Global Ethics

The Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAF) in cooperation with Malaysia’s Education Ministry and the Global Ethic Foundation of Germany (GEF) met in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 6 .2005 for a special forum entitled “Teaching Common Values”.

Prof Dr Hans Kung, the president of GEF explains that Global Ethic is not a new religion or school of thought but is a common principle as old as mankind. The Global Ethic refers to as set of common moral values and ethical standards which are shared by the different faiths and cultures with a common set of values that also have secular appeal.

They are:

• Having respect for all life (or You shall not kill)
• Dealing with others honestly and fairly (or You shall not steal)
• Speaking and acting truthfully (or You shall not lie)
• Respecting and loving one another (or You shall not commit sexual immorality)

Underlying the Global Ethic is the Golden Rule which asks a person to treat others as he or she would like to be treated. (Do unto others what you would want others to do unto you) This Golden Rule is one of the oldest rules of human society. It is the basis of all other rules even though it is sometimes forgotten. Indigenous communities too had ethical standards even before they were discovered.

Prof Kung pointed out that the Global Ethic is not just theory. In practical terms, it is necessary in politics, business, science, education and culture. The importance of speaking and acting truthfully is especially glaring in the present day society. With globalization, there is a greater need for Global Ethic, especially when religions become more insular within political contexts which are hostile such as in the Middle East and Kashmir.

Taking a closer look at the value systems of the world, all values and laws are derivative of the 10 Commandments that God has given to Moses and the world. Before the commandments, there was no law in the world and all man did as he thinks right.

This is possible because of the conscience that God has given to each man for guiding him in his dealing with himself and with others. However, having said that, we must also realize that our conscience may be hardened by our lifestyle and therefore the values and standards of our conscience ruling our thoughts and intentions differ.

Some have developed hardened consciences and callous hearts which would not make them blink an eye for the atrocities and evil that they do sometimes even in the name of religion as we have seen in the acts of those perpetuating terrorism in the world.

These perpetuators have become the law to themselves as we see the brutal killings in some countries where crime has been committed in the name of holy wars. Innocent women and children have been killed mercilessly all in the name of god.

But God had never perpetuated killing, in fact his commandments included ‘Thou shall not kill.’ Whether it’s killing, stealing, or any other crime, these have been condemned by God when he instituted the 10 commandments for all mankind. How then can any man justify that their evil deeds are in obedience and glorification of God?

World religious leaders and world political leaders must take a re-look at the value systems of whatever they are propagating and expanding.

With their zealous leadership in advancing their glorious plans, are they conforming to the true teachings of their religions and cultural ethics?

The world has now become a borderless global village. It is now possible to traverse the globe within hours and such propagators of their own values can import it from one country to another with such ease.

For the world to continue to exist in harmony and peace, the world societies and culture must make a return to the original laws and ethics declared by God. These are the very foundational values of society from the very beginning of mankind. Such values cannot be discarded as a cost for present day development.