dwp666

The following is a set of quotes compiled to show that, at least in one instance, Christian ethics aren't as unique or ground breaking as Christians would have people believe they are. I'm not familiar with the work of any of people quoted here. I was hoping that some here might be and can confirm whether or not the quotes are accurate:

ATHEIST OUTREACH NEWSLETTER - Number 5, Fall 1999

THE GOLDEN RULE(S)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There's a common misconception that the so-called Golden Rule is a Christian ethic, but the reality is that it originated long before...

* Do not to your neighbour what you would take ill from him.
--Pittacus, 650 BCE

* Do not unto another that you would not have him do unto you. Thou needest this law alone. It is the foundation of all the rest.
--Confucius, 500 BCE

* Avoid doing what you would blame others for doing.
--Thales, 464 BCE

* What you wish your neighbours to be to you, be also to them.
--Sextus (Pythagorean), 406 BCE

* We should conduct ourselves toward others as we would have them act toward us.
--Aristotle, 384 BCE

* Cherish reciprocal benevolence, which will make you as anxious for another's welfare as your own.
--Aristippus of Cyrene, 365 BCE

* Act toward others as you desire them to act toward you.
Isocrates, 338 BCE

* This is the sum of duty: Do naught unto others which would cause you pain if done to you.
--Hinduism, 300 BCE

* What is hateful to you, do not to your fellow men. That is the entire Law; all the rest is commentary.
--Rabbi Hillel, 50 BCE

* Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
--Jesus of Nazareth, circa 30 CE

Mike Rosoft

Religious Tolerance gives even more examples of the golden rule and its equivalents. I can add another one from the Book of Tobit 4:16 (2nd/3rd century BCE):

"And what you hate, do not do to any one."


Mike Rosoft

emotional

I don't see why the Golden Rule would be of much importance to Christianity anyway. All the golden deeds in the world, according to Christianity, are like a menstrual rag (beged 'idim, Isaiah 64:6) in God's eyes and won't get you to heaven. All ethics, morality, loving and kindness of humans towards one another are the way to hell if you trust in them instead of Jesus, according to that "religion of love". Makes you wonder what motivation for doing good deeds at all.

Primordial Groove

He who has the Gold, rules.

-unknown

Spaz

Yeah, that's a good point, but don't go trying to make sense of it...

RRoman

Luke 6:35
"But love your enemies, and do good, and lend expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great."

Matthew 5:12
"Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven."


Like little children. "Mummy will give you a lollipop if you stop pestering your baby sister"

elmodog

If people can get to heaven by just doing good deeds, perhaps they would not attend church services anymore. That is bad for the church, as its survival depends on people coming every week and paying their 10% fee.

So, they have to scare people into attending.