those who are intent on converting others to their beliefs. In many cases, they make no effort to understand the religion of others and show no respect for the sacred writings or beliefs of others. This is demonstrated by the way they automatically assume that their sacred text is correct and anything else is wrong and not worth reading. If they show no respect for the beliefs of others, how can they expect to be respected? If they do not take the time to read and understand the beliefs of others, by the Golden Rule, others will not do the same to them. Those few who have read about other beliefs or religions, usually have only read writings by others who are of their own specific religious beliefs and who are critical of other beliefs. As an example of this problem, how would a Christian feel if someone stated, oh yes, I know all about Christianity. I read all about it in a book by Osama bin Laden. The same thing is felt by those who hear a Christian say they know all about your religion from books written by Christians. or by converts to Christianity. If you want to learn about a religion, read its sacred writings and books about it by members who believe in it.
If you want to talk about a religion,
- Talk in terms of its own writings. Christians are always saying to me, but the Bible says. If you are not a Christian, you may not care what the Bible says, let alone having ever read it. I never say but the Koran says, or the Rig Veda says when talking to a Christian about Christianity.
- Look for similarities between religions. This demonstrates both respect and understanding
- When you do talk about differences between religions, note them as being different not as being better or worse. Let the listener make their own judgments.
Saint Francis of Assisi may have stated it best as part of his most famous prayer. “Oh, Divine Master, before I seek to be understood, let me understand.” Do unto others (understand them) they will do (understand) unto you.
Before you speak to another about your beliefs, it is best if you do the following.
- Fully understand your own religion.
- Live your religion as best you are able
- Understand the other person’s religion.
If you do not do the first, you are just looking foolish. If you do the second, actions speak louder than words and will draw the interest of others so that words may be unneeded. If you do not do the second, you will appear to be a hypocrite. If you do not do the third, you will not have done the 1st or the 2nd and will appear to be arrogant as well.
Samuel Abrams
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