@kenc313
I expect Christians to at least *try* to behave like Jesus. I don't expect them (or myself) to succeed 100% of the time, but if they're not making an effort to follow "The golden rule" I find it hard to respect them.
My faith informs everything I do, including my politics because it's central to my identity. I am socialist because that philosophy most fits with what Jesus taught.
@stueytheround @kenc313
I don't disagree, but I would say that anybody who does not follow "the golden rule" (found in almost all religious belief systems), regardless of whether they have religious leanings, is a general problem for society.
@stueytheround @kenc313
We are in agreement. I was merely broadening the stage, based on my earlier comment. 🙂
@stueytheround @codeWhisperer @kenc313 Atheist here, and I would definitely steer clear of any atheist who didn't follow the Golden Rule. They don't have to call it that, but they've got to treat people well (ie, the way that they themselves want to be treated).
@Myana @stueytheround @codeWhisperer @kenc313
The problem with the Golden Rule is that it's *so* easily manipulated.
We have tons of intolerant folk who believe they *are* doing unto others as they would have them do unto themselves... but in this way:
"Why yes! If I were sinning [e.g., as a gay/trans person] & someone knew I was sinning, I would want them to intervene for my soul, too! I might not be thankful right away, but come judgment I would!"
That's why we can't have nice things. :/
@MLClark @stueytheround @codeWhisperer @kenc313 That IS a definite problem. And I'm not sure how to clarify the statement to exclude people like that.
@Myana @stueytheround @codeWhisperer @kenc313
I've written before on the importance of a revised Golden Rule. I live by
"Take into consideration how others wish to be treated."
You can't blanket treat everyone the way they want to be treated (that's how we get narcissists in politics 🙃), but you can certainly remember the importance of listening to people's stated needs & wants, and of learning that there are many equally worthwhile ways for a person to be.
As seen here, on this thread!
@MLClark They think like a mobius strip.
They think they never sin. Romans 3:23 says different. Yes. This is often why we can't have nice things!
@stueytheround @Myana @codeWhisperer @kenc313
"This is _often_ why we can't have nice things!"
I see your more optimistic reframe and I appreciate it - and you! 😊
@MLClark 🤣 I was just thinking there are other reasons we can't have nice things, too. @Myana @codeWhisperer @kenc313
@stueytheround @codeWhisperer @kenc313
Absolutely no understanding of the Christ Consciousness. Zero.
@stueytheround @codeWhisperer @kenc313 I'm not Jewish, and yet this is the cornerstone of my philosophy.
@LiberalLibrarian @stueytheround @codeWhisperer @kenc313 It was the cornerstone of Jesus' philosophy too. To paraphrase it:
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, body, and soul. And love your neighbor as yourself. On these two principles hang all of the prophets' teachings.
@LiberalLibrarian @stueytheround @codeWhisperer @kenc313 the golden rule is the cornerstone of a lot of things isn't it. Some people seem to follow an opposite rule.
@codeWhisperer
Yes indeed.
I speak from a Christian perspective because that's who I am, but even atheists can and *do* follow the golden rule. It's not exclusively a religious idea by any means.
However, we were talking about Christianity in particular and if we profess Jesus but flat refuse to try to follow his teachings, the hypocrisy stands out like a sore thumb. It's right that people call it out.
@kenc313