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Background: Confucius
was born around 550 BC in
Shandong province. He traveled
around China working as
a Civil servant, excelling
in all his pursuits. People
sought his counsel and he
founded a school at the
age of 22. He taught his
pupils basic ethical principles
that would create a good
society and responsible
government. His aim was
not to become a great religious
leader, but instead to tell
stories from the past, so
that the successes could
be applied to the present.
After the death of Confucius,
two major schools of thought
emerged. One was led by
Mencius, who continued Confucius'
teachings on the innate
goodness of human nature.
The other school of thought
was led by Hsun-tzu, who
claimed men were born with
an evil nature, but could
regain goodness through
moral education. Throughout
Chinese history, many other
different variations of
Confucianism emerged and
flourished.
Sacred Book: The main literature
of Confucians is The Five
Classics (Wu Ching) and
the Four Books (Shih Shu).
These books were either
written by Confucius or
one of his disciples.
The Nature of God:
Early Chinese writings indicate
belief in a supreme or higher
god. Confucius seemed to
share this belief. Today,
most Chinese look at Confucius
as an atheist- someone who
thought there was no God.
Human Condition:
Confucius encoruaged people
to embrace their faults
and shortcomings in order
to become better. The goal
of his teachings was to
spur mankind onto moral
perfection. As a foundation
for this life of goodness,
he relied on the values
of love, goodness, humanity
and "human-heartedness."
Eternity: Confucius'
teachings did not address
the issue of eternity in
depth. He focused on this
life, attaining moral goodness
on earth.
What is Salvation?
According to modern interpretations
of Confucianism, a person
is saved through their own
moral goodness. However,
Confucianism is lived out
more as a lifestyle than
a religion with definable
beliefs about the afterlife.
How is a person saved?
Moral goodness and sincerity
are central to Confucianism.
According to Hsun-tzu, man
could erradicate his evil
nature through moral education.
Notes:
Confucianism
is in many ways, a lifestyle.
Confucius emphasized veneration
or ancestors. He believed
that people should keep
a high moral standard. Confucianism
taught that loyalty combined
with reciprocity will bring
people to act humanely.
Sincerity, seriousness,
wisdom, and faithfulness
are other virtues that Confucius
taught. He believed a life
that combines these values
will influence everyone
who is around him. Having
right relationships is central
to Confucianism.
During
the Cultural Revolution
(1966-1976), Confucianism
was supressed. However,
it has become acceptable
again in recent years as
an alternative to Western
thinking. Many Chines cultural
values seem to have roots
in the ideals of Confucius'
thinking. Some examples
include family loyalty and
valuing others above oneself.
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