It seems that this might be a good time in history for the world’s major religions to get together and come up with some truth about life that crosses all boundaries — something that doesn’t rankle even the most devoted followers. Is there such a truth?
Well, I’m not entirely sure, but I do know that what may be as close to a universal truth as can be found, and something that does cross a good many religious boundaries is…
… well we call it the Golden Rule:
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Believe it or not, this is not a principle, value, truth expounded by just one religion — it crosses far more lines in the sand than you might think. In a wide variety of subtle ways it IS found as a truth/tenet/saying in many of the world’s religions.
So why don’t we GET IT?
This saying does not tolerate:
Bigotry
Lying
Cheating
But it does work well with: Compassion
It isn’t about:
Cheating
Treating people badly
“I’m better than you; you are less than me.”
However, it goes hand and hand with: Kindness
Certainly it doesn’t mesh with:
Arrogance
Dis-honor
Untrustworthiness
Hatred
Ill will
Taking what is not yours; what you have not earned; what you THINK you are entitled to
Forcing others to your will, beliefs, view of the world
…
I believe it is fundamentally about acceptance of others for who they are and allowing them the space and rights to live a life with the same opportunities of truth that you have.
Perhaps most importantly — if one truly ascribes to a set of beliefs where this is one of the central tenets — then most of humanity have many adjustments to make. Somehow I don’t think this truth means: ” I can do anything I want, anytime I want, no matter the consequences to others, as long as I can seek forgiveness now and again for a free pass to the hereafter. I really don’t think it means that. Just how I feel.
Best,
Joe Koob
