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I would like to suggest to Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry that, “If we want to respect the rule of law, we have to start with Moses, the first lawgiver.”
This was in reference to his order that every public classroom in his state, from kindergarten to state university, must display posters of the Ten Commandments.
The precepts list doctrines related to several religions, some of which are archaic, such as not worshiping idols, maintaining the strict sanctity of the Sabbath, and not being greedy (though none of us would think of that). I question why posting these things on a wall is a good idea, but if Louisiana State really wants to inspire its students to be good people, I suggest they put up a different poster.
Schools can also hang posters of the so-called golden rules, which are almost universal and still relevant today. Consider the following points:
Buddhism: Do not treat others in a way that would harm you. (Udana Varga 5.18)
Judaism: What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. (Hillel, Talmud, Sabbath 31a)
Christianity: In all things do to others what you would like them to do to you (Matthew 7:12)
Hinduism: This is the sum of all duties: do not do to others what would be painful for you if done to yourself. (Mahabharata 5:1517)
Baha'i: Burden not others with burdens which you do not want to be borne by them, nor desire for them what you do not want for yourself. (Baha'u'llah, “The Harvest”)
Islam: You cannot truly believe until you wish for others what you wish for yourself. (Prophet Muhammad, Hadith)
The truth is, we have more in common than we do differences. There is no need to be attached to a particular religion or cultural leaning. Whether you are religious or not, you should be kind to others.
Andrea Jacobson has a Masters in Education, has worked as a Certified Fraud Examiner for 18 years and has worked in law enforcement for over 35 years.
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