This is something I've been thinking about the past few days.........

Some of the discussions I have had with people on this forum (indeed in real life) indicate that (generally) people agree with Jesus teaching of "do unto others as you would have others do unto you". A teaching like this promotes love and compassion. That's gotta be good, right.

But how many actually follow this?

And before you all start jumping up and down and claiming that's exactly what you do, read the rest of my post, ok.

In essence, Jesus' teaching here is similar to that of other philosophical sorts. Confucius, for example says "Don't do to others what you don't want them to do to you". Likewise the Greek philosopher Isocrates says something along the lines of "Whatever angers you don't do to anger others". The teachings are similar, and on the surface appear almost identical.

But I've come to the conclusion that there is a fundamental difference between them. Most people adhere to Confucius' and Isocrates' teachings in some form and believe that they are also adhering to Jesus' teachings.

But are they really that similar? I believe not. I believe the difference is that Jesus is advocating a more proactive belief than that of either Confucius or Isocrates.

One could hypothetically lock themselves in a room for their entire lives and not interact with anyone, and easily follow the mantra "Don't do to others what you don't want done to you". But it is not so easy with Jesus' teaching. It is an active call to do things for others. To be a servant to others. To put others needs before your own.

So why this post?

It's probably obvious by now, but it has been my experience that people in life believe that they are following Jesus by simply not doing evil to others. But Jesus is saying we are to be much more proactive. Do good to others, not just not do bad.

I'm not preaching here guys. I'm not trying to convert you to Jesus or anything. Nor am I insinuating that people here do not do such. I've found you guys here to be wonderful people who have genuine care for those around you. I'm just reasoning out the teachings of Jesus as opposed to those of other philosophers and religious leaders.

Discuss

Yes I do try to follow this. However, it should be remembered as one extra-Biblical text states 'know when to fight, and know when to withdraw'. Jesus also stated that His own disciples be as 'cunning as serpents'.

At the end of the day, that all comes down to the fact that you shouldn't allow yourself to be a doormat. Know when to stand up and fight, know when to draw the line.

do unto you"

"Don't do to others what you don't want them to do to you".

"Whatever angers you don't do to anger others".


I'd say they mean basically the same thing. Don't do something to someone that you don't want them to do to you, treat them like you want to be treated etc.

Different wording same basic meaning. I personally would say that no matter which one you follow it is a good way to be.

If you think about it, they aren't the same at all.

Don't do to others what you don't want done to you is passive. As mentioned in the OP i can safely lock myself away and never have to interact with anyone.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This is proactive. It requires me to go out of my way to do things for others, while the first one does not require such.

"do unto others" --- treat people how you want to be treated
"don't do to others what you don't want them to do to you" -- treat people how you want to be treated
"what angers you don't do to anger others" -- treat others how you want to be treated.


Differnt wording of the same thing really I'm not seeing how you are seeing them as different. I'm sorry maybe i'm missing something?

the teachings of jesus were nothing new at all. the concept of seeing yourself in others and treating them as you would treat yourself, regardless of the words used, is all the same. it is an active process becuase all the philosophers understood that man is a social animal that does interact with with others. show me a philosopher that suggested "go lock yourself in a room so you do not treat others unfairly". you won't find such a figure. the teachings of jesus are like the content of a "friday the 13th" sequel: it had all been done in previous works but was nicely repackaged for a replay.

I tend to live life with the philosophy of "do unto others before they do unto you" But that's besides the point...

By nature, I'm a very polite person...I'm far more restraining in reality than I often am here (probably because the boards seem less formal than a face to face conversation)...I usually treat people with courtesy and respect, but certainly don't pander to them

PA Do you see Jesus as a victim??? Your perception of jesus gives meaning to the
message. YOU CANNOT DO FOR ANOTHER WHAT YOU DON"T DO FOR YOURSELF>
very big truth. All masters all of them said the same thing in a way that was uniqely there own words. It appears as if you need to Have Jesus better than anyone else that is just a contruct of your mind , The meaning that anything has is the meaning you give it. Namaste sheri

I am beginning to understand that you don't have the slightest idea about Christianity and what it truly means. You don't understand Christ. You don't understand his teachings. You don't understand much when it comes to Christianity. All you seem to be guided by is some book that no one else is interested in.

The teachings of Jesus are very simple...and His life followed them. Your way of thinking was Peter's way of thinking when he cut the ear off of one of the soldiers who were attempting to arrest Jesus.

PA is correct...it isn't just a passive philosophy...it is pro-active...the key word being DO!

again, it was not unique or new. although perhaps some will agrue the extent to which nasty things have been done in the name of christianity certianly could make the top of the "worst of" list.

the problem with christianity is it is a paranoid (controlling, egotistical) beleif structure so it is no surprise the greatest attrocities were commited by christians since they were just doing it onto others before it was done onto them (and in the culture of paranoia, the threat and justifications were very real).

How does the "do unto others" concept work when speaking with a masochist?

why did you quote me to ask how "do unto others" works when speaking about a masochist?

Jesus speaking peace?

Does it really matter if you believe or not?

Oooops, didn't mean to. Sorry, hyper. Pushed the wrong button.

no worries, iaapac.

since i am back in this thread though, i will point out one other issue with the "do" vs "think" difference PA raised.

actions come from thoughts. if one thinks as others as him/herself, one treats the others with the same respect he/hes gives to him/herself (or unfortunately, if it is lacking in the individual, it will be lacking in the thoughts of others). thought is the root. now christianity comes along and states "do", to which there is no need to think, just do. christianity time and again has demonstrated a complete lack of respect, trust, equality, understanding in others and its paranoid, controlling, dominance driven belief structure grants it an illusion of superemacy so it "does" as it wishes to others.

thought must occur for there to be any meaning, yet in true submissive form christianity again rids its followers of thinking and instead encourages mindless obedience and observance of doctorine. this put together with the one thing that christianity DID bring to the table: an unequalled call to go forth and destroy all other cultures and belief structures, along with the precast paranoia of "you will be persecuted for your beleifs" and we have the foundation for what IMO is nothing more than a "plague" set forth upon the land.

Wow OUCH, What Jesus wouldn't DO is judge another for their beliefs , or say the things you have said . These forums are to give your perspective to share with others if it touches someone kool if it doesn't thats kool to , Regardless of whether you like Ashleys perspective does not mean that no is interested in her point of view, i for one feel she says things that are worth hearing and many others do to just read the posts , She also does live her truth alot more than most people I highly doubt that PA intended his topic to be for saying mean things to others, We have to try remember we are all doing the best we can on this planet Say unto others as you would have them say unto you ??Namaste sheri

I guess I would have said, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," and hope you don't run into a masocist who believes the same.

Then too: If I knew for a certainty that a man was coming to my house with the conscious design of doing me good, I should run for my life.
Henry David Thoreau

You know Joc, Sherri has made a very good point:



And thanks again Sherri.

Now, as for my understanding of Yeshua (Jesus), being part Jewish myself, and having practiced both Catholicism and Judaism, (Judiasm being what Jesus actually practiced and revolutionized to what you now called Christianity), I'd say I understand what He was talking about.

There did come a point when Jesus stood up for Himself against Pharisee's constantly constantly taking jabs at Him for His understanding, and revolutionising of the Judaic practices, correct? So, there we have an example of not being a doormat, which Jesus never was. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice (and at one point, even asked God to change this, but the path was set....) this also, does not make Him a doormat.

Oh, and btw, that 'guided by some book no one is interested in' comment, 1. I read the entire Bible, Torah and excluded texts as a WHOLE, just because I seem focused on Enoch does not make it th be all and end all, and 2. as for no one being interested in it, seems Jesus and His followers were interested enough as they read it, and even quoted it.