By Pete Haug
Its not fair! wailed my 4-year-old grandson as his father carried him into the house. He had just thrown a rock at his sister as his father watched through the kitchen window. I didnt know you could see me!
Even from age 4, we have perceptions of justice. What, exactly, is fair? What is justice? Definitions abound. Consider this one, the principle of moral rightness. Even this begs more questions than it answers. What is moral? What is rightness?
A recent FVS column on justice called for a higher standard, one that will reflect the teachings of Christ such that they will become visible in our own life by the way we show unity and love in a world of division and violence. This principle of moral rightness is encapsulated in the Golden Rule, an ideal rarely realized, but stated variously in most religions. For example, Bahaullah wrote: And if thine eyes be turned towards justice, choose thou for thy neighbor that which thou choosest for thyself.
Elsewhere he wrote, Thebestbelovedof all things inMysightis Justice; turn not away therefrom if thou desirest Me, and neglect it not that I may confide in thee. He goes on to suggest that justice provides inherent wisdom: By its aid thou shalt see with thine own eyes and not through the eyes of others, and shalt know of thine own knowledge and not through the knowledge of thy neighborVerily justice isMygift to thee and the sign ofMyloving-kindness. Set it then before thine eyes.
The word equity is often confused with justice. Equity implies a justice that transcends the strict letter of the law and is in keeping with what is reasonable rather than what is merely legal. This is an important distinction. Put another way, justice is the letter of the law; equity is its spirit.
Justice as practiced is complicated. The concept seems straightforward, but applying a law equitably often seems impossible, partly because of precedents. Is it just to prosecute a trespasser who cant read the No Trespassing sign? What would be an equitable application of this law?
The Bahai writings distinguish between justice and equity. Bahaullah writes: Justice and equity are twin Guardians that watch over menthe cause of the well-being of the world and the protection of the nations.
His son Abdul-Baha drives the point home: The Almighty hath not created in man the claws and teeth of ferocious animals, nay rather hath the human form been fashioned and set with the most comely attributes and adorned with the most perfect virtues. The honor of this creation and the worthiness of this garment therefore require man to have love and affinity for his own kind, nay rather, to act towards all living creatures with justice and equity.
This advice plays out in our dealings with all living things, and the non-living elements that support them. Ecosystems provide sustenance, life itself. Is it equitable toward humanity at large for some of us to degrade and damage systems that support all of us? For example, some of us create pollution and greenhouse gases that affect our entire planet. These are not easy questions to resolve, but resolve them we must if we are to avoid further consequences of our reckless behavior past, present, and future.
A standard of behavior based on justice and equity was described by Shoghi Effendi, grandson of Abdul-Baha. He calls for a rectitude of conduct, with its implications ofjustice, equity, truthfulness, honesty, fair-mindedness, reliability, and trustworthiness.
High standards indeed! Yet essential if we are to overcome division and violence. Solving these problems must both transcend and employ economic and technological solutions. It will require morality justice, and equity for all humanity, sisters and brothers sharing our planet.
Its unlikely any of us can meet all the above standards, yet we can try even knowing we wont attain them. Staying aware of such standards is a good beginning. We can bring ourselves to daily account and ask, Howd I do? And we can respond truthfully.
The most vital duty, Abdul-Baha has written, is to purify your characters, to correct your manners, and improve your conductshow forth such character and conductthat the fragrance ofholiness may be shed upon the whole world, and may quicken the dead, inasmuch as the purpose of the Manifestation of God and the dawning of the limitless lights of the Invisible is to educate the souls of men, and refine the character of every living man.
This education begins with parents prayers before the birth of each child. It continues as a child learns to speak and pray, and to love the Creator. Such love generates a spiritual sense of equity and justice in us all.
View post:
Justice and Equity The Distinction is Important - spokanefavs.com
- This Is My New Golden Rule for Renting Vacation Homes (I Was Doing It All Wrong) - Yahoo Life - April 12th, 2024 [April 12th, 2024]
- Misguided culture warriors should heed the golden rule [column] - LNP | LancasterOnline - April 12th, 2024 [April 12th, 2024]
- Michael L. Fischler: Anger and The Golden Rule - The Union Leader - April 10th, 2024 [April 10th, 2024]
- Dog trainer reveals her golden rule for recall training (we can't believe how simple it is!) - Yahoo Life - April 10th, 2024 [April 10th, 2024]
- Fr. Aristides Palaynes and the Golden Rule Community - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America - April 10th, 2024 [April 10th, 2024]
- How Lulu still looks fabulous at 75, from her skincare 'golden rule' to refusing to take lifts - as star revea - Daily Mail - April 10th, 2024 [April 10th, 2024]
- Ken Henry: We are breaking the 'golden rule' of economic policy - ABC News - April 10th, 2024 [April 10th, 2024]
- The Golden Rule and the Free Market - Foundation for Economic Education - March 6th, 2024 [March 6th, 2024]
- Courtney B. Vance and Angela Bassett share their golden rule for successful parenting - The Times of India - March 6th, 2024 [March 6th, 2024]
- Live music at The Golden Rule Coffee House on Friday, March 8 - Redwood Falls Gazette - February 29th, 2024 [February 29th, 2024]
- Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have always followed one relationship rule - Marie Claire UK - February 29th, 2024 [February 29th, 2024]
- The Golden Rule - A Way of Life - County 10 News - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- Dear Annie: Nurses Golden Rule might be the answer to relationship problems - MLive.com - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- Aitana's golden rule and the pending account she has with her most loyal audience - WECB - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- Guest columnist David Hernndez: Climate, refugees, and the golden rule - GazetteNET - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- A golden rule that should have been followed in North - The Sun Chronicle - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- The Golden Rule Refined | | news-journal.com - Longview News-Journal - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- Film About The Golden Rule Released in Bali - EIN News - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- Heres a Golden Rule Jeff Bezos Seems to Have Forgotten: Never Let Your Ego Get in the Way of Doing Business - The Good Men Project - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- Universalists to consider the mandate of the Golden Rule - Ashland Daily Press - November 20th, 2023 [November 20th, 2023]
- 6-Year-Old Boy Dies a Month After Adult Neighbor Allegedly Beats ... - PEOPLE - November 20th, 2023 [November 20th, 2023]
- COLUMN: Celebrate Thanksgiving year-round with 'Thanks-living ... - Andalusia Star-News - November 20th, 2023 [November 20th, 2023]
- Silence is craven, not golden - The Gazette - November 20th, 2023 [November 20th, 2023]
- Sellars CEO Named to Wisconsin 'Titan 100' - Industrial Distribution - November 20th, 2023 [November 20th, 2023]
- The most valuable decluttering lessons I have learned | - Homes & Gardens - November 20th, 2023 [November 20th, 2023]
- COMMENTARY| Bethel: Too much hate | Opinion ... - Bennington Banner - November 20th, 2023 [November 20th, 2023]
- Cooking with Love Nello's Continues Impress Diners - St. Albert Gazette - November 20th, 2023 [November 20th, 2023]
- What Happened to James Garner? Inside the 'Maverick' Star's ... - Yahoo Entertainment - November 20th, 2023 [November 20th, 2023]
- Successful trial of coating that converts UV into PAR boosts sales - hortidaily.com - November 20th, 2023 [November 20th, 2023]
- Debt rules will affect the most vulnerable, EU trade union chief warns - EURACTIV - November 20th, 2023 [November 20th, 2023]
- Guest Opinion | Bill Paparian: Pasadena City Hall Believes in the ... - Pasadena Now - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Golden ratio in venation patterns of dragonfly wings | Scientific Reports - Nature.com - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- The Golden Rule Of Data Gathering And New Expectations Of Value ... - The Drum - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Glass gets away with breaking the golden rule - The Irish News - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Red Horse Recruiter Ranks First in Class - 125fw.ang.af.mil - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- These 19 Birmingham BBQ joints are the ultimate Memorial Day ... - Bham Now - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Mountain West Technologies wins Casper Area Chamber of ... - Cap City News - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- The Unseen Engine of South Florida's Booming Vacation Rental Market: Estaga - Yahoo Finance - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Simon Cowell to break important BGT rule this weekend, ITV confirms - South Wales Argus - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Starting out on the St. Croix: What High School Skiing Taught Jessie ... - fasterskier.com - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- These are the weirdest and least understood pickleball rules and ... - msnNOW - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Media Source Not Showing in OBS? Here's How to Fix It - MUO - MakeUseOf - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Youngkin avoids talk of diversity, politics at VMI graduation - Cardinal News - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Mother's Day roots: the opposition to war | READER COMMENTARY - Baltimore Sun - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Rep. Gallagher says US needs to take off 'golden blindfolds' and 'open our eyes' to China risk - Fox News - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Open Heaven 18 May 2023: The Gift of Love - ELANHUB MEDIA - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- 10 Best Quotes About Family In The Fast & Furious Franchise - CBR - Comic Book Resources - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Life in the Fast Lane - New DOE Rule Changes Push LNG Projects ... - RBN Energy - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Dont Say That Word- Days After Golden Advice From Wrexhams Ryan Reynolds, NFL Icon JJ Watt Reminds Wife of Unspoken Rule After Burnley Investment -... - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- 14 Handy Tricks To Get Better Sleep While Backpacking - The Trek - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Investors overlooking the golden rule as they flock to DIY apps - Stuff - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- 7 money 'rules' you can actually break, according to financial experts - MarketWatch - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Dorsman: MP Motorsport betting on caution ahead of inevitable ... - Formula 2 - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Boomer explains why millennials are having a hard time at work: 'It's ... - Upworthy - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- AFA.net - Basic Fairness in Women's Sports - American Family Association - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- How To Prep Air Fryer Vegetables So They Don't Escape The Basket - Tasting Table - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Pansexual Flag: Here's what the Pride Flag's colors mean and more - USA TODAY - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- What is the "Rules-Based-Order"? - CounterPunch.org - CounterPunch - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Hudson WWII vet turns 100, decides to quit the bocce ball team - Suncoast News - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Kansas City reportedly let Meta developer break diversity rules, then ... - KCUR - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- From the Right: Drawing the line between trans rights and parental ... - The Malibu Times - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- I was 40,000 in debt but got myself out of it here is the rule I swear by and how it changed my life... - The Sun - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- OBITUARY - Mary Anderson - Berthoud Weekly SurveyorBerthoud ... - BerthoudSurveyor.com - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- 8 ways to improve your written communications - Smartbrief - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Draymond Green: Draymond wont be moved by the Draymond rule - Eurohoops - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Dont Make These 4 Nursing Home Abuse Claim Mistakes in Las ... - Legal Reader - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- What Food to Pack for Family Hikes - Outside - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Lawyer Discernment Is Critical In The World Of AI - JD Supra - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- 12 blockbuster movies for summer 2023 ranked: we can't wait! - What To Watch - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Meghan broke 'golden rule' months before royal exit and has done so ever since - Express - April 20th, 2023 [April 20th, 2023]
- We Are All Connected: Loving One Another in Different Religions - Graphic - April 20th, 2023 [April 20th, 2023]
- Grammar Girl AP style tips on the Oxford comma, headlines and more - PR Daily - April 20th, 2023 [April 20th, 2023]
- How to prevent HVAC havoc this summer - KCAU 9 - April 20th, 2023 [April 20th, 2023]
- Take the right care of your yard | News | hometownnewsbrevard.com - Hometown News - April 20th, 2023 [April 20th, 2023]
- Britain's Got Talent: Simon Cowell speaks out after new judge Bruno Tonioli breaks rule on first appearance - LADbible - April 20th, 2023 [April 20th, 2023]
- After experimenting with directives, ISSF reinstates the Tokyo Olympics old-golden rule book for Paris 2024 - Free Press Journal - April 20th, 2023 [April 20th, 2023]
- Want to stay married? Gogglebox's Steph and Dom reveal golden ... - Daily Mail - April 20th, 2023 [April 20th, 2023]
- Overcoming Spiritual Violence and Embracing Peace with Rev. Dr ... - Bear World Magazine - April 20th, 2023 [April 20th, 2023]
- Good News, Part 3 of Resurrection as the Good News | Good News ... - Patheos - April 20th, 2023 [April 20th, 2023]
- What to Do After an Auto Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide - BBN Times - April 20th, 2023 [April 20th, 2023]