Whether you consider yourself to be a part of a religious tradition or not, describe two of your personal principles that you use to make decisions or plan your actions. Do these principles match any of the principles of the five major religions we discussed?
Answers
Explanation:
All religions recognize human beings as fundamentally equal, whether this is understood as a consequence of their status as children of God (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), of their manifestation of the Divine (Hinduism), or of their common original nature and desire for happiness (Buddhism).
This principle rules out discrimination against people on the basis of race, ethnicity, ancestry, socio-economic status, gender, or disability; an increasing number of people believe it also rules out discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Support Us Today
First Principles of Religion: Human Dignity, Freedom of Expression, and Freedom of Religion
Reaffirming Basic Religious Principles
In light of ongoing conflicts across the world, many of them in the name of religion, we are continuing the series we began in the first week of Ramadan on the “First Principles of Religion.” In today’s note we highlight the following First Principles of Religion: Respect for Human Dignity, Respect for Freedom of Thought and Expression, and Respect for Freedom of Religion. You can find the launch of the series here, and links to the other principles at the bottom of this page.
– ING Team
Second Principle: Respect
for Human Dignity
togetherdignityAt a time when human dignity is being violated in countless forms in countries and societies throughout the world – often in the name of religion – it is imperative that we re-emphasize this important value and, more importantly, apply it in our daily lives. All religions recognize human beings as fundamentally equal, whether this is understood as a consequence of their status as children of God (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), of their manifestation of the Divine (Hinduism), or of their common original nature and desire for happiness (Buddasim)
A few of the verses in religious texts that speak to the Principle of Respect for Human Dignity include the following:
Islam: “We have indeed honored the descendants of Adam (ie. human beings).” (Qur’an 17:70)
Christianity: “Do you not know that you are the Temple of God?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)
Judaism: “So God created humanity in God’s image, in the image of God God created them.” (Genesis 1:27)
Buddhism: “All sentient beings without exception have the Buddha-nature.” (Nirvana Sutra)
Hinduism: “The human body is the temple of God.” (Rig Veda)