Several major religions have variations of the Golden Rule, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism. These religions teach the principle of treating others as you would like to be treated.
So let us dig a little deeper
The Golden Rule, or the principle of treating others as you would like to be treated, is a universal and fundamental ethical principle that can be found in various religions and philosophies across the world. It represents a moral guideline that encourages individuals to practice empathy, compassion, and respect towards others. While the concept is expressed in different forms and phrasings, the underlying message remains consistent.
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Christianity: In Christianity, the Golden Rule is closely associated with Jesus’ teachings and is mentioned in the New Testament. The biblical verse, Matthew 7:12, states, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
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Islam: In Islam, the Golden Rule is encapsulated by the hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad), which states, “None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.”
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Judaism: Judaism also emphasizes the Golden Rule, referred to as the principle of reciprocity. The Talmudic teaching states, “What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow.”
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Hinduism: Hinduism promotes a similar principle through the concept of Ahimsa, which means non-violence and treating all living beings with compassion. Mahatma Gandhi, a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement, said, “The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragments and from different angles of vision.”
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Buddhism: Buddhist teachings highlight the importance of compassion, and the Golden Rule aligns with the principle of loving-kindness. The Buddha stated, “Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.”
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Taoism: In Taoism, the concept of the Golden Rule is reflected in the teachings of Laozi, who said, “Regard your neighbor’s gain as your own gain, and your neighbor’s loss as your own loss.”
Interesting facts about the Golden Rule:
- The Golden Rule, with its basic principle of reciprocity, has roots dating back thousands of years and can be found in ancient texts and philosophical writings.
- Many cultures and civilizations have independently developed the Golden Rule principle, recognizing its significance as a moral guide.
- The Golden Rule promotes empathy and understanding, encouraging individuals to consider the impact of their actions on others.
- It serves as a cornerstone of ethical conduct and has been embraced by philosophers, religious leaders, and humanitarians throughout history.
Table:
| Religion | Quotation |
|---|---|
| Christianity | “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 7:12 |
| Islam | “None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.” |
| Judaism | “What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow.” |
| Hinduism | “The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragments and from different angles of vision.” – Mahatma Gandhi |
| Buddhism | “Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.” |
| Taoism | “Regard your neighbor’s gain as your own gain, and your neighbor’s loss as your own loss.” – Laozi |
Video related “Which religions have the Golden Rule?”
The YouTuber discusses the Golden Rule and how it is present in the 13 most common religions. He emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, but notes that many religious individuals do not consistently follow this rule. He suggests that ego often gets in the way of practicing kindness and encourages viewers to reflect on their actions and question whether they are truly embodying the teachings of the Golden Rule. The speaker also discusses the concept of the ego and how it influences human behavior, and encourages individuals to be the change they want to see in the world by being more kind and understanding towards others.
Other viewpoints exist
The idea dates at least to the early Confucian times (551–479 BCE), according to Rushworth Kidder, who identifies the concept appearing prominently in Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, and "the rest of the world’s major religions".
The Golden Rule is Common to All Religions – Norman Rockwell Museum – The Home for American Illustration
If the entire world lived by the Golden Rule, there would be peace on Earth. It’s also obvious that it’s impossible to be living ethically if we are violating the GR.” Religions across the world often embrace and teach the Golden Rule, too, often through their religious texts or through speeches their leaders give.
They focus on explanation in principle, not application in the concrete. But the golden rule is to be followed, and following the golden rule requires a saintly, unselfish disposition to operate, with a utopian world to operate in. This is common belief.
A number of philosophers from Hobbes to Mill to Parfit have held some combination of the following views about the Golden Rule: (a) It is the cornerstone of morality across many if not all cultures. (b) It affirms the value of moral impartiality, and potentially the core idea of utilitarianism.
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In this way, Does Buddhism have a golden rule?
Response: Buddhism: “Whatever is disagreeable to yourself, do not do unto others” (The Buddha, Udana-Varga 5.18 – 6th century BC). Confucianism: “Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you” (Confucius, Analects 15.23 – 5th century BC).
People also ask, Is the golden rule only found in Christianity?
Response will be: You can find this principle in most religions, not just Christianity. Some consider an ethic of reciprocity in certain religions, although others may treat it differently – depending on their belief system. As part of the Golden Rule Christianity seeks for ultimate positivity in this reflection of morality.
Just so, Does Islam have the golden rule?
As a response to this: The golden rule, or the ethics of reciprocity, is an Islamic moral principle which calls upon people to treat others the way they would like to be treated. According to the Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, the golden rule is defined as: Any form of the dictum: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Also Know, Does Hinduism have a golden rule?
Answer will be: Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.” Hinduism: “This is the sum of duty; do naught unto others what you would not have them do unto you.”
Then, Is the Golden Rule common to all religions?
In reply to that: The Golden Rule is Common to All Religions – Norman Rockwell Museum – The Home for American Illustration
Also to know is, What if the world lived by the Golden Rule? If the entire world lived by the Golden Rule, there would be peace on Earth. It’s also obvious that it’s impossible to be living ethically if we are violating the GR.” Religions across the world often embrace and teach the Golden Rule, too, often through their religious texts or through speeches their leaders give.
Also asked, Should the Golden Rule be followed? The reply will be: They focus on explanation in principle, not application in the concrete. But the golden rule is to be followed, and following the golden rule requires a saintly, unselfish disposition to operate, with a utopian world to operate in. This is common belief.
One may also ask, What do philosophers believe about the Golden Rule?
A number of philosophers from Hobbes to Mill to Parfit have held some combination of the following views about the Golden Rule: (a) It is the cornerstone of morality across many if not all cultures. (b) It affirms the value of moral impartiality, and potentially the core idea of utilitarianism.