This lesson explores how all the major religions subscribe to the idea that we should behave towards others as we would like others to behave towards us.

Part 1

To apply The Golden Rule you have to imagine yourself in the exact place of the other person on the receiving end of the action or treatment. If you act in a certain way towards another person, and would be unwilling or uncomfortable to be treated that way in the same circumstances, then you violate the rule.

To apply the golden rule properly, we need knowledge and imagination. We need to know what effect our actions have on the lives of others. And we need to be able to imagine ourselves, vividly and accurately, in the other person's place on the receiving end of the action.

With knowledge, imagination, and the golden rule, we can progress a long way in our moral thinking.

ISLAM ‘Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourselves.’ The Prophet Mohammed Hadith

Muslims are expected to pray five times a day, give charity to the poor and fast during the daylight hours of the holy month of Ramadan.

HINDUISM ‘This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you.’ Mahabharata

Hindus believe that serving food to the poor is very good karma. Food is distributed to people at the end of many religious ceremonies

BUDDHISM ‘Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.’ Udana-Varga

Buddhists understand Sila (morality) in three parts: 1.Right speech 2.Right actions 3.Right livelihood – not harming oneself or others.

SIKHISM ‘I am a stranger to no one, and no one is a stranger to me. Indeed I am a friend to all’. Guru Granth Sahib

Sikhs are expected to give away one tenth of their earnings in the belief that everyone profits when their contributions are shared with others.

CHRISTIANITY ‘In everything do to others as you would have them do to you.’ The Bible. Matthew 7:12

Christians believe that unlimited loving- kindness towards others is perfection of the human spirit, because it reflects the true nature of God.

JUDAISM ‘What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour. This is the whole Torah. All the rest is commentary.’ Talmud

Jews believe that good deeds are an extremely important part of living a sacred life. Great value is placed on anonymous giving.

CONFUCIANISM ‘One word which sums up the basis of all good conduct … loving kindness. Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.’ Confucius

Confucianists believe that you should show ‘good conduct’ towards your family, neighbours and society. The symbol means harmony and righteousness.

TAOISM ‘Regard your neighbour’s gain as your own gain, and your neighbour’s loss as your own loss.’ Tai Shang Kan Ting Pien

Taoists believe that the development of virtue is the main task in life. Compassion, moderation and humility are the ‘three jewels’.

If we violate the golden rule, we're violating the spirit of fairness and concern that lie at the heart of morality.

Part 2

The Golden Rule, with roots in a wide range of world cultures, is well suited to be a standard to which different cultures could appeal in resolving conflicts. As the world becomes a global community, the need for such a standard is becoming more urgent.

The United Nations exists to: –carry out peacekeeping operations to end some of the world's most difficult conflicts. –help victims of disaster –protect human rights –make international law –eradicate poverty –foster economic and social development.

Imagine that you are Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations

Using the principle of the ‘Golden Rule’, devise three simple laws which you will ask all the World’s governments to agree to. Your group must try to persuade the class why your laws are important. Can you make the World a better place?

Glossary violate – disobey, go against global – worldwide, international resolve – solve, put an end to standard – norm, measure conflict – clash, quarrel, battle.