The Golden Rule
At first glance, the Golden Rule seems wonderfully simple: treat others as we want to be treated. Every major religious tradition embraces this wisdom, from Hillel's teaching in Judaism to Confucius's reciprocity, from Hindu scriptures to Islamic tradition. Yet this sermon challenges us to look deeper. The real danger lies not in rejecting the Golden Rule, but in applying it through the lens of our own biases and assumptions. We might think we're doing good while actually imposing our worldview on others, like missionaries who stripped indigenous children of their culture believing they were saving souls. The sermon walks us through sixteen cognitive biases that shape how we see the world—from confirmation bias to conspiracy bias, from competency bias to catastrophe bias. Each one reveals how our brains can distort even our best intentions. The invitation here is profound: before we do unto others, we must first become curious about who they are, what they need, and how they experience the world. True love requires humility, self-awareness, and the willingness to question our own perspectives. As we approach Thanksgiving gatherings with all their potential awkwardness, we're challenged to recognize that we might be someone else's 'Cousin Eddie'—the one who doesn't quite fit, who says uncomfortable things. When we understand our own biases and limitations, we can extend grace both to ourselves and to others, creating space for genuine connection rather than judgment.
Check out the Center for Action and Contemplation’s week of offerings (and Monday’s in particular) to see yourself in a deeper way: Recognizing Our Biases Weekly Summary.
To think about…
How might your own cultural background and upbringing shape the way you interpret and apply the Golden Rule in your daily interactions?
In what ways could you be 'Cousin Eddie' to someone else without realizing it, and how does that awareness change your approach to treating others?
Which of the 16 cognitive biases resonated most strongly with you, and what does that reveal about areas where you might need to grow?
How can we distinguish between genuinely loving evangelism and imposing our worldview on others under the guise of following the Golden Rule?
What does it mean to be curious rather than judgmental when someone at your Thanksgiving table says something that makes you uncomfortable?
How might the historical practice of depicting Jesus in our own image reflect broader issues about how we understand and relate to God?
In what ways does recognizing that multiple religious traditions teach similar ethical principles challenge or enrich your understanding of divine truth?
How can awareness of the 'competency bias' help us approach political and social disagreements with more humility and openness?
What would it look like to practice the Golden Rule by first becoming curious about what others actually want and need rather than assuming they want what we would want?
How does understanding that humanity has made significant progress despite current challenges affect your sense of hope and your willingness to continue working for justice?