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Intrinsic human cooperation at the core of creative cultural evolution promises to give rise to a new epoch for humanity defined by societal sustainability and lasting world peace. The biological basis for human cooperation and symbiotical relationships both validate and underlie evolutionary panaltruism in and beyond the twenty-first century. Twenty-first century education centered on human empathy and compassion and a terror-free global community by the year 2010 garners important impetus from The Golden Rule principle.
The Golden Rule principle, also called the Ethic of Reciprocity by theologians, says: "Dont do to others what you wouldn't want done to you." Or treat others the way you would want to be treated. The Golden Rule has a moral aspect found in each religion or faith. It could be used as a global ethic. Paul McKenna, a writer in interfaith dialogue, has found analogues for the golden rule in 13 faiths. These 13 analogue statements are passages found in the scriptures or writings that promote this ethos. Every faith is unanimous of saying that every individual should be treated with the same respect and dignity we all seek for ourselves. As a first step in bringing together religious leaders all around the world, the Global Community is presenting here 13 statements that unify us all in one Golden Rule. A new symbiotical relationship between religion and the protection of the global life-support systems has begun to take place all over the world. Religious rituals now support the conservation efforts and play a central role in governing sustainable use of the natural environment. Major faiths are issuing declarations, advocating for new national policies, and creating educational activities in support of a sustainable global community. The Global Community is establishing a symbiotical relationship between spirituality and science, between our heart and mind, and God, between religion and the environment. The human family is finding its role in the universe, a higher purpose and a meaning. We now can celebrate life. A sustainable world can be built with the help of a very powerful entity: the human spirit. Community participation generates the energy needed to sustain the planet and all life. Religious and environmental communities have formed a powerful alliance for sustainability. Our next objective will be to find statements from all religions that promote the respect, stewardship, protection, ethical and moral responsibility to life and of the environment, the Earth global life-support systems, and statements that promote a responsible Earth management. We are also asking for specific statements on environmental conservation such as those expressed by the Islamic religion. Societal sustainability in addressing international terrorism and the creation of a democratically planned global economy marshals previously untapped human cooperation, energy, and resources. Investigating, understanding, and eradicating the root causes of international terrorism entails objective analyses of all social dichotomies ranging in realm from religious dogmas, to political ideologies, to economic systems. Native Spirituality We are as much alive as we keep the Earth alive. Chief Dan George 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, pg. 1299 Christianity In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. Jesus, Matthews 7:12 BaHa'I Faith Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things you would not desire for yourself. Baha'ullah, Gleanings Judaism What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary. Hillel, Talmud, Shabbat 31a Buddhism Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful. Udana-Varga 5.18 Islam Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself. The Prophet Muhammad, Hadith Taoism Regard your neighbour's gain as your own gain, and your neighbour's loss as your own loss. T'ai Shang Kan Ying P'ien, 213-218 Hinduism This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you. Mahabharata 5:1517 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, Analeets, 15.23 Jainism One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated. Mahavira,Sutrakritanga Unitarianism We affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. Unitarian principle Zoroastrianism Do not do unto others whatever is injurious to yourself. Shayast-na-Shayast, 13.29
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