The Golden Rule

Most religions differ in the Deity they worship, their beliefs, their practices, and their sacred writings. However, there is one thing that ALL religions have in common. They all have a Golden Rule or Ethic of Reciprocity. It is often one statement that summarizes the general principles of ethics. The Golden Rule involves a person's relationship with others.

The Golden Rule in all religions might be stated differently, but in essence, it says that each person should treat others with fairness, decency, and respect.

The Ethic of Reciprocity

Every person should be respected and treated fairly because we are all equal in importance, and should enjoy human rights.

The Ethic of Reciprocity applies to all humans. It is not limited to people in the same family, church, religion, or to those with the same beliefs.

Two Places in the Bible

The Golden Rule is to "do to others what you would have them do to you." This means treating others the same way you yourself would like to be treated. It is called the "Golden Rule" because there is much value in having that kind of respect and caring attitude for one another.

The words "Golden Rule" do not appear in the Bible. However, the concept is there and is clearly understood by readers. In that respect, "The Golden Rule" is like "The Great Commission," "Trinity," and "Rapture." Those words do not appear in the Bible either. However, the concept is clearly understood in each case.

The Golden Rule in Christianity is found in two places in the Bible:

• "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." (Matthew 7:12)
• "And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise."(Luke 6:31)

Active and Passive Form

The moral code in every religion can be written or stated in either the active form or the passive form.

• Active Form: Do to others what you would have them do to you.
• Passive Form: Don't do to others what you would not have them do to you.

Technically, both the active and passive forms say the same thing. However, in the active form, you are told to do. In the passive form, you are told NOT to do.

The Dalai Lama said:

"Every religion emphasizes human improvement, love, respect for others, sharing other people's suffering. On these lines, every religion had more or less the same viewpoint and the same goal."

The Golden Rule

Even though the Golden Rule in Christianity requires you to DO SOMETHING, the Golden Rule in the other religions prohibits you from doing something unfavorable to others.

• Christianity: Do unto others what you want them to do unto you.
• Others: Don't do to others what you don't want done to you.

In Christianity, what is required is that you show kindness, love, fairness, and compassion to others. I taught a World Religion course in high school and in college. I discovered that in other religions, it is required that you don't do harm to people.

When you don't know how to respond to others, treat them as you yourself would like to be treated, and it is unlikely you will ever do the wrong thing.

It is no accident that the Golden Rule is universal. If all people followed it, then everyone would get along.

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