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The Universality of the Golden Rule in World Religions

Gary said:
So in effect, you are rejecting your previous post..... Good! That is real progress.

:) :)
Click to expand...

The Golden Rule and Christian Apologetics
By Edward T. Babinski

http://www.edwardtbabinski.us/religion/golden.html

"An even more "finely tuned" rule might be what some call "The Platinum Rule," namely, "Do Unto Others as They Would Have You Do Unto Them." In other words, take time to learn about your neighbor's tastes, their mood, their nature, and their temperment, before you start "doing" things "unto them." Treat others the way they want to be treated."



This is how the golden rule is sensibly understood, but if its not explicit in the formulation, then perhaps some would not understand it in this way?
 
Fortunately, Christians have more than just the Golden Rule. We have the Bible. We also have the Holy Spirit who has been sent to guide and lead us to the truth. The Golden Rule would obviously include the idea that you would think before you start doing anything for or to your neighbor... considering what their needs and wants are... just like you would like anyone to consider YOUR needs and wants first.

There is no need for this so-called "Platinum Rule"... it is already implied in the Golden Rule.

Read it again carefully.... "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you..."

You would like your neighbor to consider your needs and wants first.

Secondly, I honestly believe that the Golden Rule is superior to the Platinum Rule. For instance, you might sacrifice something (even your life) for your neighbor. They may well not have considered this option under the Platinum Rule.

Think it through again.

:)
 
I think that the parable of the good Samaritan would be a good example to see how each fulfills his duty.

Luke 10:25 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"26He said to him, "What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?" 27So he answered and said, ""You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,' and "your neighbor as yourself."' 28And He said to him, "You have answered rightly; do this and you will live." 29But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" 30Then Jesus answered and said: "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side.

With a Jew laying on the side of the road, half dead from being beaten and robbed, like the preist and then the Jew (in parable and in discussion) Confucianist, Buddhist, Hinduist, Judaist, Zoroastrianist, would all fulfill their laws by knowing that they would not rob and beat this man as the the robbers did, but still, passing him by. Islam would at best pass him by, knowing that he is not a brother, and at worst would threaten to finish him off if he did not convert. The Taoist would feel his pain, but can pass by and still fulfill his law.

Jesus took it further. This is the difference between the positive and the negative.

33But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, "Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.' 36So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?"

37And he said, "He who showed mercy on him."

Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."


All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:1

In Christ

Dave
 
Gary said:
The Golden Rule would obviously include the idea that you would think before you start doing anything for or to your neighbor... considering what their needs and wants are... just like you would like anyone to consider YOUR needs and wants first.

There is no need for this so-called "Platinum Rule"... it is already implied in the Golden Rule.
Click to expand...


"Worst case scenario is that if someone fears they will be sent to eternal hell for doubting a particular religious belief, they might welcome being coerced and tortured to "correct" their beliefs and assure them eternal heaven, in which case the Golden Rule would imply that other people would be equally appreciative of being "corrected" rather than "risk eternal hellfire."

http://www.edwardtbabinski.us/religion/golden.html


For all I know, Christians have actually thought like this. It wouldn't surprise me at all.
 
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