What would Jesus do? What would Allah do? What would Buddha do? And most importantly, What will I do?
There is no doubt in my mind that a man named Jesus walked the earth a couple thousand years ago. He was a good and decent man, and if everyone on earth today strived to live their lives as he lived his, the world would undoubtedly be a better place.
But must we all declare ourselves “Christians” to do so?
Thirty-one percent of the seven billion people on earth today are Christians. Twenty-three percent are Muslim, 13% are Hindu, and 6% are Buddhist. A wide variety of “Other” and “Non-religious” factions split the remaining 27%.
I recently asked my MF (Minister Friend) if he honestly thought that 69% of the world’s population, those who are not “Christian,” were “wrong.”
Without a moment’s hesitation, he said an adamant “Yes!” Then he went on to explain that Jesus gives us the assurance of salvation, and no other religion addresses that. (I’m probably going to get myself into trouble here, summarizing and paraphrasing, but it’s my honest understanding of what he said.)
Yet I can’t help but question why “God” would be so limiting. Isn’t all human life of equal value and importance to “Him?” Is there really only one true way to believe? Are over 2/3s of the population doomed because of the circumstances and locations of their birth? I honestly doubt it.
In my studies of comparative religions, “The Golden Rule” appears in some form in all of them. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” is a very good place to start.
I strive to walk the walk—to be a kinder, gentler, softer human being—but I’m far from perfect. Always thinking before acting, or reacting, is not my strongest suit; I’m a work in progress. Nevertheless, I think it’s good to have positive role models to guide us.
No matter what religion or spiritual practice they promote.