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One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated - Jainism .... Do unto others as you would have them do unto you - Christianity .... None of you truly believes until you want for others what you want for yourself - Islam .... Treat not others in ways you yourself would find hurtful - Buddhism .... What is hateful to you do not do to your neighbour - Judaism ....
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A Matter of Degree

Oct. 12, 2006

Have you ever noticed that where a person grows up determines their tolerance for heat or cold? What one person considers a balmy day is another's scorching afternoon, or chilly morn.

     It might be air-conditioned comfort, Arctic ice, or tropical humidity, but our bodies develop an expectation and a tolerance for whatever environment is our "norm."

     That's not a weakness; it's an adaptation of the human species to a planet that has an amazingly complex range of climates.

     Yet underlying our diversity is a common universal physiology. And where we are most comfortable is often simply a matter of degree.

     So too our great diversity of faiths, developed and evolved to fit the environment in which they are practiced.

     And underlying them, the common universal physiology of the Golden Rule.

     Humanity is physically stronger for the diversity of climates to which we have adapted, and we are spiritually stronger for the diversity of faiths in which we find the Divine.

     And where we are most comfortable here is also often a matter of degree.

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