Reviving the Golden Rule: How the Ancient Ethic of Neighbor Love Can Heal the World

Summary

The biblical charges to "love your neighbor as yourself" and to "do to others as you would have them do to you" are at the heart of Abrahamic faith. DeCort argues that they are also at the heart of some of the most groundbreaking developments in human rights and the common good. Jesus taught neighbor-love and promised, "Do this and you will flourish."

But Christians today are at high risk of ignoring or overthrowing the most daring teaching of Jesus' movement. Having heard it repeatedly and having benefited immensely from its cultural effects, we have become dulled to neighbor-love's revolutionary power. In response, Reviving the Golden Rule explores the ethics of neighbor-love from the ancient world to modern times; examines how neighbor-love challenges the oppressive power of "othering" and expands human connection; highlights inspiring figures like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Mother Teresa, who practiced neighbor-love among marginalized communities; addresses instances where Christians have failed to uphold neighbor-love; and provides practical guidance on how to love and embrace "othered" neighbors today.

In one of the only historical and constructive works on the ethics of neighbor-love, DeCort invites us to reclaim this ancient movement. Learn to embody this revolutionary practice amidst crises for the healing of the world.