“The Golden Rule”

HM Queen Elizabeth II in her Christmas message 2005 said
“There may be an instinct in all of us to help those in distress. But in many cases I believe this has been inspired by religious faith. Christianity is not the only religion to teach its followers to help others and to treat your neighbour as you would want to be treated yourself.”

The Buddha said “Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.”

Lao Tzu wrote “Regard your neighbour’s gain as your own gain and your neighbour’s loss as your own loss.”

The Baha’u‘llah wrote “Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things you would not desire for yourself.”

Masonry is inter-faith. We have members of many creeds. All that is required of a man in this respect is that he can answer in the affirmative the three questions:
Do you believe in the existence of a Supreme Being?
Do you believe that that Supreme Being will punish vice and reward virtue?
Do you believe that that Supreme Being has revealed His will to man?

“Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself.” – Muhammad

Some say Masonry was originally a Christian rite that had the references to Christ expurgated to make it universal. Others say it predates Christianity, and yet others, that it was set up relatively recently with an aim to being inclusive. This would make a good topic for a Lodge of Discussion.

“Do not do unto others whatever is injurious to yourself.” – The Shayast-na-Shayast

Discussion of religious or political topics is disallowed in lodge. – An odd thing for an organization that calls upon its members to practice their own religion with vigour and piety. And all members must have their own religion because a belief in a supreme being is a requirement for admission. What it does is bring together men of different faiths to interact in an environment where they can become friends even if hostility reigns outside the door of the lodge.

“I am a stranger to no one; and no one is a stranger to me. Indeed, I am a friend to all.” – Guru Granth Sahib

The tradition in lodges in India and other places is to have five or more volumes of the sacred law on the altar. The one opened in the centre is that of whoever the Master is at the time.

“This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you.” – The Mahabharata

Some would say that Masonic events like District Divine Services or Holiday Celebrations should have no references to any religion – much like the Masonic Ritual. But that would leave a gaping hole in our experience.

A passage in Gates of Prayer, a prayer book of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, says it nicely:
“I cannot be religious without belonging to a particular religion any more than I can talk without using a particular language.”

The Canadian Council of Churches has written guidelines for religious ceremonies involving more than one faith tradition. Basically, they suggest that introductory prayers be inclusive but that each participating leader should be free to pray from within his or her own tradition, and to read texts that are considered sacred in his or her own tradition. We as Masons could ask those among us of various faiths to participate in our Divine Services in this way.

A Unitarian principle says “We affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.”

Douglas John Hall, a prominent Christian theologian, said “Hospitality towards and dialogue with other traditions does not diminish but can in fact enhance one’s knowledge and appreciation of one’s own tradition.” “The presence and testimony of ‘the other’ demands of us a better knowledge of our own faith as well as theirs. This is perhaps the most important lesson to be learned in inter-faith discourse.”

“What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary. Go and learn it.” – Hillel

Freemasonry is one of the original inter-faith movements. And the ability of good men of different faiths to gather together in peace and harmony has always been one of our strongest assets. At this time of the year let us continue to act in a spirit of universal tolerance which distinguishes our institution.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Good holidays to all
From the Curriculum Group
Committee on Masonic Education
December 2007

Source for Golden Rule texts: Scarboro Missions

Please share with your Masonic Friends.