Questions on “The golden rule of the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man”
Name ____________________________
Please think about these questions and write responses in the space provided.
1. Have you found that you feel good when you devote yourself to doing good for others?
2. Is it clear that this is the way you want to live?
3. Why is egoistic living problematic?
4. What happens when a person takes altruism to extremes?
5. Does it seem possible to integrate philosophical and/or spiritual idealism with scientific realism?
6. Does the golden rule—Do to others as you want others to do to you—symbolize the kind of morally active living that you want for your own character?
7. Have you ever been treated so well by someone that you felt s/he was like a sister or mother or brother or father to you? Have you ever heard someone else speak in that way?
8. What is it like to treat people as your brothers and sisters? What would it be like if most people did that in this world?
9. What modifications—if any—would you make to the dual concept of the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man? Write down the concept you could honestly feel good about putting into practice.
10. Are you prepared to live that concept (as modified according to your choice)?
11. Do you agree with Nash’s argument that religious idealism is required for most people—not all—to live energetically for the well-being of others? Explain.
12. Although J.C. Penny’s alcoholism followed the classic extreme pattern of utter collapse, is it not clear that a person can seek and find help without falling into that extreme?
13. If our society and planetary civilization is now in decline, is it conceivable that a moral and spiritual renaissance could turn that around?
14. Are you prepared to commit to living the golden rule in high gear? Beginning this semester, beginning now? Could you be wholehearted even if sacrifice might be involved?