Response to the following discussion:
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?