Quotes for Various Teachings
Because of this, we decreed for the Children of Israel that anyone who murders any person who had not committed murder or horrendous crimes, it shall be as if he murdered all the people. And anyone who spares a life shall be as if he spared the lives of all the people. Our messengers went to them with clear proofs and revelations, but most of them, after all this, are still transgressing.
Islam, Quran 5:27-32.
Only one single man [Adam] was created in the world, to teach that, if any man has caused a single soul to perish, Scripture imputes it to him as though he had caused the whole world to perish, and if any man saves alive a single soul, Scripture imputes it to him as though he had saved the whole world.
Judaism. Mishnah, Sanhedrin 4.5.
All tremble at the rod. All fear death. Comparing oneself with others, one should neither strike nor cause to strike.
All tremble at the rod. Life is dear to all.
Whoever, seeking his own happiness, harms with the rod other pleasure-loving beings, experiences no happiness hereafter.
Buddhism. Dhammapada 129-32.
Then they came up and laid hands upon Jesus and seized him. And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest, and cut off his ear. Then Jesus told him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.”
Christianity. Matthew 26.51 52.
He who commits murder must be considered as the worst offender, more wicked than a defamer, than a thief, and than he who injures with a staff.
Hinduism: Law of Manu 8:345.
Comparison of Quotes
Similarities
The quotations from the various religions represented above, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Hinduism, all stress the importance of respecting human life. Each quotation emphasizes the importance of showing respect for others and refraining from causing harm to them. They all specifically state that taking another person’s life is a severe violation with significant repercussions. The quotations from many world religions emphasize the sanctity of human life and the avoidance of damage to others while also demonstrating distinctive viewpoints and teachings that define their beliefs and practices.
The quotations from Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam illustrate how these religions value human life and emphasize the importance of treating people with respect. The Quran emphasizes the worth of every life and the necessity of adhering to divine instruction by stating that taking the life of an innocent person is similar to taking the lives of all people. Judaism’s Mishnah, which emphasizes the interdependence of people and the seriousness of taking a life, declares that the killing of a single soul is comparable to the ruin of the entire cosmos. On the other hand, Buddhism strongly emphasizes nonviolence and avoiding harming others, as seen by Dhammapada’s call to stop doing so. The quotation emphasizes that individuals who damage others will ultimately experience grief, while those who do not harm others will experience happiness in the hereafter.
Differences
Nevertheless, each religion has its own teachings and viewpoints, despite the unifying goal of nonviolence. Judaism emphasizes societal norms and rules, whereas Islam stresses heavenly revelations and the importance of following the prophets’ advice (Bellini and Feltwell). Buddhism strongly emphasizes the benefits that nonviolence and respect for others bring to oneself. These distinctions highlight the diversity of religious practices and beliefs, as well as their shared goal of promoting peace and nonviolence.
Jesus is attributed as stating that those who live by the sword would also perish by the sword. This quotation highlights the cyclical nature of violence and its harmful effects. Jesus’ speech emphasizes the value of nonviolence by implying that people who use violence would ultimately suffer as a result (Bellini and Feltwell). Similar to how the Law of Manu in Hinduism emphasizes the gravity of taking a life and declares that murderers are the most significant violators. The interdependence of all life and the significance of showing respect and kindness to others are both highlighted in this remark.
While these quotations emphasize the value of human life and the need to treat others with respect, they also differ in their specific teachings and perspectives. For instance, the Hindu quotation highlights the role of societal norms and rules in shaping behavior. In contrast, the Islamic phrase emphasizes the value of prophets and revelations in directing people toward appropriate behavior.
The Christian statement underscores the repeating cycle of violence and its detrimental consequences. In contrast, Buddhist teachings stress the importance of avoiding harm to others in the pursuit of personal satisfaction. Contrarily, the Jewish quotation highlights the interconnectivity of people and the seriousness of taking a life.
Variations suggest that while these religions share similar principles, they also possess distinctive viewpoints and teachings that shape their practices and beliefs. By analyzing these quotes and their similarities and variations, we may learn more about how many religions perceive the worth of human life and the significance of preventing damage to others. This comparative examination of religious quotations underlines the significance of appreciating and respecting the various viewpoints and ideas held by many religions while recognizing their similar principles and shared objectives of fostering nonviolence and peace.
Work Cited
Bellini, Francesco, and Dennis Feltwell. RE-LIGIO, Introduction to World Religions. 2017. Academx Publishing Services.