ETHICS OF RECIPROCITY

Christians call it the Golden Rule and attribute it to Jesus but it was written in the Torah one thousand years before he was born. And it was a part of pagan religions long before that. Almost all religions have such an ethic as well as the ancient philosophers. It is the basis of human morality. I think it was intended to apply to the entire human race but unfortunately, some religious people apply it only to fellow believers. It is my opinion that one can be religious and immoral and atheists can be moral. Religion or the lack of it does not necessarily create morality. So far, religion’s dogmas have divided the world and stimulate immoral actions instead of uniting us for common good.

We need to work on finding the catalysts that will drive the world’s faiths to rediscover and practice the Golden Rule, “Do on to others what you would have them do unto you”. And “Don’t do to others what you don’t want them to do to you.” This is the real foundation of morality. If all people were compassionate enough to live by this rule, the world would be a more peaceful place. In my blog last week I discussed the importance of International education. I believe it could be a huge catalyst for living by the Golden Rule. We are all one. When one is harmed, all are harmed. When one is helped, all are helped. OM & Amen.