The Golden Rule and Religious Legislation
By K. C. Russell
By K. C. Russell, Secretary International Religious Liberty Association THE Golden Rule was given by Jesus in His wonderful Sermon on the Mount, and reads as follows: "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." The real essence of genuine Christianity regarding our relation to each other is comprehended in this divine precept. To the extent that people have regulated their lives by this standard, the world has been made better; but when it has been disregarded, enmity, discord, strife, and every evil thing have followed. This rule may be recognized even by those who do not make a profession of Christianity. Nevertheless, to the extent to which it is manifested in our lives it is an evidence that the Spirit of Christ is seeking to obtain full possession of the soul. Our Relations to Our Fellows
It will be observed that this rule does not regulate our relation to God, but only our relation to one another. The last six commandments clearly define what is comprehended in the carrying out of the Golden Rule. These commandments embrace more than simply an outward observance of the same, for Jesus teaches that even hatred toward another is murder, and lust a violation of the seventh commandment. From this it will be seen that only those who have been regenerated by the converting power of God can fully bring their lives into harmony with the Golden Rule. It would be interesting to conceive of the possible effect that would follow the application of this rule in the home. No unkind word would be spoken before the one who is tempted to speak it decides that he is willing to have it spoken to him. It requires no argument to convince any thoughtful mind that such conditions would make impossible the uttering of a harsh word or the committing of a cruel act. In short, the application of this principle would entirely change every phase of human society. In these times, when there is such a growing demand for religious legislation on the part of many professed Christian people, it may be well for such to pause and apply the Golden Rule to such a procedure. Certainly, if such a course be contrary to this principle, every true Christian will refuse to subscribe further to the carrying out of such a program. No true Christian will claim that the persecutions of God's people which took place in those times when the church dominated the State, were controlled by the Golden Rule. It will be remembered that for more than twelve and a half centuries the Roman Church held sway over the bodies and intelligences of most of the people of Europe. During that dark period she consigned men, women, and children, with their Bibles, and other literature, to the flames, unmindful of and repudiating their God-given rights. This too has been true when the same conditions obtained in Protestant countries. Under such a régime, conscientious Catholics like Thomas More were put to death; and Calvin could approve the death sentence for heresy upon another Protestant, Servetus. With the terrible chapters of past church-and-state intolerance before them, let those who advocate compulsory Sunday observance consider the Golden Rule in the light of this question: Would I be willing to have enacted a law by the civil government compelling me to observe a day for the Sabbath which would be contrary to my conscientious convictions? When this question is answered in the affirmative, then it will be demonstrated that the Sunday enforcement people are justified in their position. But no reasonable person would look for that kind of answer. No such answer will be given by an honest man. Furthermore, when the Sunday observer can persuade himself to refrain from his ordinary work on another day than the one he observes, out of respect to those who observe that other day, then he can consistently expect others to return the compliment. But this is hardly possible, in the very nature of the case. The spirit prompting compulsory Sunday observance is unquestionably at variance with the Golden Rule. A letter received by the writer recently regarding Sunday legislation, from a prominent National Reform leader of Boston, well illustrates the point. Having written the gentleman about a certain measure pending in Congress for compulsory Sunday observance, to which I was opposed, he wrote, among other things: "The people who go against the nature of things must either be broken in pieces or turn away from their destructive course." It can be shown very clearly that the purpose and intent of Sunday legislation is to exalt a religious dogma of certain sects to the disadvantage of others who are justly entitled to the equal protection of the civil law. It is class legislation, and contrary to the genius and spirit of the American principles under civil government. In these respects it must be apparent that Sunday laws, or other laws of religious character, are not in accord with the principles of the Golden Rule, and therefore are not Christian.