From December 1-25, I’ll be sharing a quote and its truth from John Fugelsang’s Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists and Flock-Fleecing Frauds, the book Robert and I are currently and fascinatingly reading.
An odd Advent Calendar, of sorts.
If you are interested, you can see the introduction to this new blog category here:
Today: The Golden Rule
Fugelsang explains that “The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12) teaches Jesus’ followers to treat others as they would like to be treated. Which covers all cruelty, exploitation, domination, and discrimination. He makes it very clear that anyone who claims to follow him doesn’t get to hate anybody, ever, for any reason, no matter what.” Separation of Church and Hate p. 25
Wow, that is wild! Hate, then, is not an option if we earnestly desire to follow good in the world. To be good in the world.
I’ve always found it fascinating and encouraging that most religions and ethical ideologies have some form of The Golden Rule.
Judaism: “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor.”
Buddhism: “Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.”
Islam: “Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself”
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Our current political parties (both!) more often than not turn a blind eye to Jesus’ clear instruction.
For example, Monday’s remembrance of World AIDS Day took on more seriousness and urgency as the Trump administration (often claiming adherence to the Bible and the example of JC) cancelled the annual Dec. 1 observance. Presidents have acknowledged World AIDS Day for more than 30 years.
Is cancellation how they want to be treated? How we want to be treated?
May we all this holiday season and always lean toward this Rule of Love and Light.
Some of my Christmas candles over the years:
NealEnJoy 
I am not religious, but I am definitely for more LOVE and less HATE!!! I am ‘WOKE’ and proud of it! It seems to me, as an outside observer, that more hatred is caused by religion than by anything else, other than maybe politics. I respect anyone’s right to believe and worship as they wish, but NOT to force their beliefs on others. Live and Let Live is my motto.
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Great motto, Jill.
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