I know this will make some people angry, but is 'the golden rule' atheistic dogma?

Question

I can't understand why atheism would need rules...

Karma also makes sense, but it restrains and oppresses my true human spirit?

(I don’t actually go out and try mess people over, this question is merely for the purpose of discussion)

Answer 1

Well it certainly didn't originate with Jesus. (Which is better? To originate an idea, or to recognize the wisdom of an idea and profess it. ............ or to simply apply the wisdom of an idea?


Wikipedia:


Confucius professed the Golden Rule 500 years before Jesus was born.

Confucius' thoughts have been developed into a system of philosophy known as Confucianism (儒家). It was introduced to Europe by the Jesuit Matteo Ricci in 500 BCE,


I am a Christian. That means I try to follow Jesus' instructions on how to live, how to die, and How to go to Heaven, and meanwhile how to be very assured that I will go to Heaven (unless I go nuts, listening to Bubba Preachers who think they are descendents of Adam and Eve. (Unless they are orthodox Jews, they cannot trace their blood line back to Adam.) --- sorry for rambling.

added: Does Martin S remember the deal in the Bible about straining a gnat and swallowing a camel.

PS: "As a man thinketh, so is he" also came from the far east even thousands of years before Jesus. -- But I still love Jesus. - (Don't get me started. I will start crying and smiling at the same time.)

Answer 2

In a sense the "golden rule" is a atheistic/pagan doctrine because that rule says not to do to others what you wouldn't want them to do to you. That's a rule about NOT doing something. The command that Jesus gave was a positive command.

Many atheists claim that the golden rule is a part of virtually every religion, and that it was taught by many before Jesus was born. This is false, since the "golden rule" taught in other religions is not the same as that taught by Jesus. Here is what Jesus said:

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12, Jesus Christ)15

In comparison, here is the "golden rule" given by Confucius:

Tsze-kung asked, saying, "Is there one word which may serve as a rule of practice for all one's life?" The Master said, "Is not RECIPROCITY such a word? What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others." (The Analects Book 15:24)

There is a huge difference between the two. Confucius merely phrased it in the negative. Don't do what you would not want others to do to you. In addition, Confucius phrased the philosophy in terms of reciprocity - expecting something back in return. However, Jesus said:

"But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. (Luke 6:35)

In addition, Jesus phrased the rule in the positive, which is quite different. Jesus recognized the problem with the "golden rule" that was prevalent at the time. Not doing evil is not the same as doing good for everyone. After giving the golden rule in his sermon on the Mount of Olives, He made the following statement:

"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. (Luke 6:32)

The real golden rule requires you to love everyone, even those who mistreat you or use you for their own gain. Is it possible to love everyone? If you try to do it by your own power, you will fail. For more information on how you can love everyone, see The New Commandment That is Old

Answer 3

Atheists have no dogma. Atheism is not a belief system based on some set of shared values.
Atheism has nothing to do with whether a person is republican or democratic or how they feel about any particular issue.

It just means no belief in God. Really, life goes on just the same. It is not as if anyone ever really encountered God during their lifetime.

Answer 4

I wish I could recall tonight where I read it .. but the "golden rule" is spread across most of the world's religions. Someone I read recently translated most of them into english and they read very simular.

now for the atheist and religious alike .. most feel that the restraint of living under some moral rules enoble our spirts instead of alowing us to be completely base animals.

you of course may or may not agree.

various groups who play with the notion of power actually do agree with the concept of "might is right" and the divine right of combat.

this being religiously based and those athesitic based.

God might win in the end, but the little guys will get squashed and I don't think that is right.

Answer 5

The Golden Rule is the most basic principal which underlies both religion and law. While atheism is the belief that there is no God or gods, it does not deny the need for rules.

Answer 6

We don't need religious dogma, but the "Golden Rule" is a good practice to go by.

Atheists are, by and large, good people who just happen to not believe in any god or goddess.

Have a nice day.
.

Answer 7

The golden rule is from scripture. What a lovely world no rules,everyone doing everything they want , to hell with rules,lets just go rob a bank. Lets kick down our neighbor's door and beat him up .Nice world you guys would leave our kids.

Answer 8

if im gonna drink my golden rule is i better have somebody with me or i may just end up 200+ miles away on the waking of that dang hangover hour in the wild jungle without remembering a thing along with a half detached body part cheers :d

Answer 9

That's a christian thing. Not that it isn't a good idea. Pretty good life principle. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Basically, don't do anything to anyone else that you wouldn't want them to do to you.

But, it isn't atheist dogma - we don't have one. Some might like what I just said, some might not. The only thing we have in common is that none of us believe in god(s).

That's it. Disappointed?

Answer 10

No, we all have personal ways of conducting ourselves there is no atheist dogma or book of rules, the golden rule is one I personally find suits my temperament and world-view however...it feels natural to me. I am an atheist.