Jesus was an original thinker, a revolutionary, with a tendency to turn the prevailing ideals upside down. But when Jesus said, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” he was quoting the Old Testament, reminding his listeners of something they were supposed to know already. And you, my reader, know that this is The Golden Rule, a basic moral principal, understood throughout the world. It is not the private property of any religion, though when I think of all its implications, I cannot but feel that it is deeply Christian. It is based on God’s objective and unconditional love for the human race. Requiring us individually to live out this love, it becomes a simple path to peace, and I am a dreamer, enamored of the idea of a world without war.
Lately, after writing something objecting to the generalized fear of Muslims that has surfaced in the United States, I began to ask myself, How do I implement this basic principal, The Golden Rule, in my relationships with people of other religions?
I recognize that it should be so solidly a part of my life that I should automatically do the right thing in any circumstance, but I have to acknowledge that sometimes what I claim to believe is not in control of my thoughts and actions. So I sat down and composed a list. It may not express perfectly what I have done throughout my life. It may not even express what I will do in a moment of anger or grief or panic. But it is what I, as a Christian, think I must do to live as Jesus wanted his disciples to live. You will see, however, that I have chosen words that recognize the universality of their application.
I invite my readers to add or object or perhaps just post my list on your tack board or refrigerator door.
Fifteen Ways to Practice the Golden Rule in Relations with Other Religions
- If I talk, I will also listen.
- While confident of my own religion, I will admit my own limitations in understanding and practicing my faith.
- While confident in my own religion, I will accept that others have reasons to be confident in theirs.
- While believing that all people have a right to know the message I have embraced, I will never coerce or pressure another to confess faith in that message or to adhere to its teachings.
- While assuming my right to worship God in my way and enjoy the freedom to do so, I will assume the same right for others and grant them freedom.
- I will not ask from society any privilege for me or my religion which I will not ask for others and their religion.
- While showing reverence for the founders, heroes and symbols of my faith, I will respect the founders, heroes and symbols of other faiths, for the sake of those who love them.
- No matter what others do, I will maintain my faith that God loves them.
- When some members of another faith do wrong, I will not judge all members of that faith by their deeds.
- I will weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice.
- I will ask forgiveness for insults, deliberate and unintended, and I will forgive those who have wounded me.
- I will defend the oppressed, whoever they are, whatever their religion.
- I will share my resources with the needy, whatever their religion.
- I will practice hospitality to my neighbors, regardless of their faith.
- I will do these things for the sake of others, whatever they may do for me.