Karen Armstrong: Let's revive the Golden Rule

The Centrality of Compassion in World Religions

The Golden Rule Across Faiths

• Every major world faith has its version of the Golden Rule, emphasizing compassion.

• Positive formulation: "Always treat all others as you'd like to be treated yourself." Negative formulation: "Don't do to others what you would not like them to do to you."

The Impact of Compassion

• Implementing the Golden Rule consistently can lead to personal transcendence and a deeper connection with the divine.

• Many religious gatherings often focus on doctrinal disputes rather than fostering compassion, which is central to spiritual life.

Urgency for Global Compassion

• There is an urgent need for global implementation of the Golden Rule to ensure a viable future for coming generations.

• Building a peaceful global society should be a primary task, yet religions are often seen as part of the problem rather than the solution.

Reviving Compassionate Teachings

Historical Perspectives on Compassion

• Rabbi Hillel's teaching encapsulates Jewish ethics: "That which is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor." This principle underlines that any interpretation leading to hatred is illegitimate.

• A revival of this compassionate spirit is necessary; it won't happen passively but requires active effort and modern communication tools.

Actions Over Beliefs

• Religious teachings must translate into action rather than mere belief in doctrines; education and stimulation towards compassionate thinking are essential.

• Media involvement is crucial in reshaping perceptions and dissolving stereotypes that divide communities. Educators should inspire youth about living compassionately as an intelligent choice, not just an emotional response.

Empowering Change Through Compassion

Challenging Uncompassionate Speech

• Individuals should feel empowered by their beliefs or lack thereof to challenge uncompassionate speech from leaders across various sectors (religious, political, industrial).

Collaborative Efforts for Change

The Nature of Love and Friendship

Distinctions Between Types of Love

• The speaker references C.S. Lewis's book "The Four Loves," highlighting his distinction between erotic love and friendship.

• Erotic love is described as a deep, spellbinding connection where two individuals gaze into each other's eyes.

• In contrast, friendship is characterized by two people standing side by side, focused on a common goal rather than on each other.

• The speaker emphasizes that falling in love is not necessary for forming friendships; mutual interests can foster strong bonds.