The Ethic of Reciprocity

A recent survey of US Religious Knowledge recently revealed an astonishing lack of religious knowledge in the body of believers.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/religion/post/2010/09/atheists-belief-pew-religious-knowledge/1

It is important to remember that when it comes to religious belief, there is nothing new under the sun. The ethic of reciprocity, or the golden rule, is a concept that is more important than the christian ten commandments when viewed through a broad lens. You will see why below. It is a bridge between all of the religions, a universal belief that can be used to reach out and transcend what may be other major differences in doctrine. The ethic of reciprocity is a commonality that should be emphasized for it is a human universal truth.

 

 

 otherwise known as

 The Golden Rule

Christianity  – 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.

Confucianism – Do not do to others what you would not like yourself. Then there will be no resentment against you, either in the family or in the state. Analects 12:2.

Buddhism – Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful. Udana-Varga 5,1.

Hinduism -This is the sum of duty; do naught onto others what you would not have them do unto you. Mahabharata 5,1517.

Islam – No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself. Sunnah.

Judaism – What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellowman. This is the entire Law; all the rest is commentary. Talmud, Shabbat 3id.

Taoism – Regard your neighbor’s gain as your gain, and your neighbor’s loss as your own loss. Tai Shang Kan Yin P’ien.

Zoroastrianism – That nature alone is good which refrains from doing another whatsoever is not good for itself. Dadisten-I-dinik, 94,5.