Spirituality, Religion And The Blessed Revolution

8 - Reciprocity As Our Responsibility

Suggestions for Meditation, Discussion And Action

What is the ‘Golden Rule’?
Why is the practice of the ‘Golden Rule’ the underpinning of ‘Social Capital’?
What are two or three examples of how your own practice of the Golden Rule might enrich the lives of marginalized and disadvantaged people?

Quote from Dave's new book: To Right Every Wrong

'The Golden Rule, enunciated in the Scriptures, is a classic example of generalized reciprocity that is the basis of social capital in community. We are to ‘do unto others as we would have them (sooner or later) do unto us’. (Luke 6.31) Social capital functions as a ‘favor bank’. It is both a private good, in that it benefits us, and a public good, in that it benefits others as well. We need to remember there’s pure gold in that Golden Rule. Social capital often is more important than economic capital in ensuring our welfare. As social scientist, Hugh Mackay, says ‘We are social creatures – we thrive on our personal connections with each other. We are at our best when we are fully integrated with the herd; and at our worst when we are isolated.'
'Community networks of mutual obligation improve our quality of life to a significant degree on a whole range of different levels. Community networks affect safety. Through connecting, checking, mentoring, and supervising, vandalism, graffiti, street crime, and gang violence can all be reduced. Community networks affect prosperity. Where people trust one another, there is a significant reduction in ‘transaction costs’, from security to insurance… where people are … connected to one another … they are (more) likely to get jobs, promotions, bonuses, and other benefits. Community networks affect charity: The most common reason for giving is being asked and the most common reason for not giving, not being asked. People are not likely to be asked if they are not in contact with others. Those not in clubs and churches are ten times less likely to give than others. Community networks affect democracy: The research shows lack of participation in political processes and structures causes poor, corrupt governance, not the other way round. Without participation, governance is more corrupt and less focused on community issues. Community networks affect equality, Networks of reciprocity enhance equality, while disparity undermines solidarity. Income is evenly distributed where networks are strong. Community networks affect health. Because of the encouragement of healthy norms, assistance in ill health, and advocacy for proper health-care, people who are connected to networks are less likely to have heart attacks, strokes, cancer—even colds! (And) Community networks affect happiness. The best single indicator of happiness is connectedness. Those who have little connection with family and friends are more likely to experience loneliness, low self-esteem, sadness, eating and sleeping disorders, and depression.'
Living Community 14-16.

Dave's Song: Love only Love

From: Dave Andrews And Friends Songs Of Love And Justice - Love only Love