Christianity: Do Unto Others
September 14, 2026
At Common Ground, people of every faith—and no faith—gather to learn from one another and work for a more compassionate and just world. In this week’s post, we listen to one tradition’s history and wisdom while respecting the diversity found within it.
A Faith Rooted in Judaism
Christianity began in the first century within Judaism. Jesus of Nazareth was Jewish, as were his earliest followers. After his death, his followers proclaimed that God had raised him from the dead and began sharing his teachings throughout the Roman Empire. Over time, Christianity developed into many traditions, including Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, Pentecostal, and numerous independent churches. Christians do not agree about every doctrine or practice, but they share a connection to the life and teachings of Jesus.
Sacred Writings and Practices
The Christian Bible contains the Old Testament and the New Testament. The New Testament includes four accounts of Jesus’ life, letters from early Christian leaders, a history of the early church, and apocalyptic writing. Christian practices commonly include prayer, worship, scripture reading, baptism, communion, service, and seasons such as Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost.
The Golden Rule
In Matthew 7:12, Jesus teaches, “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you.” He places this teaching within a larger way of life centered on love of God and love of neighbor. When asked who counts as a neighbor, Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan—a story in which the compassionate outsider becomes the example of faithful love.
Love That Crosses Boundaries
Jesus ate with people whom religious and social leaders rejected. He touched people considered unclean, welcomed children, listened to women, cared for the poor, and challenged systems that burdened vulnerable people. Christian love is meant to become food for hungry people, welcome for strangers, companionship for the lonely, resistance to injustice, and room at the table. Christianity has not always lived up to those teachings, so following Jesus also requires confession, repair, and change.
Finding Our Common Ground
Christianity offers its best witness when love is more visible than judgment. At Common Ground, we receive Jesus’ Golden Rule as an invitation to ask whether our actions bring healing or harm. Loving others does not mean accepting abuse or erasing ourselves. Jesus’ command includes love of self: every person bears sacred worth and deserves safety, dignity, and care.
Common Ground is an open and affirming interfaith gathering where people of every faith—and no faith—explore justice, compassion, and community together. Come as you are. Everyone belongs.
