• Editor’s note: “Spiritual leaders answer” is a weekly column inviting Kaua‘i’s religious and spiritual leaders to share their doctrine’s perspective on a suggested subject. Every Friday, a topic is printed, inviting a response. Due to space limitations, submissions are
• Editor’s note: “Spiritual leaders answer” is a weekly column inviting Kaua‘i’s religious and spiritual leaders to share their doctrine’s perspective on a suggested subject. Every Friday, a topic is printed, inviting a response. Due to space limitations, submissions are edited. Thoughts or suggestions for future topics are always welcome. Next week’s subject is on immortality. The topic at the end of the column is for the following week.
The Baha’is of Kaua‘i
All of us are familiar with the Golden Rule from Judaism: “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” (1300 BC)
Throughout the ages God has provided His religions with similar counsel to guide the relationship of neighbors. “Neighbors” in this context not only refers to the people next door, but to all human beings. Each of the following is the “Golden Rule” of other major religions:
Hinduism (3000 BC): Do not to others what ye do not wish done to yourself; and wish for others too what ye desire and long for, for yourself.
Buddhism (563 BC): Make thine own self the measure of the others, and so abstain from causing hurt to them.
Christianity (30): And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
Islam (621): None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.
Baha’i Faith (1863): And if thine eyes be turned towards justice, choose thou for thy neighbor that which thou choosest for thyself.
This basic guidance provided by God to all religions is more relevant now than ever. If obeyed and practiced with sincerity, peace and tranquility will undoubtedly follow.
Topic for two weeks from today:
• Will you speak to us on
poverty?
• Spiritual leaders are invited to e-mail responses of three to five paragraphs to pwoolway@kauaipubco.com
• Deadline each week is Tuesday, by 5 p.m.