"The Golden Rule", Copyright Paul McKenna.
By Kate Greenaway
UUFSMA Member
Most of us are familiar with the Golden Rule. However, many may not realize that the Golden Rule (GR) is taught among many of the world’s major religions. The GR is considered by some to be the greatest point of agreement among religions. At the April 27th UUFSMA service, Paul McKenna will delve into the Golden Rule and how it has been incorporated into many religious and spiritual traditions, philosophies, indigenous traditions, ethical systems, and common folklore. The Golden Rule’s ubiquitous appearance throughout history grants it considerable moral authority that cannot be easily dismissed.
What does it really mean to practice the Golden Rule? Paul and his colleagues have developed exercises that invite us to step into our neighbors’ shoes. He will share one of these practices, encouraging us to consider it as part of our own spiritual journey. According to Paul, truly living the Golden Rule goes beyond ethical behavior; it’s a path to freedom. By shifting from self-absorption to self-awareness, and ultimately rising above the ego, we move closer to what he calls true freedom.
Paul McKenna, MA, is an educator, writer, and consultant in the fields of interfaith dialogue, world religions, and the Golden Rule. Over his 45-year career, he has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to interfaith understanding. Paul is the creator of the widely recognized Interfaith Golden Rule Poster, which features Golden Rule texts from 13 religions. Translated into more than 20 languages, the poster has become a respected educational and interfaith resource worldwide. He has also developed Golden Rule and interfaith curricula for learners of all ages. Currently, Paul is exploring the transformation of consciousness that occurs when we engage in genuine relationships with people, traditions, cultures, ethnicities, and religions that differ from our own. A Canadian by nationality, Paul regularly attends UUFSMA services when visiting San Miguel.
UUFSMA Member
Most of us are familiar with the Golden Rule. However, many may not realize that the Golden Rule (GR) is taught among many of the world’s major religions. The GR is considered by some to be the greatest point of agreement among religions. At the April 27th UUFSMA service, Paul McKenna will delve into the Golden Rule and how it has been incorporated into many religious and spiritual traditions, philosophies, indigenous traditions, ethical systems, and common folklore. The Golden Rule’s ubiquitous appearance throughout history grants it considerable moral authority that cannot be easily dismissed.
What does it really mean to practice the Golden Rule? Paul and his colleagues have developed exercises that invite us to step into our neighbors’ shoes. He will share one of these practices, encouraging us to consider it as part of our own spiritual journey. According to Paul, truly living the Golden Rule goes beyond ethical behavior; it’s a path to freedom. By shifting from self-absorption to self-awareness, and ultimately rising above the ego, we move closer to what he calls true freedom.
Paul McKenna, MA, is an educator, writer, and consultant in the fields of interfaith dialogue, world religions, and the Golden Rule. Over his 45-year career, he has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to interfaith understanding. Paul is the creator of the widely recognized Interfaith Golden Rule Poster, which features Golden Rule texts from 13 religions. Translated into more than 20 languages, the poster has become a respected educational and interfaith resource worldwide. He has also developed Golden Rule and interfaith curricula for learners of all ages. Currently, Paul is exploring the transformation of consciousness that occurs when we engage in genuine relationships with people, traditions, cultures, ethnicities, and religions that differ from our own. A Canadian by nationality, Paul regularly attends UUFSMA services when visiting San Miguel.
