Dear editor:
Four hundred and thirty-four years before Jesus was born, Socrates taught his followers the affirmation, "Do not do to others what angers you if done to you by others." All religions at their core hold this identical thought and over the centuries have asked their followers to live by this uncomplicated rule. Why is it that we continually fail to follow such a simple rule? We seem to have an egotistical, stubborn nature that fights reason, revealing a zeal for greed and the lust for power and control. If we could all simply abide by the rule, we would see war no more, race hate disappear. Violence, murder, assaults, robbery, hatred for others vanish. We would watch as the world becomes transformed and "God's will is done on earth as it is in heaven."
It is no coincidence that the Golden Rule is the foundation of Holy Books of all religions. One can only conclude that if there truly is one God of the Universe and this rule is a fundamental command in all religions, God wants us to get it and get it right.
In 3200 B.C., Hinduism said in the Hitopadesa, "One should always treat others as they themselves wish to be treated."
In 1300 B.C., Judaism in the Old Testament said, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
In 560 B.C., the Buddha in the 'Udanavarga' said, "Hurt not others with that which pains yourself."
Confucianism in 557 B.C. in the Analects said, "What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others."
In 612 C.E., Islam declared the Golden Rule in the sayings of Muhammad. The Islamic Sahih teaches, "None of you has faith until he loves for his brother or his neighbor." In the Bukhari, the Prophet Muhammad said, "None of you has faith until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself." Islam teaches that "Muslims must treat others well no matter how they treat the Muslims" -- Qur'an 16:91.
In 30 C.E., Jesus declared, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I love, then everyone will know that you are my followers."
It seems all religions encourage love and peace. For agnostics and atheists, the Golden Rule also has truth and meaning. This all seems so simplistic. Nevertheless, it takes a radical change of heart to personally internalize and embrace the Golden Rule in our everyday living. It requires tremendous courage and the willingness to experience humility. It can change the world one person at a time if this philosophy would be accepted and reflected in the lives of all people, all religions and all those who do not adhere to any specified religion. Could it be that the problem is not religion as much as it is the people who call themselves religious?
George Lindholm
Hot Springs
Editorial on 08/31/2014