Do Unto Others: Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus...

Billy Bragg, the Bard of Barking, has a new album out. The singer-songwriter, famous for his politics as well as his music has released a thoughtful and thoroughly enjoyable album which touches upon religion in a few places. This is a topic Billy has never been particularly outspoken about, but perhaps reveals a universal truth in religion (and humankind), that everyone can appreciate and understand. 

The song 'Do Unto Others' is a clearly about 'The Golden Rule' and focus' on the Christian version of this teaching:

In the Bible, we are told
God gave Moses the...Ten great commandments whisper true truths!
But the greatest commandment of all
Is in the book of Lucas, cause I recall
Do unto others as you would them do unto you!
Do unto others as you would them do unto you! 

Now baby you don't believeIn the story of Adam and Eve
Who called up on science to prove it's all untrue!
But in the cold light of the day
Peaceful words still point the way
Do unto others as you would them do unto you!
Do unto others as you would them do unto you! 

So just lift up your eyes,
Don't pass by on the other side
Don't be about what you think these may do
With just a little bit of faith, and that's all it really takes
Do unto others as you would them do unto you!
Do unto others as you would them do unto you! 

Now the way the world is run
Too many people looking after number one
Don't seem to notice the damage that they do!
No, it's not widely understood
There is, there is a greater good
Do unto others as you would them do unto you!
Do unto others as you would them do unto you!

However, it's naive to think that this piece of teaching is only found in Christianity. It's hard to not agree with Billy that it is "the greatest commandment of all" and that despite science's claims and proofs,"peaceful words still point the way". However, many people don't realise that it is actually a key feature of many of the world's religions too (click on the image to enlarge):

To listen to the song, click here:

Do you think there can be such thing as a universal command? Is it important that all humans, regardless of religion try to subscribe to this simple idea of 'Do Unto Others'? Why do you think so many people still 'pass by on the other side'? Are there any occasions when this teaching doesn't work? Does it matter if people are religious or not to use this as their guiding principle?

Support Billy by buying his album: www.BillyBragg.co.uk