| The Golden Rule |
[Jun. 22nd, 2011|11:00 am]
Tony Grist
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Because I'm a lazy sod I've never actually researched the allegation that the sayings of Jesus are plagiarised. Perhaps I will. One shouldn't pass these things on without being sure of the facts. The alleged sources are Jewish, Egyptian even Buddhist. Would first century writers in the Middle East have had access to Buddhist teachings? I don't see why not? If the citizens of Pompeii had Hindu figurines on their sideboards- and they did- why not Buddhist scriptures in their libraries?
One (positive) way of viewing the Christian scriptures is as a compendium of the wisdom of the ages. OK, I'm going to do the research. How hard can it be? Here's something for starters. One of the things Jesus is supposed to have originated, only he didn't is the so-called golden rule. Among those who got there before him was the great Jewish rabbi, Hillel (who died c. AD 10). Challenged to summarise the Law while standing on one leg, Hillel came up with, "That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation; go and learn." |
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