Celebrating a Green Golden Rule?

 

 The Golden Rule

 “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; 
for this is the law and the prophets.

Matthew 7:12  Jesus of Nazareth

The Golden Rule is not an option – it’s the key to our common survival. 

Karen Armstrong

Jesus said a lot that was original and unique, and he also drew on his Jewish tradition and universal teaching. Many Christians are aware of the so-called Golden Rule and some may even know where to find it in the gospels. In a time when we are attempting to build bridges between religions for the sake of human harmony and care for the planet it's important to realize that a version of "do unto others as you would have them do to you..." is, as Karen Armstrong says, essential to our common survival.

This is International Golden Rule Day and it shouldn't surprise us that the Canadian Interfaith Conversation: advocating for religion in a pluralistic society and in Canadian public life is supporting this initiative. It's interesting that the focus has broadened to include all living things, as well as the systems of our planetary home. Jesus also invited us to love God, and to love our neighbour as ourselves. We have come to realize that being neighbourly extends to those we will never meet who may need our compassion, and to other species.

We see a disturbing rise is "me first" politics and the use of religion as justification to "other" people, often minorities in our midst. In Canada there has been an increase in anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim sentiment, often piggybacking on other causes. There is also a trend toward populist politics which claims we have to put the economy ahead of ecology, as though the two aren't co-dependent (sharing the same root word.)

We can be vigilant in opposing any speech or action which is contrary to the Golden Rule and pray for a world where mutual respect in the norm rather than the exception. We can also celebrate all situations where this mutuality is upheld, including with other living beings.

Thoughts?