Love God, love your neighbor.

In my religion and society class, we recently began our study of the Abrahamic traditions.

Our professor broke down the 10 commandments into two sections: Ethical and Ritual commandments. He then discussed the holiness code of Leviticus, which contains 613 laws/regulations, which can be broken down into about 200 ritual laws and 400 ethical laws.

He then pointed out that when Jesus came, he boiled down those 613 laws and the 10 commandments into two simple concepts: Love God and love your neighbor.

As we studied the four major wisdom traditions of the East (Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism and Taoism), it was only too easy to identify similarities between them and the Western traditions. But the biggest unified message each carries: Only you can take the steps to reach Heaven/Moksha/Zen/Enlightenment/Wherever.

An important message we often miss in religion, though we are quick to throw it out if someone casts judgement upon us, is the message: Judge not, lest ye be judged.

Individuals have little effect on another person's path to their respective heaven.

Advocate for rights, stand up for those without a voice. Help others. These are all concepts taught by major religions. Love thy neighbor.

Unconditional love holds a very special place in Christianity. God's love is unconditional, Jesus' love is unconditional. This love should flow from God to the individual to his or her family and friends and neighbors and acquaintances.

Don't let something that won't affect your path to your heaven break apart the unconditional love you are called to exhibit.

Watch what you are saying. Let the big man/woman/etc. upstairs do the judgement. I'm guilty of this myself. Perhaps it's time for a change.