The document discusses debates that occurred within the Commission on Human Rights about including a reference to God in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Some representatives felt it was important to acknowledge God or natural/spiritual foundations of human rights, while others wanted to avoid references that could reduce universality. In the end, references to God were not included to gain broader acceptance, though some argue they could now be added without losing support.
A presentation by Tim Miller at the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) - UK's weekend Autumn Retreat. ( For more about the UPF weekend see http://ow.ly/UXnv3 ) Ambassadors for Peace and friends came to better understand the vision of UPF.
پاکستان کا انگریزوں کا چھوڑا ہوا کفریہ عدالتی نظام بمقابلہ اسلامی عدالتی نظام۔
یہ پریزینٹیشن آپ کی آنکھیں کھول دے گا کہ کس طرح یہ عدالتی نظام انصاف تو دور کروڑوں لوگوں کی زندگیاں برباد کر چکا ہے۔
اسلامی عدالتی نظام کے شرعی دلائل ساتھ موجود ہیں۔
A presentation by Tim Miller at the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) - UK's weekend Autumn Retreat. ( For more about the UPF weekend see http://ow.ly/UXnv3 ) Ambassadors for Peace and friends came to better understand the vision of UPF.
پاکستان کا انگریزوں کا چھوڑا ہوا کفریہ عدالتی نظام بمقابلہ اسلامی عدالتی نظام۔
یہ پریزینٹیشن آپ کی آنکھیں کھول دے گا کہ کس طرح یہ عدالتی نظام انصاف تو دور کروڑوں لوگوں کی زندگیاں برباد کر چکا ہے۔
اسلامی عدالتی نظام کے شرعی دلائل ساتھ موجود ہیں۔
Axiology is the study of values and how those values come about in a society. Axiology seeks to understand the nature of values and value judgments. It is closely related to two other realms of philosophy: ethics and aesthetics. All three branches deal with worth. Ethics is concerned with goodness, trying to understand what good is and what it means to be good. Aesthetics is concerned with beauty and harmony, trying to understand beauty and what it means or how it is defined. Axiology is a necessary component of both ethics and aesthetics, because one must use concepts of worth to define “goodness” or “beauty,” and therefore one must understand what is valuable and why. Understanding values helps us to determine motive.
Fabio Baggio, Director of the Scalabrini International Migration Institute (Rome), provided a comprehensive overview of six ethical principles related to human mobility. Fabio mentioned that the first three principles are often seen in international politics and development discourse while the second three have their roots in religious doctrines and practices. The six principles that were focused on were: human rights, human dignity, common good, universal destination of goods, stewardship, and global citizenship.
Norm
Norm of Morality
• Types of norm:
Eternal Divine Law
Human Reason
Law as the object norm of morality
• General Notion of Law
o Law of Nature
o Natural Law
Moral Law
o Essential Elements for a Law to be Reasonable:
• Divisions of Law
o Eternal Law
The Natural Moral Law
Law of Conscience
i. Attributes of the Natural Law
ii. The Contents of Natural Law
Formal norms
Material norms
Human Positive Law
Law as the subject norm of morality
Conscience
• Conscience as an Act of Intellect
(Judgement of Reason)
• Conscience as a Practical Moral Judgement
• Conscience as the Proximate Norm of Morality
• Kinds of Conscience
i. Correct or True Conscience
ii. Erroneous of False conscience
Invincibly erroneous conscience
Vincibly erroneous conscience
Perplexed conscience
Pharisaical conscience
i. Certain Conscience
ii. Doubtful Conscience
iii. Scrupulous Conscience
iv. Lax Conscience
Christian Life Part 3: Life in Christ, the Ten CommandmentsCSR
Summaries of Catholic Teaching
These brief texts, prepared by theologians at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, offer an introduction to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
originally published on web:
http://opusdei.uk/en-uk/section/summaries-of-catholic-teaching/
Re-edited as pdf for CSR (slideshare) October 2014
part 3: Life in Christ, the Ten Commandments
Baruch Spinoza’s book promoting democracy as a system of government spread underground like wildfire throughout Europe while most governments were monarchies. Among Spinoza’s many seminal ideas were the foundations for Enlightenment thought, the first modern approach to Biblical interpretation, and a presage to psychoanalysis. A Dutch philosopher of Jewish parents, living in the 1600s soon after Galileo, Spinoza jump started the modern world. He was named Humanistic Jewish role model by the Society for Humanistic Judaism for 2009-2010.
Axiology is the study of values and how those values come about in a society. Axiology seeks to understand the nature of values and value judgments. It is closely related to two other realms of philosophy: ethics and aesthetics. All three branches deal with worth. Ethics is concerned with goodness, trying to understand what good is and what it means to be good. Aesthetics is concerned with beauty and harmony, trying to understand beauty and what it means or how it is defined. Axiology is a necessary component of both ethics and aesthetics, because one must use concepts of worth to define “goodness” or “beauty,” and therefore one must understand what is valuable and why. Understanding values helps us to determine motive.
Fabio Baggio, Director of the Scalabrini International Migration Institute (Rome), provided a comprehensive overview of six ethical principles related to human mobility. Fabio mentioned that the first three principles are often seen in international politics and development discourse while the second three have their roots in religious doctrines and practices. The six principles that were focused on were: human rights, human dignity, common good, universal destination of goods, stewardship, and global citizenship.
Norm
Norm of Morality
• Types of norm:
Eternal Divine Law
Human Reason
Law as the object norm of morality
• General Notion of Law
o Law of Nature
o Natural Law
Moral Law
o Essential Elements for a Law to be Reasonable:
• Divisions of Law
o Eternal Law
The Natural Moral Law
Law of Conscience
i. Attributes of the Natural Law
ii. The Contents of Natural Law
Formal norms
Material norms
Human Positive Law
Law as the subject norm of morality
Conscience
• Conscience as an Act of Intellect
(Judgement of Reason)
• Conscience as a Practical Moral Judgement
• Conscience as the Proximate Norm of Morality
• Kinds of Conscience
i. Correct or True Conscience
ii. Erroneous of False conscience
Invincibly erroneous conscience
Vincibly erroneous conscience
Perplexed conscience
Pharisaical conscience
i. Certain Conscience
ii. Doubtful Conscience
iii. Scrupulous Conscience
iv. Lax Conscience
Christian Life Part 3: Life in Christ, the Ten CommandmentsCSR
Summaries of Catholic Teaching
These brief texts, prepared by theologians at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, offer an introduction to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
originally published on web:
http://opusdei.uk/en-uk/section/summaries-of-catholic-teaching/
Re-edited as pdf for CSR (slideshare) October 2014
part 3: Life in Christ, the Ten Commandments
Baruch Spinoza’s book promoting democracy as a system of government spread underground like wildfire throughout Europe while most governments were monarchies. Among Spinoza’s many seminal ideas were the foundations for Enlightenment thought, the first modern approach to Biblical interpretation, and a presage to psychoanalysis. A Dutch philosopher of Jewish parents, living in the 1600s soon after Galileo, Spinoza jump started the modern world. He was named Humanistic Jewish role model by the Society for Humanistic Judaism for 2009-2010.
The Death Penalty Preserves Human Dignity Essay
Human Dignity, By Francis Fukuyama
The Dignity Of Human Life Essay
Human Rights And Human Dignity
The Human Dignity In Western Philosophy Of Kant
Human Life and Dignity: The Issue of Euthanasia
Dignity and Respect
Importance Of Human Dignity
Respect For Human Dignity Essay
The Ambiguity Of Human Dignity
Human Dignity and Universal Health Care Essay
Human Dignity: A Case Study
Reflection on Human Rights
Human Dignity And Human Rights Essay
Human Dignity Throughout Diversity
The Rights Of Human Dignity Essay
Excerpts from the 2011 World Day of Peace Message from Pope Benedict XVI on Religious Liberty. It ends with an American perspective on religious liberty during the constitutional debate of 1788
This (30-slide) powerpoint presentation was the introduction to a course on Religion and Political Controversy in the U.S. Largely based on Barbara McGraw\'s "Taking Religious Pluralism Seriously" (2005), it outlines the historical origins of the American political theology behind the Constitution, frames the stakes and issues, and introduces the controversies that my students wrestled with throughout the course.
HISPANOAMÉRICA una película de José Luis López Linares
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZocqoFplkns
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGl6z251ESI
HISPANOAMÉRICA, UN FUTURO COMPARTIDO. CONFERENCIAS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoFDM7-vLVQ
Este fin de semana del 12 al 14 de abril de 2024, se estrena la película-documental “HISPANOAMERICA” de José Luis López-Linares, quién fue director del también aclamado documental “ESPAÑA, LA PRIMERA GLOBALIZACIÓN”. Recomiendo ir a verla, para quienes tienen la oportunidad. Este segundo documental quiere ofrecer una visión renovada, veraz y visualmente poderosa de cómo nació y se desarrolló realmente la América Española, aclarando muchos mitos y visiones distorsionadas de nuestra historia.
He preparado esta presentación “HISPANIDAD – La cultura común de la HISPANOAMERICA” en Power Point sobre ese mismo tema, con contenidos del documental y de otras fuentes. Si alguien no puede verlo o descargarlo en esta plataforma de “Slideshare”, puede verla y descargarla en este otro link:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1m_neTWYyJfsuB0Yy4nDgvf_DC9lS2wnl/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110867531881191791917&rtpof=true&sd=true
THE CREATION OF FIAT MONEY (created by debt out of thin air, without backing)Jesus Gonzalez Losada
The creation of fiat money (created by debt out of thin air, without backing) is an instrument of control that gradually generates a system of slavery.
LA CREACION DEL DINERO FIDUCIARIO (creado de la nada por deudas y sin respaldo)Jesus Gonzalez Losada
La creación de dinero fiduciario (creado de la nada por deudas y sin respaldo) es un instrumento de control que genera gradualmente un sistema de esclavitud.
LA FAMILIA COMO ESCUELA del AMOR conferencia en LEON Octubre-27-2023.pptxJesus Gonzalez Losada
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R64AvWXFXPU
https://odysee.com/@Jesus-Gonzalez-Losada:9/Valores-Familiares--La-familia-como-escuela-del-amor:a
Conferencia a cargo de Jesús González Losada realizada el 21 de enero del 2022 en la sala el Posito, Colmenar Viejo, Madrid.
CITA del AUTOR: James Allan Francis (1864–1928):
Nació en una remota aldea, hijo de una campesina.
Creció en otro pueblo remoto, donde trabajó en un taller de carpintería hasta los treinta.
Luego por tres años fue un predicador itinerante.
Nunca tuvo familia, ni poseyó una casa.
Nunca residió en una gran ciudad. Nunca viajó mas allá de 400 kilómetros del lugar donde nació.
Nunca escribió un libro o tuvo un despacho. No hizo ninguna de las cosas que normalmente acompañan la grandeza.
Mientras era todavía joven, la opinión popular se volvió contra él.
Sus amigos lo desertaron.
Fue entregado a sus enemigos y sufrió burlas en un juicio.
Fue clavado en una cruz entre dos ladrones.
Mientras moría, sus ejecutores se rifaron la única propiedad que tenía - su túnica.
Cuando estaba muerto, fue bajado y puesto en una tumba prestada
Transcurrieron XX siglos y hoy es la figura central para la mayoría de la raza humana.
Ni todos los ejércitos que una vez marcharon, ni todas las flotas que navegaron, ni todos los parlamentos que se reunieron, ni todos los reyes que reinaron, puestos juntos, han afectado la vida del hombre sobre la faz de la tierra en la medida tan poderosa como esta
"UNICA VIDA SOLITARIA"
James Allan Francis
ATRIBUCIÓN: JAMES ALLAN FRANCIS, One Solitary Life, págs. 1–7 (1963).
Este libro en miniatura, compuesto en su totalidad por el texto anterior, fue creado e impreso a mano por Doris V. Welsh, ex miembro del personal de la Biblioteca Newberry, en una edición de 150 copias. No se proporciona información en el libro sobre la primera fuente publicada de este ensayo de James Allan Francis, D. D. (1864-1928), ni se pudo encontrar en los ensayos y sermones de Francis en las colecciones de sus escritos en la Biblioteca del Congreso. .
La Biblioteca Newberry tampoco pudo identificar la fuente original publicada. Como obra anónima y con algunas variaciones en el texto, “One Solitary Life” se publicó en The Irish Echo, 27 de diciembre de 1969, p. 10; en el Registro del Congreso, 23 de diciembre de 1969, vol. 115, pág. 13105; y en una variedad de tarjetas de felicitación navideñas en las décadas de 1970 y 1980.
Nuestra identidad se origina de nuestro Creador como fuente del valor original de todos los seres humanos, de nuestra dignidad, nuestros derechos inalienables y de nuestra soberanía inherente a todos y cada uno.
Este es el fundamento de todos nuestros derechos naturales y la base de la LEY Natural, como ley universal, reconocida luego en documentos como la "Declaración Universal de los Derechos Humanos" en base a esa ley natural.
Video de la Presentación: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUZXtBMAfjY
Los Derechos Humanos son innatos o inherentes, inalienables e intransferibles, inviolables, universales, imprescriptibles o irreversibles, integrales, indivisibles e interdependientes, no negociables, acumulativos, complementarios y no jerarquizables, son obligatorios, trascienden las fronteras nacionales... Son nuestros Derechos...
En estos momentos que nos ha tocado vivir, estos derechos están siendo amenazados y se está cruzando una línea roja que no podemos tolerar: Nuestra propia vida y la integridad física y moral, que nos da el derecho a decidir lo que inoculamos o no inoculamos en nuestro cuerpo, así como a recibir tratamientos alternativos eficaces que han sido ignorados u ocultados por agendas ocultas y siniestras.
Ningún poder o estado tiene tal prerrogativa para obligar y pisotear este derecho natural tan fundamental, que exige un consentimiento libre, voluntario e informado de cada persona en función de su salud y bienestar y que tiene prioridad con respecto al interés exclusivo de la ciencia o la sociedad, un principio reconocido por las leyes internacionales de obligado cumplimiento:
.-. Código de ética de Nuremberg de 1947,
.- Declaración de Helsinky de 1964,
.- Convenio de Oviedo de 1997
.- Pautas Éticas Internacionales para la Investigación Biomédica en Seres Humanos (CIOMS, 2002) de la OMS.
.-Declaración Universal sobre Bioética y Derechos Humanos de la UNESCO (2005)
.- Observaciones generales de la ONU.
Jesus Gonzalez Losada
Director at Fundacion Educativa para la Paz
Nuestra identidad se origina de nuestro Creador como fuente del valor original de todos los seres humanos, de nuestra dignidad, nuestros derechos inalienables y de nuestra soberanía inherente a todos y cada uno.
Este es el fundamento de todos nuestros derechos naturales y la base de la LEY Natural, como ley universal, reconocida luego en documentos como la "Declaración Universal de los Derechos Humanos" en base a esa ley natural.
Video de la Presentación: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUZXtBMAfjY
Los Derechos Humanos son innatos o inherentes, inalienables e intransferibles, inviolables, universales, imprescriptibles o irreversibles, integrales, indivisibles e interdependientes, no negociables, acumulativos, complementarios y no jerarquizables, son obligatorios, trascienden las fronteras nacionales... Son nuestros Derechos...
En estos momentos que nos ha tocado vivir, estos derechos están siendo amenazados y se está cruzando una línea roja que no podemos tolerar: Nuestra propia vida y la integridad física y moral, que nos da el derecho a decidir lo que inoculamos o no inoculamos en nuestro cuerpo, así como a recibir tratamientos alternativos eficaces que han sido ignorados u ocultados por agendas ocultas y siniestras.
Ningún poder o estado tiene tal prerrogativa para obligar y pisotear este derecho natural tan fundamental, que exige un consentimiento libre, voluntario e informado de cada persona en función de su salud y bienestar y que tiene prioridad con respecto al interés exclusivo de la ciencia o la sociedad, un principio reconocido por las leyes internacionales de obligado cumplimiento:
.-. Código de ética de Nuremberg de 1947,
.- Declaración de Helsinky de 1964,
.- Convenio de Oviedo de 1997
.- Pautas Éticas Internacionales para la Investigación Biomédica en Seres Humanos (CIOMS, 2002) de la OMS.
.-Declaración Universal sobre Bioética y Derechos Humanos de la UNESCO (2005)
.- Observaciones generales de la ONU.
Una alternativa a muchas de las posiciones políticas oficiales de los gobiernos y protocolos en relación a esta “Pandemia”. Se hecha en falta un diálogo abierto y público entre las diversas posiciones científicas...
An alternative view to many of the official political positions of governments and protocols in relation to this “Pandemic”. It is required an open and public dialogue between the various scientific positions...
Intervention by unidentified aerial objects at nuclear weapons sites...
More than 40 researchers and military/agency/political witnesses testify in the National Press Club in Washington for 30 hours over 5 days before 6 former members of the U. S. Congress regarding events and evidence for extraterrestrial-related phenomena since 1947.
Vatican and UFO's
JORDAN PETERSON about, The Post-modernists - Dangerous People Are Teaching Your Kids.
"12 Rules for Life"
The Sovereignty of the Individual
The Freedom of Expression
One dies and ... is everything over? ... or we have a spirit that transcends death. This is the topic that we will develop next: Consciousness, Transcendence and Immortality - HOW THE EXPERIENCES NEAR DEATH PROVE THAT CONSCIOUSNESS EXISTS BEYOND THE PHYSICAL BODY
Uno se muere y… ¿se acabó todo? … o tenemos un espíritu que transciende la muerte. Este es el tema que desarrollaremos a continuación: Conciencia, Transcendencia e Inmortalidad - COMO LAS EXPERIENCIAS CERCANAS A LA MUERTE DEMUESTRAN QUE LA CONCIENCIA EXISTE MAS ALLA DEL CUERPO FISICO
Macroeconomics- Movie Location
This will be used as part of your Personal Professional Portfolio once graded.
Objective:
Prepare a presentation or a paper using research, basic comparative analysis, data organization and application of economic information. You will make an informed assessment of an economic climate outside of the United States to accomplish an entertainment industry objective.
Read| The latest issue of The Challenger is here! We are thrilled to announce that our school paper has qualified for the NATIONAL SCHOOLS PRESS CONFERENCE (NSPC) 2024. Thank you for your unwavering support and trust. Dive into the stories that made us stand out!
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
Francesca Gottschalk - How can education support child empowerment.pptxEduSkills OECD
Francesca Gottschalk from the OECD’s Centre for Educational Research and Innovation presents at the Ask an Expert Webinar: How can education support child empowerment?
A Strategic Approach: GenAI in EducationPeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
How to Make a Field invisible in Odoo 17Celine George
It is possible to hide or invisible some fields in odoo. Commonly using “invisible” attribute in the field definition to invisible the fields. This slide will show how to make a field invisible in odoo 17.
Universal Ethical Principles as Foundations for Human Rights
1. Universal Ethical Principles as Foundations of Human Rights JESUS GONZALEZ LOSADA http://jesus-gonzalez-losada.blogspot.com/
2. “ We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” (DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE - July 4, 1776) Declarations of rights in both the United States and France, which are bases of modern political thought, begin with a reference to God as the source of rights: US Declaration of Independence: “ endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights”
3. “… the National Assembly recognizes and declares, in the presence and under the auspices of the Supreme Being , the following rights of man and of the citizen” recognizing them as “natural, inalienable and sacred.” (Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen, Paris, August 26, 1789) If the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a synthesis of previous thinking about human rights, why is there no mention of God? French Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen: “under the auspices of the Supreme Being”
4. The delegation from Brazil suggested that the first article of the Declaration read as follows: “ Created in the image and likeness of God , they are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” Early Draft of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “ endowed by their nature with reason and conscience” R. Cassin Dr. Malik Dr. Chang Dr. Malik The draft of the first article, stating that “ human beings are endowed by their nature with reason and conscience,” was debated between September 21 and December 8, 1948. Austregésilo de Athayde
5. “ With the goal of defending the rights proclaimed by the declaration, it is important that they not be expressed in terms that are too general. In the Preamble, there should be a reference to God as the absolute origin of human rights , as of all rights. This would recognize the importance of the great spiritual currents for maintaining and developing international cooperation…. The work of the Commission would be much more profoundly tied to the will and hopes of the masses of people if, instead of being only a dry expression of agnostic philosophy, it would also reflect the religious faith of the greater part of humanity.” Debates within the Commission on Human Rights about a reference to God in the UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS Austregésilo de Athayde Representative of Brazil in the Commission
6. Charles H. Malik of Lebanon wanted an explicit reference to God in the first article, to establish that people are endowed with “some inalienable rights given by their Creator.” René Cassin of France, among others, did not agree, because this could have reduced the universality of the document. Priority was placed on gaining universal support for a proclamation of human rights in a complex world divided by traditions, religions, and ideologies with different view of life . ( René Cassin asked that the Declaration be defined as “universal” instead of “international.”) Debates within the Commission on Human Rights about a reference to God in the UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS René Cassin Charles H. Malik
7. Dr. Peng-Chun Chang of China wanted to accommodate the Confucian perspective, which acknowledges “heaven” but does not have a concept of God. Han had “ God ” and “ by nature ” eliminated from the text of Article 1, which in its final form reads: “ All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” Debates within the Commission on Human Rights about a reference to God in the UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS Dr. Chang Peng-chun
8. More than 60 years later, it is time to consider adding a references to God and absolute values without danger of losing universal acceptance . One way of protecting the necessary “universality” (respecting all positions) is to use the elegant text of the Preamble to the Constitution of Poland, which recognizes " those who believe that God is the origin of justice, beauty and goodness , [the bases of human rights] and many other values, and those who may not believe in God but still appreciate these values.“ Consider adding reference to God in the UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS Eleanor Roosevelt holding up the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Spanish.
9. Adherents of natural law hold that human rights do not reside in legal documents but are inherent in our very nature as human beings, a nature that is superior to and precedes all legal decrees. Religious traditions hold that such natural rights are God-given characteristics. Adherents of positivism hold that the only rights are those accorded by legal documents. “Rights are not something pre-existing by nature which we may discovered, such as chromosomes or continents. Rights are something that we create through our conventions. Thus, the question is not what rights do creatures have but rather what rights do we want to have?” - Jesús Mosterín. “Creating Rights.” El País, 29-8-1999 Human Rights: Granted by Law and Endowed by Nature
10. Human Rights: Granted by Law and Endowed by Nature " Only if they are grounded in the objective requirements of the nature bestowed on man by the Creator , can the rights attributed to him be affirmed without fear of contradiction .... Consequently it is important for international agencies not to lose sight of the natural foundation of human rights. This would enable them to avoid the risk, unfortunately ever-present, of sliding towards a merely positivistic interpretation of those rights .” Benedict XVI. Message on the World Day of Peace, January 1, 2007
11. The protection of love and life, freedom of conscience and responsibility as well as property and many other inalienable rights do not exist merely because some people have discovered or recognized them or because laws have been decreed about them. On the contrary, love, life, freedom of conscience, and responsibility as well as property in fact existed before hand. This gave people the need to make laws for their protection. The existence of a written constitution which expresses the sovereign will of the people and their families in terms of principles of justice and natural law is the most effective protection against the abuse of power, destruction of liberty, and human weaknesses of those who govern us. Human Rights: Granted by Law and Endowed by Nature
12. Each and every human being, without distinction of gender, race, ethnicity, class or social condition possesses the same special dignity, by nature or because it was conferred by God , which distinguishes them from the rest of the creatures, and they bear the same sacred, cosmic, unique, and eternal value which is innate and intrinsic to their human condition, and therefore they all merit the same exquisite consideration and greatest respect. (Dr. Miguel Angel Cano – Ethics and Peace) Human Rights Are Conferred by God
13. Judaism: “Then the Lord God formed man out of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” Genesis 2.7 Christianity: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s spirit dwells in you?” I Corinthians 3:16 Islam: “He shaped him, and breathed His spirit in him.” Qur’an 32.8-9 Sikhism: “All from one clay are made; in all one Light shines. One breath pervades all.” Adi Granth, Gauri, M.5 p. 188 Hinduism: “That which is the finest essence—this whole world has that as its soul. That is Reality. That is the Self. That art thou.” Changogya Upanishad 6.8.7 Confucianism: “Fire blazing from the earth. The superior man reflects in his person the glory of [Heaven’s] virtue.” I Ching 35: Progress Each Person Has Sacred Value
14. Judaism: “ All that the Holy One created in the world He created in man.” Talmud. Abot de Rabbi Nathan 31 Christianity: “ For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life?” Matthew 16:26 Islam: “We shall show them Our signs in the horizons and in themselves, till it is clear to them that it is the truth.” Qur’an. 41.53 Hinduism: “Man is the product of the attributes of Heaven and Earth, by the interaction of the dual forces of nature, the union of the animal and intelligent souls, and the finest subtle matter o the five elements.” Aitareya Upanishad 1.1 Buddhism: “The Essence of Mind is great because it embraces all things, since all things are within our nature.” Sutra of Hui Neng 2 Each Person Has Cosmic Value
15. Sacred value. We have intrinsic and inalienable dignity as visible manifestations of the invisible Creator. Cosmic value. We are microcosms of the macrocosm. Unique Value - Never will be another person exactly like each one of us. We are unique, unrepeatable and irreplaceable. Transcendent Value Endowed by God Each person has sacred, cosmic and unique value and is endowed with irrevocable dignity; therefore, people are not means but ends in themselves. The fact that each person has these transcendent values is the basis of universal human rights and an ethical society.
16. Judaism: “You shall love the Lord your God will all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.” Deuteronomy 6:5 Christianity: “Our Father, who art in heaven.” Matthew 6:9 Islam: “In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful.” Qur’an 1:1 Confucianism: “The superior man, taking his stance as righteousness requires, adheres firmly to Heaven’s decrees.” I Ching 50: Sacrificial vessel Hinduism: “From the unreal lead me to the Real! From darkness lead me to the light!” Brihaaranyaka Upanishad 1.3.28 GOD HUMANITY Spiritual and religions traditions have a vertical role, which calls us to a relationship with the Creator, and a horizontal dimension, which calls us to accept, respect, and love others. Religion Gives Both Vertical and Horizontal Orientations
17. Human beings—just as all creatures and all things—are not made to exist or live alone, isolated or completely independent. Instead, they are configured by nature or by God to maintain multiple physiological interactions within themselves and with their environment. Therefore, we establish—in voluntary, responsible and creative forms—a series of fluid, harmonious, and stable relationships in which we reciprocally exchange love, affection, care, ideas, knowledge, goods, and services with other human beings and other creatures. This is vital for the preservation of our existence, multiplication, the development of our character, the cultivation of our talents, and our ability to experience the highest degree of joy and shared happiness. (Dr. Miguel Angel Cano – Ethics and Peace) Universal Principle of Reciprocal Relations Principle of Interaction Action of Giving and Receiving Subject role Object role Existence Action Reproduction
18. Natural Law of Karma - Cosmic Justice Judaism: “I the Lord search the mind and try the heart, to give to every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17:10 Christianity: “Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7 Islam: “Whatever affliction may visit you is for what your own hands have earned.” Qur’an 42:30 Hinduism: “Unrighteousness, practiced n this world, does not at once produce its fruit; but, like a cow, advancing slowly, it cuts off the roots of him who committed it.” Laws of Manu 4:172 Buddhism: “An ignorant man committing evil deeds does not realize the consequences. The imprudent man is consume by his own deeds, like one burnt by a fire.” Dhammapada 136 Taoism: “In heaven and earth there are spirits that take account of men’s transgressions, and, according to the lightness or gravity of their offenses, take away from the term of their life.” Treatise on Response and Retribution 1-2 African Traditional Religions: “Ashes fly back in the face of him who throws them.” Yoruba proverb (Nigeria)
19.
20. Justice and Reciprocity in Both Natural Law and Moral Law Hinduism: “According as one conducts himself, so does he become.” (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 4.4.5 Buddhism: “According to what deeds are done, do their resulting consequences come to be.” Garland Sutra 10 Judaism: “Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God.” Micah 6:8 Islam: “Stand out firmly for justice.” Qur’an 4:135 Confucianism: “Recompense injury with justice, and recompense kindness with kindness.” Analects 14:36 Reciprocity Justice People Families Communities Nations People Families Communities Nations
21. Golden Rule - Treat others as you wish them to treat you . Christianity: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." ( Matthew 7:12 ) Islam: “No one is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself.” ( Sunnah ) African Traditional Religions: “What you give - or do - to others, they will give - or do - to you." ( Rwandan proverb ) Silver Rule - Don’t do to others what you don’t want them to do to you. Hinduism: “This is the sum of duty: Do naught unto others which would cause you pain if done to you." ( Mahabharata 5:15, 17 ). Buddhism: “ Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful." ( Udana-varga 5:18 ) Confucianism: “Surely it is the maxim of loving kindness: Do not unto others what you would not have them do to you." ( Analects 15:23 ) Judaism: ”What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow man. That is the entire Law; all the rest is commentary." ( Talmud, Shabbat 31a ) Expressed in the Golden Rule God is the source of love, life and peace… Those who promote conflict, hatred, violence and terrorism have to be informed that to the extent to which they do that, to that extent they are not good members of any religion. ( Cardinal Francis Arinze - Assisi - January 24, 2002 )
22. Judaism: “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.” Psalm 19:7 Christianity: “He who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being o hearer that forgets but a doer that acts, he shall be blessed in his doing.” James 1:25 Islam: “Let there arise out of you a group of people, inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong.” Qur’an 3:104 Hinduism: “Those who live in accordance with the divine laws without complaining, firmly established in faith, are released from karma.” Bhagavad Gita 3.31 Buddhism: “He who loves Dhamma progresses, he who hates it declines.” (Sutta Nipata 92) Confucianism: “The moral man’s life is an exemplification of the universal order, because he is a moral person who unceasingly cultivates his true self or moral being.” Doctrine of the Mean 2 Taoism: “What the Tao plants cannot be plucked, what Tao clasps cannot slip.” Tao Te Ching 54 Benefits of Living by the Moral Law
23. High purpose, mutual benefit The progress or development of humanity—whether economic, scientific, technical, artistic, or social—produces principally, by means of communication, understanding, dialogue, or consensus, a harmonious cooperation and mutual interdependence among individuals, families, communities, nations and civilizations, centered on common purposes and shared goals, and not by means of fighting, conflict, or mutual destruction. Principle of Development Through Cooperation Centered on a Common Purpose People Families Communities Nations People Families Communities Nations Progress is based on ethical interaction. Common purpose - shared goals
24. COOPERATION Judaism : “ All God's creatures borrow from the other, yet make peace with one another without lawsuits.” Midrash, Exodus Rabbah 31.154 Christianity: “We are members one of another.” Ephesians 4.255 Islam : “ Abu Musa narrated that the Prophet said, ‘ A believer to another believer is like a building whose different parts enforce each other.’” Hadith of Bukhari 8:55 Buddhism : “ It is not difficult to see t hat my body is also that of others in the same way as the hands and so forth a re regarded as limbs of the body, ” Shantideva, Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life 8.112-167. Taoism : “ Everything has its ‘that’; everything has its ‘this’. From the point of view of ‘that’ you cannot see it, but through understanding you can know it. So I say, ‘that’ comes out of ‘this’ and ‘this’ depends on ‘that’--which is to say that ‘this’ and ‘that’ give birth to each other . A state in which ‘this’ and ‘that’ no longer find their opposites is called the Hinge of the Way. When the hinge is fitted into the socket, it can respond endlessly.” Chuang Tzu 2
25. People Only for yourself Your family Your community Your nation World God Serving the Common Good Living for… Self-centered Little value Highest value Parents Leaders Patriots Saints Divine children Living for Others “… he who wishes to be great among let him be a servant… the Son of man came not to be served but to serve…” (Matthew 20: 26-28)
26. SERVING THE COMMON GOOD Islam: “There is not one of us but has his appointed position, and we are verily ranged in ranks [for service].” Qur’an 37:164-65 Hinduism: “Strive constantly to serve the welfare of the world; by devotion to selfless work one attains the supreme goal in life.” Bhagavad Gita 3:23 Confucianism: When the Great Tao prevailed, the world was a commonwealth; men of talent and virtue were selected, mutual confidence was emphasized, and brotherhood was cultivated. Therefore, men did not regard as parents only their own parents, nor did they treat as sons only their own sons. Old people were able to enjoy their old age; young men were able to employ their talents….They hated not to use their energies, and they used their energies not for their own benefit.” Book of Ritual 7:1.2 Judaism: “I am God’s creature and my peasant neighbor is God’s creature. My work is in the town and his work is in the country. I rise early for my work and he rises early for his work.” Talmud. Berakot 17a Christianity: “Let no one seek his own good but the good of his neighbor.” 1 Corinthians 10:24 African Traditional Religions: “Guardianship is not to give an order but to give one’s self.” Nyika Proverb (Kenya and Tanzania)
27. The Family as the School of Love and Seedbed of Peace filial piety fidelity in marriage fraternity loyalty 4 ethical imperatives: These promote good interactions Children Wife Siblings People Parents Husband Siblings People FILIAL PIETY Judaism & Christianity: “Honor your father and your mother.” Exodus 20.12 Islam: “The Lord has decreed … that you be kind to your parents.” Qur’an 17.23 Hinduism: “Let your mother be to you like unto a god! Let your father be to you like unto a god!” Taittiriyaka Upanishad 1:11.2 Buddhism: “Those who wish to be born in [the Pure Land] of Buddha … should act filially towards their parents and support them.” Meditation on Buddha Amitayus 27 Confucianism: “ Surely proper behavior towards parents and elder brothers is the trunk of Goodness.” Analects 1.2 African Traditional Religions: “If your parents take care of you up to the time you cut your teeth, you take care of them when they lose theirs.” Akan Proverb (Ghana)
28. FIDELITY IN MARRIAGE Judaism: “ A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24 Christianity: “What God has joined together, let not man put asunder.” Mark 10:9 Islam: “He has planted affection and mercy between you.” Qur’an 30.21 Hinduism: “Enshrine me in your heart and let one spirit dwell within us.” Atharva Veda 7:36 Confucianism: “I will love you, and will never be weary of you.” Book of Songs, Ode 218 FRATERNITY Judaism: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.” Psalm 133:1 Christianity: “Every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment.” Matthew 5:22 Islam: “Set things right between your two brothers, and fear God; haply so you will find mercy.” Qur’an 49:10 Confucianism: “When brothers live in concord and at peace, the strain of harmony shall never cease.” Doctrine of the Mean 15.3 Hinduism: “One is my brother and the other is not – is the thinking of a small men or a narrow-minded person. For those who are broad-minded or wise people the entire world is a one big family.” Maha Upanishad 6:72
29. LOYALTY Hinduism: “Sit in the assembly of the honest; join with those that are good and virtuous; nay, seek out a noble enemy where enmity cannot be helped and have nothing to do with the wicked and the unrighteous. Even in bondage you should live with the virtuous, the erudite, and the truthful, but not for a kingdom should you stay with the wicked and the malicious.” Garuda Purana 112 Islam: And the believers, men and women, are protecting friends one of another; they enjoin the right and forbid the wrong, and they establish worship and pay the poor-due, and they obey God and His messenger.” Qur’an 9.71 Buddhism: “As the man one makes his friend, as the one he follows, such does he himself become.” Itivuttaka 68 Confucianism: “When two people are at one in their inmost hearts, they shatter even the strength of iron or of bronze. When two people understand each other in their inmost hearts, their words are sweet and strong, like the fragrance of orchids.” I Ching, Great Commentary 1.8.6 Christianity : “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
30. As the school of love and seedbed of peace, the family is indispensable to the functioning of any society. Religious teachings encourage love in our homes, which is the basis for peaceful and thriving societies, nations, and the world. “ The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the state.” Paragraph 3, Article 16 - Universal Declaration of Human Rights - 1948
31. The supreme value of unconditional love Confucianism: “One who extends his bounty can bring peace to the Four Seas.” Mencius !.A.7 Hinduism: “Compassion is the root of all religious faiths.” Basavanna, Vacana 247 Buddhism: “I should be like the sun, shining universally on all without seeking thanks or reward.” Garland Sutra 23 Judaism: “Aid an enemy before you aid a friend, to subdue hatred.” Tosefta, Baba Metzia 2:26 Christianity: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44 Islam: “Repel the evil deed with one which is better, and lo!, he between whom and you there was enmity shall become as though he were a bosom friend.” Qur’an 41.34 Priority of giving over receiving Christianity: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 Hinduism: “Giving simply because it is right to give, without thought of return, at a proper time, in proper circumstances, and to a worthy person is enlightened giving.” Bhagavad Gita 17:20 Buddhism: “Enlightened beings are magnanimous givers, bestowing whatever they have with equanimity, without regret, without hoping for reward, without seeking honor.” Garland Sutra 21 Unconditional Giving as an Extension of the Parental Heart
32. Sacred value. We have intrinsic and inalienable dignity as visible manifestations of the invisible Creator. Cosmic value. We are microcosms of the macrocosm. Unique Value - Never will be another person exactly like each one of us. We are unique, unrepeatable and irreplaceable. Eternal value. We are eternal beings who will live forever in the spiritual world with God. Transcendent Value Endowed by God Each person has not only sacred, cosmic and unique value but also eternal value The fact that each person has these transcendent values is the basis of human dignity and universal human rights .
33. Judaism: “The dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” Ecclesiastes 12:7 Christianity: “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 2 Corinthians 5:1 Islam: “You prefer this life, although the life to come is better and more enduring.” Qur’an 87.16 Sikhism: “Man wails over the loss of what he calls his: know, the Self is not perishable.” Adi Granth, Gauri, M.5 p. 188 Hinduism: “Now my breath and spirit goes to the Immortal, and this body ends in ashes.” Isha Upanishad 27 Confucianism: “All living living must die, and dying, return to the ground…. But the spirit issues forth, and is displayed on high in a condition of glorious brightness.” Book of Ritual 21.2.1 Native American Religions: “Mourners who wail for their dead hear spirit voices reply, and thus they know that their lost ones are always near.” Yakima tradition Each Person Has Eternal Value
34. Both decreed by law and endowed by our creator Both guided by natural law and moral law Integrative Perspective of Human Rights
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Editor's Notes
Universal Ethical Principles as Foundations of Human Rights JESUS GONZALEZ LOSADA http:// jesus - gonzalez - losada.blogspot.com / US Declaration of Independence: “endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights” - Declarations of rights in both the United States and France, which are bases of modern political thought, begin with a reference to God as the source of rights: “We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” ( DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE - July 4, 1776 ) French Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen: “under the auspices of the Supreme Being” “… the National Assembly recognizes and declares, in the presence and under the auspices of the Supreme Being , the following rights of man and of the citizen ” recognizing them as “natural, inalienable and sacred.” (Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen, Paris, August 26, 1789) If the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a synthesis of previous thinking about human rights, why is there no mention of God? Early Draft of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “endowed by their nature with reason and conscience.” The draft of the first article, stating that “human beings are endowed by their nature with reason and conscience,” was debated (R. Cassin, Dr. Malik, Dr. Chang, among others) between September 21 and December 8, 1948. The delegation from Brazil (Austregésilo de Athayde) suggested that the first article of the Declaration read as follows: “Created in the image and likeness of God , they are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” Debates within the Commission on Human Rights about a reference to God in the UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS - “With the goal of defending the rights proclaimed by the declaration, it is important that they not be expressed in terms that are too general. In the Preamble, there should be a reference to God as the absolute origin of human rights, as of all rights. This would recognize the importance of the great spiritual currents for maintaining and developing international cooperation…. The work of the Commission would be much more profoundly tied to the will and hopes of the masses of people if, instead of being only a dry expression of agnostic philosophy, it would also reflect the religious faith of the greater part of humanity.” Austregésilo de Athayde - Representative of Brazil in the Commission Debates within the Commission on Human Rights about a reference to God in the UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS - Charles H. Malik of Lebanon wanted an explicit reference to God in the first article, to establish that people are endowed with “some inalienable rights given by their Creator.” René Cassin of France, among others, did not agree, because this could have reduced the universality of the document. Priority was placed on gaining universal support for a proclamation of human rights in a complex world divided by traditions, religions, and ideologies with different view of life. (René Cassin asked that the Declaration be defined as “universal” instead of “international.”) Debates within the Commission on Human Rights about a reference to God in the UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS - Dr. Peng-Chun Chang of China wanted to accommodate the Confucian perspective, which acknowledges “heaven” but does not have a concept of God. Han had “God” and “by nature” eliminated from the text of Article 1, which in its final form reads: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” Consider adding reference to God in the UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS - More than 60 years later, it is time to consider adding a references to God and absolute values without danger of losing universal acceptance. One way of protecting the necessary “universality” (respecting all positions) is to use the elegant text of the Preamble to the Constitution of Poland, which recognizes “those who believe that God is the origin of justice, beauty and goodness , [the bases of human rights] and many other values, and those who may not believe in God but still appreciate these values. ” Photo of Eleanor Roosevelt holding up the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Spanish. Human Rights: Granted by Law and Endowed by Nature - Adherents of natural law hold that human rights do not reside in legal documents but are inherent in our very nature as human beings, a nature that is superior to and precedes all legal decrees. Religious traditions hold that such natural rights are God-given characteristics. Adherents of positivism hold that the only rights are those accorded by legal documents. “Rights are not something pre-existing by nature which we may discovered, such as chromosomes or continents. Rights are something that we create through our conventions. Thus, the question is not what rights do creatures have but rather what rights do we want to have?” - Jesús Mosterín. “Creating Rights.” El País, 29-8-1999 Human Rights: Granted by Law and Endowed by Nature – “Only if they are grounded in the objective requirements of the nature bestowed on man by the Creator , can the rights attributed to him be affirmed without fear of contradiction .... Consequently it is important for international agencies not to lose sight of the natural foundation of human rights. This would enable them to avoid the risk, unfortunately ever-present, of sliding towards a merely positivistic interpretation of those rights.” Benedict XVI. Message on the World Day of Peace, January 1, 2007 Human Rights: Granted by Law and Endowed by Nature - The protection of love and life, freedom of conscience and responsibility as well as property and many other inalienable rights do not exist merely because some people have discovered or recognized them or because laws have been decreed about them. On the contrary, love, life, freedom of conscience, and responsibility as well as property in fact existed before hand. This gave people the need to make laws for their protection. The existence of a written constitution which expresses the sovereign will of the people and their families in terms of principles of justice and natural law is the most effective protection against the abuse of power, destruction of liberty, and human weaknesses of those who govern us. Human Rights Are Conferred by God - Each and every human being, without distinction of gender, race, ethnicity, class or social condition possesses the same special dignity, by nature or because it was conferred by God, which distinguishes them from the rest of the creatures, and they bear the same sacred, cosmic, unique, and eternal value which is innate and intrinsic to their human condition, and therefore they all merit the same exquisite consideration and greatest respect. ( Dr. Miguel Angel Cano – Ethics and Peace ) Each Person Has Sacred Value – Judaism: “Then the Lord God formed man out of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” Genesis 2.7 Christianity: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s spirit dwells in you?” I Corinthians 3:16 Islam: “He shaped him, and breathed His spirit in him.” Qur’an 32.8-9 Sikhism: “All from one clay are made; in all one Light shines. One breath pervades all.” Adi Granth, Gauri, M.5 p. 188 Hinduism: “That which is the finest essence—this whole world has that as its soul. That is Reality. That is the Self. That art thou.” Changogya Upanishad 6.8.7 Confucianism: “Fire blazing from the earth. The superior man reflects in his person the glory of [Heaven’s] virtue.” I Ching 35: Progress Each Person Has Cosmic Value – Judaism: “All that the Holy One created in the world He created in man.” Talmud. Abot de Rabbi Nathan 31 Christianity: “ For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life?” Matthew 16:26 Islam: “We shall show them Our signs in the horizons and in themselves, till it is clear to them that it is the truth.” Qur’an. 41.53 Hinduism: “Man is the product of the attributes of Heaven and Earth, by the interaction of the dual forces of nature, the union of the animal and intelligent souls, and the finest subtle matter o the five elements.” Aitareya Upanishad 1.1 Buddhism: “The Essence of Mind is great because it embraces all things, since all things are within our nature.” Sutra of Hui Neng 2 Transcendent Value Endowed by God – Each person has sacred, cosmic and unique value and is endowed with irrevocable dignity; therefore, people are not means but ends in themselves. Sacred value. We have intrinsic and inalienable dignity as visible manifestations of the invisible Creator. Cosmic value. We are microcosms of the macrocosm. Unique Value - Never will be another person exactly like each one of us. We are unique, unrepeatable and irreplaceable. The fact that each person has these transcendent values is the basis of universal human rights and an ethical society. Religion Gives Both Vertical and Horizontal Orientations – Spiritual and religions traditions have a vertical role, which calls us to a relationship with the Creator, and a horizontal dimension, which calls us to accept, respect, and love others. Judaism: “You shall love the Lord your God will all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.” Deuteronomy 6:5 Christianity: “Our Father, who art in heaven.” Matthew 6:9 Islam: “In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful.” Qur’an 1:1 Confucianism: “The superior man, taking his stance as righteousness requires, adheres firmly to Heaven’s decrees.” I Ching 50: Sacrificial vessel Hinduism: “From the unreal lead me to the Real! From darkness lead me to the light!” Brihaaranyaka Upanishad 1.3.28 Universal Principle of Reciprocal Relations - Human beings—just as all creatures and all things—are not made to exist or live alone, isolated or completely independent. Instead, they are configured by nature or by God to maintain multiple physiological interactions within themselves and with their environment. Therefore, we establish—in voluntary, responsible and creative forms—a series of fluid, harmonious, and stable relationships in which we reciprocally exchange love, affection, care, ideas, knowledge, goods, and services with other human beings and other creatures. This is vital for the preservation of our existence, multiplication, the development of our character, the cultivation of our talents, and our ability to experience the highest degree of joy and shared happiness. (Dr. Miguel Angel Cano – Ethics and Peace) Natural Law of Karma - Cosmic Justice – Judaism: “I the Lord search the mind and try the heart, to give to every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17:10 Christianity: “Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7 Islam: “Whatever affliction may visit you is for what your own hands have earned.” Qur’an 42:30 Hinduism: “Unrighteousness, practiced n this world, does not at once produce its fruit; but, like a cow, advancing slowly, it cuts off the roots of him who committed it.” Laws of Manu 4:172 Buddhism: “An ignorant man committing evil deeds does not realize the consequences. The imprudent man is consume by his own deeds, like one burnt by a fire.” Dhammapada 136 Taoism: “In heaven and earth there are spirits that take account of men’s transgressions, and, according to the lightness or gravity of their offenses, take away from the term of their life.” Treatise on Response and Retribution 1-2 African Traditional Religions: “Ashes fly back in the face of him who throws them.” Yoruba proverb (Nigeria) Moral Law Expressed in Religious Codes Four general prohibitions : Don’t rob. Don’t lie. Don’t kill. Don’t have illicit sexual relations. These prevent bad interactions Judaism and Christianity: 10 Commandments ( Exodus 20:1-17 ) Islam: Sacred duties ( Qur’an 6:151-53 ) Hinduism: Universally applicable dharma ( Laws of Manu ) Buddhism: Five Precepts ( Nagarjuna, Precious Garland 809 ) Justice and Reciprocity in Both Natural Law and Moral Law – Hinduism: “According as one conducts himself, so does he become.” ( Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 4.4.5 Buddhism: “According to what deeds are done, do their resulting consequences come to be.” Garland Sutra 10 Judaism: “Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God.” Micah 6:8 Islam: “Stand out firmly for justice.” Qur’an 4:135 Confucianism: “Recompense injury with justice, and recompense kindness with kindness.” Analects 14:36 Expressed in the Golden Rule – Golden Rule - Treat others as you wish them to treat you . Christianity: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” ( Matthew 7:12 ) Islam: “No one is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself.” ( Sunnah ) African Traditional Religions: “What you give - or do - to others, they will give - or do - to you.” ( Rwandan proverb ) Silver Rule - Don’t do to others what you don’t want them to do to you. Hinduism: “This is the sum of duty: Do naught unto others which would cause you pain if done to you.” ( Mahabharata 5:15,17 ). Buddhism: “Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.” ( Udana-varga 5:18 ) Confucianism: “Surely it is the maxim of loving kindness: Do not unto others what you would not have them do to you.” ( Analects 15:23 ) Judaism: “What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow man. That is the entire Law; all the rest is commentary.” ( Talmud, Shabbat 31a ) God is the source of love, life and peace… Those who promote conflict, hatred, violence and terrorism have to be informed that to the extent to which they do that, to that extent they are not good members of any religion. ( Cardinal Francis Arinze - Assisi - January 24, 2002 ) Benefits of Living by the Moral Law – Judaism: “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.” Psalm 19:7 Christianity: “He who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being o hearer that forgets but a doer that acts, he shall be blessed in his doing.” James 1:25 Islam: “Let there arise out of you a group of people, inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong.” Qur’an 3:104 Hinduism: “Those who live in accordance with the divine laws without complaining, firmly established in faith, are released from karma.” Bhagavad Gita 3.31 Buddhism: “He who loves Dhamma progresses, he who hates it declines.” ( Sutta Nipata 92 ) Confucianism: “The moral man’s life is an exemplification of the universal order, because he is a moral person who unceasingly cultivates his true self or moral being.” Doctrine of the Mean 2 Taoism: “What the Tao plants cannot be plucked, what Tao clasps cannot slip.” Tao Te Ching 54 Principle of Development Through Cooperation Centered on a Common Purpose People - High purpose, mutual benefit The progress or development of humanity—whether economic, scientific, technical, artistic, or social—produces principally, by means of communication, understanding, dialogue, or consensus, a harmonious cooperation and mutual interdependence among individuals, families, communities, nations and civilizations, centered on common purposes and shared goals, and not by means of fighting, conflict, or mutual destruction. - Progress is based on ethical interaction. COOPERATION Judaism: “All God's creatures borrow from the other, yet make peace with one another without lawsuits.” Midrash, Exodus Rabbah 31.154 Christianity: “We are members one of another.” Ephesians 4.255 Islam: “Abu Musa narrated that the Prophet said, ‘ A believer to another believer is like a building whose different parts enforce each other.’” Hadith of Bukhari 8:55 Buddhism: “ It is not difficult to see t hat my body is also that of others in the same way as the hands and so forth a re regarded as limbs of the body, ” Shantideva, Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life 8.112-167. Taoism: “Everything has its ‘that’; everything has its ‘this’. From the point of view of ‘that’ you cannot see it, but through understanding you can know it. So I say, ‘that’ comes out of ‘this’ and ‘this’ depends on ‘that’--which is to say that ‘this’ and ‘that’ give birth to each other . A state in which ‘this’ and ‘that’ no longer find their opposites is called the Hinge of the Way. When the hinge is fitted into the socket, it can respond endlessly.” Chuang Tzu 2 Serving the Common Good - Living for Others “… he who wishes to be great among let him be a servant… the Son of man came not to be served but to serve…” ( Matthew 20: 26-28 ) SERVING THE COMMON GOOD Islam: “There is not one of us but has his appointed position, and we are verily ranged in ranks [for service].” Qur’an 37:164-65 Hinduism: “Strive constantly to serve the welfare of the world; by devotion to selfless work one attains the supreme goal in life.” Bhagavad Gita 3:23 Confucianism: When the Great Tao prevailed, the world was a commonwealth; men of talent and virtue were selected, mutual confidence was emphasized, and brotherhood was cultivated. Therefore, men did not regard as parents only their own parents, nor did they treat as sons only their own sons. Old people were able to enjoy their old age; young men were able to employ their talents….They hated not to use their energies, and they used their energies not for their own benefit.” Book of Ritual 7:1.2 Judaism: “I am God’s creature and my peasant neighbor is God’s creature. My work is in the town and his work is in the country. I rise early for my work and he rises early for his work.” Talmud. Berakot 17a Christianity: “Let no one seek his own good but the good of his neighbor.” 1 Corinthians 10:24 African Traditional Religions: “Guardianship is not to give an order but to give one’s self.” Nyika Proverb (Kenya and Tanzania) The Family as the School of Love and Seedbed of Peace – Four ethical imperatives : filial piety fidelity in marriage fraternity loyalty These promote good interactions between parents and children, husband and wife, and siblings. FILIAL PIETY Judaism & Christianity: “Honor your father and your mother.” Exodus 20.12 Islam: “The Lord has decreed … that you be kind to your parents.” Qur’an 17.23 Hinduism: “Let your mother be to you like unto a god! Let your father be to you like unto a god!” Taittiriyaka Upanishad 1:11.2 Buddhism: “Those who wish to be born in [the Pure Land] of Buddha … should act filially towards their parents and support them.” Meditation on Buddha Amitayus 27 Confucianism: “ Surely proper behavior towards parents and elder brothers is the trunk of Goodness.” Analects 1.2 African Traditional Religions: “If your parents take care of you up to the time you cut your teeth, you take care of them when they lose theirs.” Akan Proverb (Ghana) FIDELITY IN MARRIAGE Judaism: “A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24 Christianity: “What God has joined together, let not man put asunder.” Mark 10:9 Islam: “He has planted affection and mercy between you.” Qur’an 30.21 Hinduism: “Enshrine me in your heart and let one spirit dwell within us.” Atharva Veda 7:36 Confucianism: “I will love you, and will never be weary of you.” Book of Songs, Ode 218 FRATERNITY Judaism: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.” Psalm 133:1 Christianity: “Every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment.” Matthew 5:22 Islam: “Set things right between your two brothers, and fear God; haply so you will find mercy.” Qur’an 49:10 Confucianism: “When brothers live in concord and at peace, the strain of harmony shall never cease.” Doctrine of the Mean 15.3 Hinduism: “One is my brother and the other is not – is the thinking of a small men or a narrow-minded person. For those who are broad-minded or wise people the entire world is a one big family.” Maha Upanishad 6:72 LOYALTY Hinduism: “Sit in the assembly of the honest; join with those that are good and virtuous; nay, seek out a noble enemy where enmity cannot be helped and have nothing to do with the wicked and the unrighteous. Even in bondage you should live with the virtuous, the erudite, and the truthful, but not for a kingdom should you stay with the wicked and the malicious.” Garuda Purana 112 Islam: And the believers, men and women, are protecting friends one of another; they enjoin the right and forbid the wrong, and they establish worship and pay the poor-due, and they obey God and His messenger.” Qur’an 9.71 Buddhism: “As the man one makes his friend, as the one he follows, such does he himself become.” Itivuttaka 68 Confucianism: “When two people are at one in their inmost hearts, they shatter even the strength of iron or of bronze. When two people understand each other in their inmost hearts, their words are sweet and strong, like the fragrance of orchids.” I Ching, Great Commentary 1.8.6 Christianity: “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 “ The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the state.” Paragraph 3, Article 16 - Universal Declaration of Human Rights – 1948 As the school of love and seedbed of peace, the family is indispensable to the functioning of any society. Religious teachings encourage love in our homes, which is the basis for peaceful and thriving societies, nations, and the world. Unconditional Giving as an Extension of the Parental Heart – Priority of giving over receiving Christianity: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 Hinduism: “Giving simply because it is right to give, without thought of return, at a proper time, in proper circumstances, and to a worthy person is enlightened giving.” Bhagavad Gita 17:20 Buddhism: “Enlightened beings are magnanimous givers, bestowing whatever they have with equanimity, without regret, without hoping for reward, without seeking honor.” Garland Sutra 21 The supreme value of unconditional love Confucianism: “One who extends his bounty can bring peace to the Four Seas.” Mencius !.A.7 Hinduism: “Compassion is the root of all religious faiths.” Basavanna, Vacana 247 Buddhism: “I should be like the sun, shining universally on all without seeking thanks or reward.” Garland Sutra 23 Judaism: “Aid an enemy before you aid a friend, to subdue hatred.” Tosefta, Baba Metzia 2:26 Christianity: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44 Islam: “Repel the evil deed with one which is better, and lo!, he between whom and you there was enmity shall become as though he were a bosom friend.” Qur’an 41.34 Transcendent Value Endowed by God – Each person has not only sacred, cosmic and unique value but also eternal value. Sacred value. We have intrinsic and inalienable dignity as visible manifestations of the invisible Creator. Cosmic value. We are microcosms of the macrocosm. Unique Value - Never will be another person exactly like each one of us. We are unique, unrepeatable and irreplaceable. Eternal value. We are eternal beings who will live forever in the spiritual world with God. The fact that each person has these transcendent values is the basis of human dignity and universal human rights. Each Person Has Eternal Value Judaism: “The dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” Ecclesiastes 12:7 Christianity: “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 2 Corinthians 5:1 Islam: “You prefer this life, although the life to come is better and more enduring.” Qur’an 87.16 Sikhism: “Man wails over the loss of what he calls his: know, the Self is not perishable.” Adi Granth, Gauri, M.5 p. 188 Hinduism: “Now my breath and spirit goes to the Immortal, and this body ends in ashes.” Isha Upanishad 27 Confucianism: “All living living must die, and dying, return to the ground…. But the spirit issues forth, and is displayed on high in a condition of glorious brightness.” Book of Ritual 21.2.1 Native American Religions: “Mourners who wail for their dead hear spirit voices reply, and thus they know that their lost ones are always near.” Yakima tradition Integrative Perspective of Human Rights – Both decreed by law and endowed by our creator Both guided by natural law and moral law Principles for Securing Peace and Human Rights Promote the common good by living for the sake of others Uphold the family as the school of love and peace, protecting family values. Promote understanding, respect, and cooperation among people of different religions, cultures, and nations. Promote spiritual, moral, and unifying leadership based on universal values. For further reflection see: World Scripture: A Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts http://origin.org/ucs/ws/ws.cfm For interreligious perspectives on human rights, see: Universal Peace Federation: http:// www.upf.org /united-nations/human-rights Fundacion Educativa para la Paz: http:// www.fei.edu.uy / - http:// educacion.co.nr / Geneva Interfaith Intercultural Alliance: http:// www.giia.ch ----------------------------------
US Declaration of Independence: “endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights” - Declarations of rights in both the United States and France, which are bases of modern political thought, begin with a reference to God as the source of rights: “We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” ( DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE - July 4, 1776 )
French Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen: “under the auspices of the Supreme Being” “… the National Assembly recognizes and declares, in the presence and under the auspices of the Supreme Being , the following rights of man and of the citizen ” recognizing them as “natural, inalienable and sacred.” (Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen, Paris, August 26, 1789) If the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a synthesis of previous thinking about human rights, why is there no mention of God?
Early Draft of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights : “endowed by their nature with reason and conscience.” The draft of the first article, stating that “human beings are endowed by their nature with reason and conscience,” was debated (R. Cassin, Dr. Malik, Dr. Chang, among others) between September 21 and December 8, 1948. The delegation from Brazil (Austregésilo de Athayde) suggested that the first article of the Declaration read as follows: “Created in the image and likeness of God , they are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”
Debates within the Commission on Human Rights about a reference to God in the UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS - “With the goal of defending the rights proclaimed by the declaration, it is important that they not be expressed in terms that are too general. In the Preamble, there should be a reference to God as the absolute origin of human rights, as of all rights. This would recognize the importance of the great spiritual currents for maintaining and developing international cooperation…. The work of the Commission would be much more profoundly tied to the will and hopes of the masses of people if, instead of being only a dry expression of agnostic philosophy, it would also reflect the religious faith of the greater part of humanity.” Austregésilo de Athayde - Representative of Brazil in the Commission
Debates within the Commission on Human Rights about a reference to God in the UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS - Charles H. Malik of Lebanon wanted an explicit reference to God in the first article, to establish that people are endowed with “some inalienable rights given by their Creator.” René Cassin of France, among others, did not agree, because this could have reduced the universality of the document. Priority was placed on gaining universal support for a proclamation of human rights in a complex world divided by traditions, religions, and ideologies with different view of life. (René Cassin asked that the Declaration be defined as “universal” instead of “international.”)
Debates within the Commission on Human Rights about a reference to God in the UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS - Dr. Peng-Chun Chang of China wanted to accommodate the Confucian perspective, which acknowledges “heaven” but does not have a concept of God. Han had “God” and “by nature” eliminated from the text of Article 1, which in its final form reads: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”
Consider adding reference to God in the UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS - More than 60 years later, it is time to consider adding a references to God and absolute values without danger of losing universal acceptance. One way of protecting the necessary “universality” (respecting all positions) is to use the elegant text of the Preamble to the Constitution of Poland, which recognizes “those who believe that God is the origin of justice, beauty and goodness , [the bases of human rights] and many other values, and those who may not believe in God but still appreciate these values. ” Photo of Eleanor Roosevelt holding up the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Spanish.
Human Rights: Granted by Law and Endowed by Nature - Adherents of natural law hold that human rights do not reside in legal documents but are inherent in our very nature as human beings, a nature that is superior to and precedes all legal decrees. Religious traditions hold that such natural rights are God-given characteristics. Adherents of positivism hold that the only rights are those accorded by legal documents. “Rights are not something pre-existing by nature which we may discovered, such as chromosomes or continents. Rights are something that we create through our conventions. Thus, the question is not what rights do creatures have but rather what rights do we want to have?” - Jesús Mosterín. “Creating Rights.” El País, 29-8-1999
Human Rights: Granted by Law and Endowed by Nature – “Only if they are grounded in the objective requirements of the nature bestowed on man by the Creator , can the rights attributed to him be affirmed without fear of contradiction .... Consequently it is important for international agencies not to lose sight of the natural foundation of human rights. This would enable them to avoid the risk, unfortunately ever-present, of sliding towards a merely positivistic interpretation of those rights.” Benedict XVI. Message on the World Day of Peace, January 1, 2007
Human Rights: Granted by Law and Endowed by Nature - The protection of love and life, freedom of conscience and responsibility as well as property and many other inalienable rights do not exist merely because some people have discovered or recognized them or because laws have been decreed about them. On the contrary, love, life, freedom of conscience, and responsibility as well as property in fact existed before hand. This gave people the need to make laws for their protection. The existence of a written constitution which expresses the sovereign will of the people and their families in terms of principles of justice and natural law is the most effective protection against the abuse of power, destruction of liberty, and human weaknesses of those who govern us.
Human Rights Are Conferred by God - Each and every human being, without distinction of gender, race, ethnicity, class or social condition possesses the same special dignity, by nature or because it was conferred by God, which distinguishes them from the rest of the creatures, and they bear the same sacred, cosmic, unique, and eternal value which is innate and intrinsic to their human condition, and therefore they all merit the same exquisite consideration and greatest respect. ( Dr. Miguel Angel Cano – Ethics and Peace )
Each Person Has Sacred Value – Judaism : “Then the Lord God formed man out of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” Genesis 2.7 Christianity: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s spirit dwells in you?” I Corinthians 3:16 Islam: “He shaped him, and breathed His spirit in him.” Qur’an 32.8-9 Sikhism : “All from one clay are made; in all one Light shines. One breath pervades all.” Adi Granth, Gauri, M.5 p. 188 Hinduism: “That which is the finest essence—this whole world has that as its soul. That is Reality. That is the Self. That art thou.” Changogya Upanishad 6.8.7 Confucianism: “Fire blazing from the earth. The superior man reflects in his person the glory of [Heaven’s] virtue.” I Ching 35: Progress
Each Person Has Cosmic Value – Judaism: “All that the Holy One created in the world He created in man.” Talmud. Abot de Rabbi Nathan 31 Christianity: “ For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life?” Matthew 16:26 Islam: “We shall show them Our signs in the horizons and in themselves, till it is clear to them that it is the truth.” Qur’an. 41.53 Hinduism: “Man is the product of the attributes of Heaven and Earth, by the interaction of the dual forces of nature, the union of the animal and intelligent souls, and the finest subtle matter o the five elements.” Aitareya Upanishad 1.1 Buddhism: “The Essence of Mind is great because it embraces all things, since all things are within our nature.” Sutra of Hui Neng 2
Transcendent Value Endowed by God – Each person has sacred, cosmic and unique value and is endowed with irrevocable dignity; therefore, people are not means but ends in themselves. Sacred value . We have intrinsic and inalienable dignity as visible manifestations of the invisible Creator. Cosmic value . We are microcosms of the macrocosm. Unique Value - Never will be another person exactly like each one of us. We are unique, unrepeatable and irreplaceable. The fact that each person has these transcendent values is the basis of universal human rights and an ethical society.
Religion Gives Both Vertical and Horizontal Orientations – Spiritual and religions traditions have a vertical role, which calls us to a relationship with the Creator, and a horizontal dimension, which calls us to accept, respect, and love others. Judaism: “You shall love the Lord your God will all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.” Deuteronomy 6:5 Christianity: “Our Father, who art in heaven.” Matthew 6:9 Islam: “In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful.” Qur’an 1:1 Confucianism: “The superior man, taking his stance as righteousness requires, adheres firmly to Heaven’s decrees.” I Ching 50: Sacrificial vessel Hinduism: “From the unreal lead me to the Real! From darkness lead me to the light!” Brihaaranyaka Upanishad 1.3.28
Universal Principle of Reciprocal Relations - Human beings—just as all creatures and all things—are not made to exist or live alone, isolated or completely independent. Instead, they are configured by nature or by God to maintain multiple physiological interactions within themselves and with their environment. Therefore, we establish—in voluntary, responsible and creative forms—a series of fluid, harmonious, and stable relationships in which we reciprocally exchange love, affection, care, ideas, knowledge, goods, and services with other human beings and other creatures. This is vital for the preservation of our existence, multiplication, the development of our character, the cultivation of our talents, and our ability to experience the highest degree of joy and shared happiness. (Dr. Miguel Angel Cano – Ethics and Peace)
Natural Law of Karma - Cosmic Justice – Judaism: “I the Lord search the mind and try the heart, to give to every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17:10 Christianity: “Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7 Islam: “Whatever affliction may visit you is for what your own hands have earned.” Qur’an 42:30 Hinduism: “Unrighteousness, practiced n this world, does not at once produce its fruit; but, like a cow, advancing slowly, it cuts off the roots of him who committed it.” Laws of Manu 4:172 Buddhism: “An ignorant man committing evil deeds does not realize the consequences. The imprudent man is consume by his own deeds, like one burnt by a fire.” Dhammapada 136 Taoism: “In heaven and earth there are spirits that take account of men’s transgressions, and, according to the lightness or gravity of their offenses, take away from the term of their life.” Treatise on Response and Retribution 1-2 African Traditional Religions: “Ashes fly back in the face of him who throws them.” Yoruba proverb (Nigeria)
Moral Law Expressed in Religious Codes Four general prohibitions : Don’t rob. Don’t lie. Don’t kill. Don’t have illicit sexual relations. These prevent bad interactions Judaism and Christianity: 10 Commandments ( Exodus 20:1-17 ) Islam: Sacred duties ( Qur’an 6:151-53 ) Hinduism: Universally applicable dharma ( Laws of Manu ) Buddhism: Five Precepts ( Nagarjuna, Precious Garland 809 )
Justice and Reciprocity in Both Natural Law and Moral Law – Hinduism : “According as one conducts himself, so does he become.” ( Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 4.4.5 Buddhism: “According to what deeds are done, do their resulting consequences come to be.” Garland Sutra 10 Judaism: “Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God.” Micah 6:8 Islam: “Stand out firmly for justice.” Qur’an 4:135 Confucianism: “Recompense injury with justice, and recompense kindness with kindness.” Analects 14:36
Expressed in the Golden Rule – Golden Rule - Treat others as you wish them to treat you . Christianity : “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” ( Matthew 7:12 ) Islam: “No one is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself.” ( Sunnah ) African Traditional Religions: “What you give - or do - to others, they will give - or do - to you.” ( Rwandan proverb ) Silver Rule - Don’t do to others what you don’t want them to do to you. Hinduism: “This is the sum of duty: Do naught unto others which would cause you pain if done to you.” ( Mahabharata 5:15,17 ). Buddhism: “Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.” ( Udana-varga 5:18 ) Confucianism: “Surely it is the maxim of loving kindness: Do not unto others what you would not have them do to you.” ( Analects 15:23 ) Judaism: “What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow man. That is the entire Law; all the rest is commentary.” ( Talmud, Shabbat 31a ) God is the source of love, life and peace… Those who promote conflict, hatred, violence and terrorism have to be informed that to the extent to which they do that, to that extent they are not good members of any religion. ( Cardinal Francis Arinze - Assisi - January 24, 2002 )
Benefits of Living by the Moral Law – Judaism: “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.” Psalm 19:7 Christianity: “He who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being o hearer that forgets but a doer that acts, he shall be blessed in his doing.” James 1:25 Islam: “Let there arise out of you a group of people, inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong.” Qur’an 3:104 Hinduism: “Those who live in accordance with the divine laws without complaining, firmly established in faith, are released from karma.” Bhagavad Gita 3.31 Buddhism: “He who loves Dhamma progresses, he who hates it declines.” ( Sutta Nipata 92 ) Confucianism: “The moral man’s life is an exemplification of the universal order, because he is a moral person who unceasingly cultivates his true self or moral being.” Doctrine of the Mean 2 Taoism: “What the Tao plants cannot be plucked, what Tao clasps cannot slip.” Tao Te Ching 54
Principle of Development Through Cooperation Centered on a Common Purpose People - High purpose, mutual benefit The progress or development of humanity—whether economic, scientific, technical, artistic, or social—produces principally, by means of communication, understanding, dialogue, or consensus, a harmonious cooperation and mutual interdependence among individuals, families, communities, nations and civilizations, centered on common purposes and shared goals, and not by means of fighting, conflict, or mutual destruction. - Progress is based on ethical interaction.
COOPERATION Judaism: “All God's creatures borrow from the other, yet make peace with one another without lawsuits.” Midrash, Exodus Rabbah 31.154 Christianity: “We are members one of another.” Ephesians 4.255 Islam: “Abu Musa narrated that the Prophet said, ‘ A believer to another believer is like a building whose different parts enforce each other.’” Hadith of Bukhari 8:55 Buddhism: “ It is not difficult to see t hat my body is also that of others in the same way as the hands and so forth a re regarded as limbs of the body, ” Shantideva, Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life 8.112-167. Taoism: “Everything has its ‘that’; everything has its ‘this’. From the point of view of ‘that’ you cannot see it, but through understanding you can know it. So I say, ‘that’ comes out of ‘this’ and ‘this’ depends on ‘that’--which is to say that ‘this’ and ‘that’ give birth to each other . A state in which ‘this’ and ‘that’ no longer find their opposites is called the Hinge of the Way. When the hinge is fitted into the socket, it can respond endlessly.” Chuang Tzu 2
Serving the Common Good - Living for Others “… he who wishes to be great among let him be a servant… the Son of man came not to be served but to serve…” ( Matthew 20: 26-28 )
SERVING THE COMMON GOOD Islam: “There is not one of us but has his appointed position, and we are verily ranged in ranks [for service].” Qur’an 37:164-65 Hinduism: “Strive constantly to serve the welfare of the world; by devotion to selfless work one attains the supreme goal in life.” Bhagavad Gita 3:23 Confucianism: When the Great Tao prevailed, the world was a commonwealth; men of talent and virtue were selected, mutual confidence was emphasized, and brotherhood was cultivated. Therefore, men did not regard as parents only their own parents, nor did they treat as sons only their own sons. Old people were able to enjoy their old age; young men were able to employ their talents….They hated not to use their energies, and they used their energies not for their own benefit.” Book of Ritual 7:1.2 Judaism: “I am God’s creature and my peasant neighbor is God’s creature. My work is in the town and his work is in the country. I rise early for my work and he rises early for his work.” Talmud. Berakot 17a Christianity: “Let no one seek his own good but the good of his neighbor.” 1 Corinthians 10:24 African Traditional Religions: “Guardianship is not to give an order but to give one’s self.” Nyika Proverb (Kenya and Tanzania)
The Family as the School of Love and Seedbed of Peace – Four ethical imperatives : filial piety fidelity in marriage fraternity loyalty These promote good interactions between parents and children, husband and wife, and siblings. FILIAL PIETY Judaism & Christianity: “Honor your father and your mother.” Exodus 20.12 Islam: “The Lord has decreed … that you be kind to your parents.” Qur’an 17.23 Hinduism: “Let your mother be to you like unto a god! Let your father be to you like unto a god!” Taittiriyaka Upanishad 1:11.2 Buddhism: “Those who wish to be born in [the Pure Land] of Buddha … should act filially towards their parents and support them.” Meditation on Buddha Amitayus 27 Confucianism: “ Surely proper behavior towards parents and elder brothers is the trunk of Goodness.” Analects 1.2 African Traditional Religions: “If your parents take care of you up to the time you cut your teeth, you take care of them when they lose theirs.” Akan Proverb (Ghana)
FIDELITY IN MARRIAGE Judaism: “A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24 Christianity: “What God has joined together, let not man put asunder.” Mark 10:9 Islam: “He has planted affection and mercy between you.” Qur’an 30.21 Hinduism: “Enshrine me in your heart and let one spirit dwell within us.” Atharva Veda 7:36 Confucianism: “I will love you, and will never be weary of you.” Book of Songs, Ode 218 FRATERNITY Judaism: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.” Psalm 133:1 Christianity: “Every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment.” Matthew 5:22 Islam: “Set things right between your two brothers, and fear God; haply so you will find mercy.” Qur’an 49:10 Confucianism: “When brothers live in concord and at peace, the strain of harmony shall never cease.” Doctrine of the Mean 15.3 Hinduism: “One is my brother and the other is not – is the thinking of a small men or a narrow-minded person. For those who are broad-minded or wise people the entire world is a one big family.” Maha Upanishad 6:72
LOYALTY Hinduism: “Sit in the assembly of the honest; join with those that are good and virtuous; nay, seek out a noble enemy where enmity cannot be helped and have nothing to do with the wicked and the unrighteous. Even in bondage you should live with the virtuous, the erudite, and the truthful, but not for a kingdom should you stay with the wicked and the malicious.” Garuda Purana 112 Islam: And the believers, men and women, are protecting friends one of another; they enjoin the right and forbid the wrong, and they establish worship and pay the poor-due, and they obey God and His messenger.” Qur’an 9.71 Buddhism: “As the man one makes his friend, as the one he follows, such does he himself become.” Itivuttaka 68 Confucianism: “When two people are at one in their inmost hearts, they shatter even the strength of iron or of bronze. When two people understand each other in their inmost hearts, their words are sweet and strong, like the fragrance of orchids.” I Ching, Great Commentary 1.8.6 Christianity: “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
“ The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the state.” Paragraph 3, Article 16 - Universal Declaration of Human Rights – 1948 As the school of love and seedbed of peace, the family is indispensable to the functioning of any society. Religious teachings encourage love in our homes, which is the basis for peaceful and thriving societies, nations, and the world.
Unconditional Giving as an Extension of the Parental Heart – Priority of giving over receiving Christianity: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 Hinduism: “Giving simply because it is right to give, without thought of return, at a proper time, in proper circumstances, and to a worthy person is enlightened giving.” Bhagavad Gita 17:20 Buddhism: “Enlightened beings are magnanimous givers, bestowing whatever they have with equanimity, without regret, without hoping for reward, without seeking honor.” Garland Sutra 21 The supreme value of unconditional love Confucianism: “One who extends his bounty can bring peace to the Four Seas.” Mencius !.A.7 Hinduism: “Compassion is the root of all religious faiths.” Basavanna, Vacana 247 Buddhism: “I should be like the sun, shining universally on all without seeking thanks or reward.” Garland Sutra 23 Judaism: “Aid an enemy before you aid a friend, to subdue hatred.” Tosefta, Baba Metzia 2:26 Christianity: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44 Islam: “Repel the evil deed with one which is better, and lo!, he between whom and you there was enmity shall become as though he were a bosom friend.” Qur’an 41.34
Transcendent Value Endowed by God – Each person has not only sacred, cosmic and unique value but also eternal value. Sacred value . We have intrinsic and inalienable dignity as visible manifestations of the invisible Creator. Cosmic value . We are microcosms of the macrocosm. Unique Value - Never will be another person exactly like each one of us. We are unique, unrepeatable and irreplaceable. Eternal value . We are eternal beings who will live forever in the spiritual world with God. The fact that each person has these transcendent values is the basis of human dignity and universal human rights.
Each Person Has Eternal Value Judaism: “The dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” Ecclesiastes 12:7 Christianity: “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 2 Corinthians 5:1 Islam: “You prefer this life, although the life to come is better and more enduring.” Qur’an 87.16 Sikhism : “Man wails over the loss of what he calls his: know, the Self is not perishable.” Adi Granth, Gauri, M.5 p. 188 Hinduism: “Now my breath and spirit goes to the Immortal, and this body ends in ashes.” Isha Upanishad 27 Confucianism: “All living living must die, and dying, return to the ground…. But the spirit issues forth, and is displayed on high in a condition of glorious brightness.” Book of Ritual 21.2.1 Native American Religions: “Mourners who wail for their dead hear spirit voices reply, and thus they know that their lost ones are always near.” Yakima tradition
Integrative Perspective of Human Rights – Both decreed by law and endowed by our creator Both guided by natural law and moral law
Principles for Securing Peace and Human Rights Promote the common good by living for the sake of others Uphold the family as the school of love and peace, protecting family values. Promote understanding, respect, and cooperation among people of different religions, cultures, and nations. Promote spiritual, moral, and unifying leadership based on universal values.
For further reflection see: World Scripture: A Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts http://origin.org/ucs/ws/ws.cfm For interreligious perspectives on human rights, see: Universal Peace Federation : http:// www.upf.org /united-nations/human-rights Fundacion Educativa para la Paz: http:// www.fei.edu.uy / - http:// educacion.co.nr / Geneva Interfaith Intercultural Alliance : http:// www.giia.ch ----------------------------------