Have you ever wondered what values people around the globe hold in common regardless of what religion they may or may not espouse?
Rushworth Kidder, co-founder of the Institute for Global Ethics, says there is a core of shared moral values that all people for the most part have in common.
After researching the subject for over 20 years and in over 30 countries, he is quoted in the Principia Purpose, as saying, “If you actually get out there and ask people what their values are, you will hear five things: honesty, responsibility, respect, fairness, and compassion.”
He goes on to state that “….people who say ‘I am deeply religious’ have the same values as people who say ‘I’m not religious at all,’…people in different language groups hold the same values…”
As diverse as mankind is with a vast multitude of different religions, cultures, ethnic groups, races, colors, and creeds, I find it heartening that fundamental core values are held in common.
His findings seem to confirm that there is one Principle at work throughout all being binding creation together in one seamless whole.
“With one Father, even God, the whole family of man would be brethren; and with one Mind and that God, or good, the brotherhood of man would consist of Love and Truth, and have unity of Principle and spiritual power which constitute divine Science.” Mary Baker Eddy
Thank you.
I would beg to differ on one point… who say ‘I am deeply religious’ have the same values as people who say ‘I’m not religious at all,’ That may be true of the commonalities, but to the latter place value in worship and praise and prayer? I connecting with our Heavenly Father? In the eternal kingdom? In the redemptive power of Christ? That “no man cometh unto the Father but by me”? True Christian spirituality will not blend with the world. It will be contrary and opposed to many of the values the world esposes. Though we reach out in love towards all mankind, we cannot water down our faith by ‘blending in’. We must stand above the crowd.
Anonymous,
I see what you mean. But this is mainly talking about moral values. In S&H pg 115 is the Scientific Translation of Mortal Mind. All of these values are in the 2nd degree. “Evil beliefs disappearing”
I see great value in a deeper connection with God, but I do have friends who classify themselves as agnostics that are solidly in the 2nd degree and upholding this values.
Still, this is all just talking about MORTAL mind. “In the third degree mortal mind disappears, and man as God’s image appears.” We can take heart in these values universally expressed throughout the world, but still need to push ourselves further.
What is meant by “deeply religious”? The pharisees were deeply religious. However they weren’t expressing too many of the 2nd or 3rd degree values.
It’s because God has put His law in our inward parts. Jeremiah 31:33 “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put m law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts l and will be their God, and they shall be my people.” I don’t limit the promise of the covenant to any religious or ethnic group, especially since we all potentially espouse the same values which sum up the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes pretty completely.