Question.3202 - Comparing and Contrasting Sacred Ethical Texts from the Abrahamic Religious Tradition with the Asian Religious Tradition This is a hermeneutical paper. The purpose is to have you start interpreting texts. Think of the hermeneutical triangle: text, context and interpreter. Be aware of yourself as the reader an the context of the sacred book. The paper is to be the study of the similarities and differences between ethical texts from an Abrahamic religion and an Asian religion. See Ethics section in each chapter. Pick a short manageable text (three or four verses). For example: take a small passage an ethical text in Judaism (Exodus 20), or Christianity (Matthew 5- 7) or Islam (Surah 17). Compare it with an ethical text of an Asian religion (Section 8 from the Tao Te Ching, the ethics of the Eight Fold Path or a passage from the Bhagavad Gita.) What religions are texts connected with? Who wrote them? When were they written? What is the historical setting? What is the core ethical teaching of the text? Is there ethical tension within the religion between the ethical ideal of the text and the practice within the religion? What is the genre of the text? Does it focus on rules or on building character? Are there similar ethical principles, for example, the Golden Rule or the Golden Mean? In summary, you should give your critique of the texts of both religions from your point of view as expressed in your autobiography. What do you agree with and what do you disagree with? Most importantly, what is the basis of your agreement or disagreement? What are your ethical principles? This paper should be 4 pages, double spaced. Proof read after using the spell checker for words the spell checker does not catch, for example, steal/ steel, Bible/ bible, alter/altar, manner/manor, definitely/defiantly.
Answer Below:
-Compare and contrast: Matthew 5 and Bhagavad Gita: Matthew 5: Eye for Eye: 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ [h] 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Bhagavad Gita: TO HELP EACH OTHER IS THE FIRST COMMANDMENT OF THE CREATOR In the ancient time, the Creator created human beings together with selfless service (Seva, Yajna, sacrifice) and said: By serving each other you shall prosper, and the sacrificial service shall fulfill all your desires. (3.10) Nourish the celestial controllers with selfless service, and they will nourish you. Thus nourishing each other, you shall attain the Supreme goal. (3.11) In order to compare and contrast Matthew 5 and Bhagavad Gita, it becomes important to understand the historical background of both the texts and implications thereof. Bhagavad geeta is the sixth part of the eighteen books hat constitutes the Indian epic Mahabharata. It is a sacred dialogue on yoga between Bhagavan Krishna - who was at once an earthy king and a divine incarnation - and his chief disciple, the Pandava prince Arjuna, purportedly taking place on the eve of the war of Kurukshetra. It was written by Sage Vedvyasa in between the fifth century BC to second century BC. Historians are not united in the opinion regarding the date of its composition. It is unknown as to who wrote Matthews. But the historians believe it to be penned around 60AD in Greek. It is considered to be the most important part in the religious texts of Christians as it contains almost all the teachings of Jesus. In the above mentioned verse of Matthew, the message that Jesus wants to spread is to curb the hatred and help others at the time of their need. People tend to treat hatred from hatred and anger from anger. On the contrary Jesus through Matthews wants people to return the favors or punishments by double. In the above mentioned verse of Geeta it is believed that if one moves away from oneself and starts thinking towards the needs of others and how to help them, a physical process is set in motion which heals the inner self and removes one from Karmic bondage if there lies no intention of rewards and recognition. This self less service shall lead to salvation. Selfless service purifies mind and soul which in turn can be practiced while living in the society. In both the texts there is no ethical tension between the ideal of the text and the practice within the religion. In terms of building character, both the books set guidelines and framework that form the foundation of the solid character of human being and society. The ethical principles of both the books are same. They form the foundation stone of the principles that guide the society. The principles relating to forgiveness, humility, compassion, help and karma are the same. The main principles which I appreciated in Geeta were: ? Help one another: Selfishness is the primary reason that saps natural health and immune system. Hence it is desirable that one should turn the focus from oneself to others. This in turn would provide a sense of empathy for others and working for a noble cause devoid of any rewards and recognition is bound to bring immense joy and pleasure along with freedom from karmic bondage. ? Find your own method to worship God: it is not important to worship God in the sense that everybody does. Having a firm and unshakable belief in God and to love him is the only way out for attaining devotion and dedication towards the almighty. ? Recognize the presence of god in all living beings: this would enable in believing that god is present in the innermost consciousness of all human beings and living creatures. Hence respecting everybody shall teach the virtue of humbleness and kindness. ? Lust is the origin of all sins: human desires are limitless. Hence controlling the desires and wants is of utmost importance. Too much craving shall lead to endless materialism in a human which in turn would give birth to lust. This lust would bind the soul and force to resort to unfair means that shall be detrimental to the society. ? Attachments and aversions are major stumbling blocks: Attachment is a strong desire to experience pleasures all over again. Aversion is the strong dislike for the unpleasant. Materialism is the factor that shall create unwanted cravings for worldly things. The main principles of Bible: ? Lord Jesus expects and requires Christians to give, unconditionally, without the expectation of any return. Giving shall be for the right reasons. giving for the sake of admiration by others or recognition and reward from others is not in the truest form of giving. It should be in the form of charity. Hence it should not be disclosed to others. Only God should be aware of the deed and not any other human. ? People should bestow ultimate and unconditional faith on to the God. They should not feel superior to God. Firm belief in god is what he wants from his followers. This belief should accept God’s universal presence in everything and everywhere. Followers shall not be dependent on him but should trust him. ? Jesus is the creator and destroyer of this universe. He is the one who is sustaining humans and everything that happens, happens for a reason. I do not disagree to any principles of god as cited in both the religious contexts. However I do not affirm to certain practices as followed by the religion. Often certain customs find their root in our lives which do not have any relevance in god’s teachings, but, priests and monks tend to follow these and do make others follow it too. Even it should be noticed that the Bible is subject to individual interpretation. There is no one single interpretation of this holy book. Hence using own reason and logic while being devotee of the God with firm faith is what I crave for in my personal life. References: Five Basic principles, retrieved from: http://www.christianity.co.nz/guide2.htm Duncan, L. Christian giving: some biblical principles. Retrieved from: http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/the-bible-study-hour/read/articles/christian-giving-some- biblical-principles-13392.html Yadav, R, The 12 principles of Bhagavad Gita. Retrieved from: http://reenayadav.hubpages.com/hub/The-12-Principles-of-the-Bhagavad-GitaMore Articles From English
.ico)
.ico)
.ico)
.ico)
