Editorial November 24, 1973 Issue

The Golden Rule

Naomi Price

People who have never read the Bible and think they know nothing about it are often surprised when it dawns on them that they are, in fact, well acquainted with many portions of it and that they frequently employ phrases and metaphors that originated in it.

To name a few: the first chapters of Genesis that tell in allegorical form of creation and of the Garden of Eden. Then Noah's ark, Moses and the Ten Commandments, the wisdom of Solomon, and Daniel in the lions' den. Still farther on, the Christmas story, Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, including the Lord's Prayer. His parables, particularly the well-known ones about the prodigal son and the good Samaritan. The great events of the crucifixion and resurrection.

And—the Golden Rule. Perhaps Jesus' exact words are not well known, but the idea he expressed in this rule is widely recognized to be at the heart of Christianity. In the Bible there are two versions. In the Gospel of Matthew, "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them."  Matt. 7:12; And in the Gospel of Luke, "As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."  Luke 6:31; Even those who believe they know nothing of the religion Jesus founded commonly expect in accord with this rule to find a generous, kindly expression of selfless love in professing Christians. And surely they should. Love is central to Jesus' teaching.

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