Confucius, Philosophy of Religion. About cinfusianism and christianity

Essay by M. Douglas McKinneyHigh School, 12th gradeA+, January 1996

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The premise of Confucian teachings are centered around the idea of Jen or the "virtue of humanity (Ching 68)." To accomplish this divinity, five relationships must be honored: ruler and minister, father and son, husband and wife, elder and younger brother, and friend and friend (Hopfe). These relationships led a push for a revolution of the political system to adopt the methods of Jen. Confucius sought to revive the ancient Chinese culture by redefining the importance of society and government. He described a society governed by "reasonable, humane, and just sensibilities, not by the passions of individuals arbitrarily empowered by hereditary status" (Clearly). He felt that this could be achieved through education and the unification of cultural beliefs. He believed that a nation would be benefited by citizens that were "cultivated people whose intellects and emotions had been developed and matured by conscious people" (Clearly). He felt that those born into the feudal system were had a personal duty to excel socially by means of power.

Those who were of lesser class should also seek out education to better themselves. All purposes for betterment of man and society as one whole is known as Li. Li means "the rationalized social order" (Yutang). Confucius felt that love and respect for authority was a key to a perfect society; this strict respect was practiced through rituals and magic (Smith). The Confucius traditions have caused a tradition to set within its institution and is extremely active. It has, unfortunately, allowed the political institution to manipulate the Confucius system. As with Christianity.

Christianity also preaches a divine, brotherly love. Modern Christianity seeks to discover a "rational understanding of the person" as did Confucius (Ess ed. 381); yet, Christianity feels that faith in the Jesus Christ as a personal savior is essential to this enlightenment.