Purchase Solution

The Message of the Golden Rule

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

I'm sure you are all very familiar with "The Golden Rule," but did you know this concept is present in many religious traditions? The words are not exactly the same, but I think you'll agree the spirit of the message is identical:

"Do unto others whatever you would have them do unto you" (Matthew 7:12).

"What is hateful to you, do not do unto others" (Hillel - a Jewish sage and contemporary of Jesus).

"What you do not want done to you, do not do to others" (Confucius - Analects 15.23).

"None of you is a believer until you love for your neighbor what you love for yourself" (Muhammed).

"Do not hurt others with that which hurts yourself" (Buddha)

"This is the sum of all duty: do nothing to others which, if it were done to you, would cause you pain" (From the Mahabharata - Epic Hindu text).

QUESTIONS:

1. Why do you think this message is present in so many cultures?

2. What role does human experience play in the development of religious belief?

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

Referring to the message of the Golden Rule, this solution explains why this message is present in so many cultures as well as the role that human experience play in the development of religious belief. Supplemented with an informative article on the psychological roots of religious belief.

Solution Preview

Let's take a closer lok at these interesting questions. I also attached one supporting article, some of which this response is drawn.

RESPONSE:

1. I'm sure you are all very familiar with "The Golden Rule," but did you know this concept is present in many religious traditions?

The words are not exactly the same, but I think you'll agree the spirit of the message is identical:

"Do unto others whatever you would have them do unto you" (Matthew 7:12).

"What is hateful to you, do not do unto others" (Hillel - a Jewish sage and contemporary of Jesus).

"What you do not want done to you, do not do to others" (Confucius - Analects 15.23).

"None of you is a believer until you love for your neighbor what you love for yourself" (Muhammed).

"Do not hurt others with that which hurts yourself" (Buddha)

"This is the sum of all duty: do nothing to others which, if it were done to you, would cause you pain" (From the Mahabharata - Epic Hindu text).

a. Why do you think this message is present in so many cultures?

There are varying views of why this principle is universal. This principle is rooted in love and most religions are based on love which is the underlying principle of the Golden Rule, which is known to be a basic human need by all people, and in all cultures. This need for love and caring begins at birth, and there is research and clinical evidence that babies do not thrive without love and human touch.

In spiritually and religion, there is a search for meaning: Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where are we going? Therefore, most religions belief in a God, Ultimate ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Biblical Numbers

Do you know the important numbers found in the Bible?

Basic Bible Quiz

A bible knowledge quiz.

The Bible

How well do you know the books of the Bible? Can you keep the order straight?

The Disciples

How much do you know about these key followers of Jesus?

Bible Verse Knowledge

Do you know where these famous biblical verses are found? Test your verse knowledge with this quiz.