CONFUCIANIS

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 REPORT CONTENT
● Introduction of Confucianism
● History of Confucianism
● Basic Teachings of Confucius
● Sacred Texts
● Religious Expressions
● Rituals, Worship Celebrations
and other Practices
● Image of God in Confucianism
● Challenges of Confucianism
● Conclusion focusing on Personal Impact
● References
 INTRODUCTION
Who is Confucius?
The most important philosopher in early
Chinese history. Confucius never wrote
his ideas. After his death, his students
collected his sayings in The Analects. His
ideas did spread to many parts of the
world. Confucius is credited with
establishing the content and methods of
teaching
 INTRODUCTION
Born - 551 BC Zou, Lu state
Died - 479 BC (aged 71– 72), Lu State
Nationality - Chinese
Era - Ancient philosophy
Region - Chinese philosophy
School - Founder of Confucianism
Main interests - Moral philosophy,
Social
 SOME FAMOUS QUOTES OF CONFUCIUS
"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I
understand."
— Confucius

“Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope.

Hope breeds peace.”
— Confucius

“Respect yourself and others will respect you.”

— Confucius
 History of Confucianism
● Confucianism is both an ancient
religion and a philosophy in China.
● It is the country’s most influential
religion.
● It originated as a philosophical system
founded on the teachings of Confucius
which have been followed for 2,500
years and have greatly influenced the
moral, social, cultural, and political
aspects of Chinese life.
 History of Confucianism
● Confucianism has spread throughout East
Asia, particularly in Korea, Japan, and
Vietnam. The followers of this religion are
called Confucianists.
● Confucian philosophy grew out of the life
and experiences of Confucius who lived
during the Zhou dynasty (1046 to BCE).
The period was known as a time of
political unrest, and much of Confucian
philosophy was developed as an attempt to
revive political and social stability in
 History of Confucianism
● Confucius’ philosophy and teachings
prescribe ethics for human relationships
concerning the conduct of life in society.
● He was one of the first philosophers to
think about ethics in relation to political
orders. Its humanistic core revolves
around social and moral issues related to
relationship in the family, and in ruling
the government and society.
 History of Confucianism
● This humanism is manifested in the goal
of Confucianism: the well-being of the
human person in his or her relationship
to the society. Additionally, Confucian
philosophy emphasizes the importance
of one’s inner moral harmony and its
direct connection with harmony in the
physical world.
 History of Confucianism
● Confucius died around 479 BCE after a lifetime
devoted to public service and teaching. After his
death, the Zhou dynasty entered a period of
political turmoil of the “Warring States Period.” It
was believed that it was during this time that the
disciples of Confucius began to write down and
compile his teachings into the Analects. This
collection, together with other Chinese Classic
texts such as, Five Classics, from the central text
of Confucianism.
 History of Confucianism
● Over the succeeding dynasties, the
teachings of Confucius underwent
periods of suppression and revival.
When the Qin dynasty (221-206 BCE)
came to power at the end of the Warring
States Period, its rulers suppressed
Confucian teachings.
 History of Confucianism
● The succeeding Han dynasty (206 BCE-220
BCE) adopted the ideas of Confucianism in
Governance. The end of the Han dynasty resulted
in the declined of Confucianism. It was revived
during the Tang dynasty (618-907 CE) as Neo-
Confucianism with influences from Buddhism
and Taoism.
● Over the centuries, Confucianism was
introduced in other places in Asia such as Korea
during the Yi dynasty and in Japan during the
Tokugawa Period. Confucianism once again
experiences repression the 1960’s during the
Cultural Revolution led by Mao Tse Tung of
the Chinese Communist Party. Mao sought to
 History of Confucianism
● He ordered the destruction of Confucian
temples and writings. When Deng
Xiaoping became the leader of China in
1976, he lifted the ban on Confucianism
and allowed Chinese scholars to study
Chinese Philosophy. This period was the
start of gradual revival of Confucianism
in China.
 Basic Teachings of Confucius
 Confucian Doctrines and Beliefs
• Supreme Being
In Chinese mythology, Tian is a key concept that refers to heaven. During the Shang
Dynasty, the supreme heavenly deity was referred to as Shandi. However, the name was
replaced during the Zhou Dynasty when Tian became synonymous to this supreme figure.
Tian is believed to be the supreme ruler and creator of the universe. Confucius regarded
Tian as his personal God, a higher power, an order, and a law. In Confucian writings, Tian
is often referred to as “Heaven,” “the Lord-on-high,” or “the only Great One.”
• Mandate of Heaven
The Mandate of Heaven, or Decree of Heaven, was an ancient Chinese belief that
Heaven bestowed upon emperors a “mandate”, or the power to rule, based on their
capabilities and sense of judgement. Heaven bestowed the power upon those who were
virtuous and morally upright.
 Basic Teachings of Confucius
• Human Nature as Inherently Good
Mencius proposed the view that humans are inherently good. This inherent goodness
of humanity enables them to learn and practice morality and self-discipline, and be
naturally sympathetic and conscientious. Man, however, can choose to neglect his good
nature. When an individual chooses to commit evil acts, he violates his human nature. The
actions of man, however, do not negate or remove his good nature. In addition, man can
continually cultivate goodness by practicing morality.
• Human Nature as Originally “Evil”
Hsun-tse or Xunzi (298-238 BCE) was a Confucian philosopher who disagreed with
the view that humans are inherently good. He believed humans are born “morally blind”
and without goodness. Humans, however, are able to learn to become good through rituals
and social norms.
 Basic Teachings of Confucius
• Rectification of Names
This doctrine refers to the process of calling things by their proper
names. Confucius considered this as the foundation of establishing
order and harmony in reality. This concept was further expanded to
address social relationships, leadership, and governance, and the use of
standards in determining both knowledge and morality. For Confucius,
the ideal man should be able to discern that is right or proper from
what is right or proper from what is not, and act accordingly. Rulers,
for instance, should act in accordance to their positions and titles and
should set an example for their followers.
 Sacred Text of Confucianism
The Four Books and the Five Classics are the canonical Confucian books written
during the ancient feudal period in China. Collectively, these books form the
foundations of Confucian teachings. The subject in these texts include history,
philosophy, socio-political issues, moral ethics, education, culture, and other
related fields.
The Four Books:
1. Analects of Confucius
2. Great Learning
3. Doctrine of the Mean
4. The Work of Mencius
 Sacred Text of Confucianism
1. Analects of Confucius – The Lunyu or Analects is a collection of passages
and sayings traditionally attributed to Confucius and compiled by his
followers. It is considered as the most revered sacred scripture in the
Confucian tradition and is generally acknowledged as the most reliable source
of Confucian ideas and teachings. The Analects consists of twenty books
which cover the practice of moral virtues particularly on “humaneness” or
ren.
 Sacred Text of Confucianism
2. Great Learning – This is considered an
introduction of Confucianism. It was
originally a chapter in the Classic of Rituals
which is a collection of texts that describe
the social norms, administration, and
ceremonial rites of the Zhou dynasty. This
Books consists of a short main text
attributed to Confucius and nine
commentary chapters by Zeng Zi, one of
his disciples.
 Sacred Text of Confucianism
3. Doctrine of the Mean - The Zhongyong or the
Doctrine of the Mean is another chapter published
in the Classic Rituals, and attributed to Confucius’
grandson, Zisi. It is composed of 33 chapters and
discusses related moral tenets of Confucianism that
encompass both the ruler and follower. Some of
these tenets are the perfection of one’s self by
following the “way,” the Five Relationships, and the
Golden Rule, among others. Collectively, these
principles discuss the core of Confucianism through
policies that inculcative virtue in people through
tradition and the ren of the superior person or “ideal
man.”
 Sacred Text of Confucianism
4. The Work of Mencius – This book is
attributed to Mencius, a Chinese
philosopher and disciple of Zisi. It is a
record of his travels and audience with the
various rulers of the warring states and
military men. The book discusses subjects
related to moral and political philosophy. It
is composed of seven chapters which are
each separated into two sections with
alternation short sayings and extensive
dialogue on specific philosophical
arguments.
 The Five Classics:
The five Confucian classics are classified as primary canonical
texts which are believed to have either been written or edited by
Confucius.
1. The Books of Changes
– Referred to as I Ching in Chinese, this pre-Confucian book of
oracles and divination is the oldest of the Five Classics. It contains
commentaries and interpretations collected over 2,500 years.
While it is a core texts of Confucianism, its contents have been
widely applied in various fields over the years such as religion,
literature, art, commerce, and psychoanalysis.
 The Five Classics:
2. The Book of History
– This is the compilation of documents on events concerning the
great Kings of China. It contains records of king’s speeches, their
accomplishments, and the principles of governance dating from the
later Han Dynasty (23-220CE)

3. The Book of Poetry or The Book of Songs

– This is a collection of 305 poems and songs on various subjects
such as love and courtship, affairs in daily life, and war. It is the earliest
known collection of Chinese poems. Historians date this book back to
the early Zhou Dynasty (1046-256BCE)
 The Five Classics:
4. The Book of Rites or The Book of Rituals
– It consists of three books on the li (rites of propriety) which
include ceremonies and social norms with accompanying commentaries
on them. This is the earliest and most complete record of social norms
and ceremonies in Ancient China.

5. Spring and Autumn Annals

– It is the historical record of the state of Lu, Confucius’ native
state, from 722BCE to 481 BCE. This was compiled by Confucius who
condemned the unlawful practice of seizure of power and rights.
 Religious Expression
1. Symbol of Confucius
This is considered as the main
symbol of Confucianism as it
represents Confucius, who is the
central figure of the religion.
2. Symbol of Water
Water, which is one of
the five elements in Chinese
philosophy, represents a
significant life source.
 Religious Expression
3. Symbol of Scholar
This symbolizes knowledge and
self-awareness which are important
aspects of Confucian teachings.
According to Confucius, learning is
endless and one can never have too
much knowledge.
4. Symbol of Yin and Yang
The figure of Yin and Yang
represents a whole divided into
two halves. It symbolizes
opposites, interaction and balance.
 Rituals, Worship Celebrations and other Practices of
Confucianism
1. Junzi
Confucianism teaches that the gentleman-scholar is the highest calling.
Confucius believed that the gentleman, or junzi, is a role model and the highest
calling for a person. The gentleman holds fast to high principles regardless of life’s
hardships. The gentleman does not remove himself from the world but fulfills his
capacity for goodness.
2. Filial piety or filial devotion

This refers to respect for and dedication to one’s parents, ancestors, and older
siblings. Filial piety is not based on authoritative relationship between the parents and the
child but is rather founded on mutual gratitude and respect. Confucius considers filial
piety as the paramount example of harmonious social order.
 Rituals, Worship Celebrations and other Practices of
Confucianism
3. Ancestor Worship

For Confucianists is a way of showing filial piety through

continuous devotion and reverence to the spirits of departed
ancestors. The family members honor and worship their
ancestors through rituals in which they offer prayers, burn
incense, and give food offerings. This practice is believed to
be a way of communicating with one’s ancestors. Family
members also pray to their ancestors to seek guidance.
 Rituals, Worship Celebrations and other Practices of
Confucianism
4. Belief in an afterlife

Confucianism adheres to a belief in life after death. This

is the reason why Confucius put such emphasis on living a
moral and upright life. The kind of life one will have after
death will depend on how one lived his or her life on earth.
After death, one is considered as an ancestor to be worshipped.
Confucianism emphasized that relationships among family
members continue beyond death, and this belief is also
exemplified by how the Chinese prays to honors their departed
 Rituals, Worship Celebrations and other Practices of
Confucianism
Holy Days and Celebrations

● Confucianists do not celebrate specific religious days.

● Most festivals they celebrate are either shared with other religions such as Taoism,
Buddhism, and Shintoism, in one form or another, or are essentially traditional Chinese
celebrations.

● Confucianists and the Chinese community in general, commemorate the birthday of

Confucius. They celebrated during the 27th day of the eighth lunar month of the
Chinese calendar. However, it is celebrated on different dates and given different names in
various Chinese countries.

● Taiwan celebrates it on September 28 as “Teacher’s Day,” while Hongkong celebrates

 Image of God in Confucianism
• There is no God in Confucianism, but rather a force
called the Tao, also known as the Great Ultimate.
• Confucius believed that the Tao was the impetus for
creation and that this force flows through all life, enabling
change and betterment.
• Though Confucianism does not have a being-based god,
Confucius spoke of the notion of heaven as another
positive force. Unlike the concept of heaven found in
theistic religions, Confucius believed heaven was a
guiding force of the universe and judge of right and
 Image of God in Confucianism
• Confucianism impacted Ancient Chinese in numerous ways
and for a very large part of Ancient Chinese history.
Confucianism brought a stability into a country which had
been effected in many ways from previous changeovers in
dynasty's. Ancient China also shows it was valued due to it
being kept in practice till the end of the Ancient Chinese era
and beyond.
• Confucianism did create a society which had a stable
structure and was very stable for the majority of the time it
was used as an example of a perfect society. Even though it
 Challenges of Confucianism
● Two of these challenges have been widely acknowledged, namely those
of science and democracy. The problem of democracy is still being
dealt with.
● The third major challenge for Confucianism comes from
environmentalism. Confucianism has taken note of its important
message and has begun to respond to that challenge.
● The fourth major challenge is the feminist challenge. Even though
contemporary, Confucianism accepts sexual or gender equality,
philosophically significant progress is yet to be made.
● The final challenge, periods in history. Confucianism must now find
new ways to continue into the future.
 Moral issues in Confucianism
Confucianism and Gender Inequality Confucianism and
Authoritarianism
Confucianism has been criticized for
its resulting hierarchical social structure Authoritarianism is a
and gender inequality. Women are dictatorial form of government
considered subservient to men, and play
where the governing authority
subordinate roles to them. They cannot
exercises total control over its
make major decisions in the family nor
citizens. This often leads to the
can they hold major official positions.
curbing of certain rights and
These discriminatory practices led to the
freedom of the people.
emergence of social reformers in China
and other countries who criticized
Confucianism for its unjust treatment of
How is kindness, compassion and commitment seen in
Confucianism?
Confucius pointed out that kindness is
both a political ideology and a moral
standard. Kindness stresses caring for
others and promotes the idea of loyalty
and forgiveness. Such an ideology has a
profound impact on the Chinese
traditional virtues of honesty,
forbearance and kindness. It still has
deep meaning in today's society.
The Five constants of Confucianism that widely acknowledged as the
most important virtues in Chinese culture.
1. Ren - which means “humanness”, is the core virtue in
Confucian ethics.
2. Li - which means “ritual”, is the other central concept in
Confucian ethics.
3. Yi - translated as “righteousness”, is the moral disposition to do
good and the fortitude to do one’s duty.
4. Zhi - which means “wisdom”, is the virtue that uses one’s innate
knowledge in distinguishing what is right and wrong.
5. Xin - which means “honesty”, is the virtue of fidelity of truth. A
person’s deeds should conform to his words and his mind.
 Conclusion focusing on Personal Impact
A. How is this religion revealing God’s goodness? What are the similarities
with Christianity?
Confucianism, doesn’t have a specific God to be
called but it teaches you how to live life in
accordance with the Mandate of Heaven. Both
religions are rooted in the idea of following the will
of a supreme being. Confucius believed the virtues he
espoused are lived out in relationships. Same for
Christianity, our relationship with God is reflected in
our relationships with one another. Another
similarities is about love. We are told to love God
more than anything else, love your neighbor as
yourself. so love can apply to anyone in any occasion
in people’s life. While Confucianism, one of the main
themes in Confucian teachings is called ren, which is
translated as love, goodness, or human-heartedness.
- Rizza
Christianity and Confucianism are
concerned with having people transcend
into eternal life. Both Religions believe in
Life After Death. It is true that
Christianity and Confucianism share a lot
in common in their doctrines. Their
similarity is also about love. the essential
teaching of Christianity is “Love all
people as yourself”. We are told to love
God more than anything else; love your
neighbor as yourself.
– Honeylette
 Conclusion focusing on Personal Impact
A. How is this religion revealing God’s goodness? What are the similarities
with Christianity?
The Confucianism revealing God goodness through
attach importance to noble morals by maintaining
good relations between humans in the sky and humans
on earth. Adherents are taught to remember their
ancestors as if their spirits were present in this world.
This teaching is a philosophical and ethical structure
that teaches how humans behave. God is unpredictable
and in determinate, God seems far away. Their
Similarities is also about love. Chinese Confucianism
and Roman Christianity are similar in both set key
principles adopted by governments and both were
created by leaders who taught by lesson yet different
in that Confucianism was promoted by the government
whereas political leaders in Rome strongly opposed
Christianity.
– Sr. Adelgonda
To me the Confucianism revealed God’s goodness through
teaches about how human relationships are called "Ren
Dao" and how we relate to the Creator / Creator of the
universe. They value politeness and decency, praiseworthy
habits as well as good deeds of respect for parents, and the
country. This religion also full of faith in the One True
God. Their similarities are both religions have the same
place of worship for religious purposes, or the sacred place
where religious ceremonies take place which they called
Altar. Second is, Respect for people who have died or
generations of people who have died, including ancestors,
is based on love and respect for those who have passed
away. Some groups honor their own relative ancestors;
some religious or belief communities, especially the
Catholic Church, honor saints as intermediaries with God,
as well as pray for the souls of the dead who are in
Purgatory. – Sr. Gaudensiana
 Conclusion focusing on Personal Impact
A. How is this religion revealing God’s goodness? What are the similarities
with Christianity?
Confucianism stresses harmony of relationships that are hierarchical yet provide
benefits to both superior and inferior. Confucius addressed topics such as heaven,
spirits and reverence of ancestors and was very much interested in rituals as a
means of maintaining and restoring order in both the tangible world and the
cosmos. Their similarities are well-acknowledged that both Christianity and
Confucianism are great. Their teachings have helped to form the value systems of
Western and Eastern cultures, which have guided millions of people in spirit,
behavior, mind and relationships. Go through their doctrines, we can find
something in common. Their similarities is also about love. In addition, we can
find lots of similarities in their teachings about humanity: not to murder, not to
steal, not to lie, not to abuse sexuality.
- Maricel
 Conclusion focusing on Personal Impact
B. What are the differences?
The difference is about their beliefs. Christians
believe in one God, while Confucians have no
Christianity has Bible and
specific beings as their gods. The human nature, for Confucian has Four Books and
Christians, the sin nature is in every one of us. with
a sin nature through our ancestors to Adam and Eve
Five Classics.
Human beings are all born. On the contrary, Confucianism is a Philosophy and
Confucians believe that man is naturally good. We
are born with righteousness, propriety, and
Christianity is a Religion.
wisdom. Lastly about life, Christians view is that Jesus Christ is claimed to be diety
we live only once in this physical world, and then
follows the judgment of God. However, in
and Confucius did not claim to be
Confucius’s teachings, there is no such a statement God.
about the eternity of life. Instead, he emphasizes on
this world, on the presence.
– Honeylette
– Rizza
 Conclusion focusing on Personal Impact
B. What are the differences?
Jesus and Confucius- Jesus Christ is the Savior of humankind according to Christian belief.
We human beings cannot save ourselves, because all of our attempts to do so are caught up in
the sinfulness from which we need to be saved. Confucians, in contrast, do not see Confucius
as a savior figure at all.
Religious Practice- Christians, including Catholic Christians, hold a variety of beliefs about
the truth of religions other than their own. Confucians, however, assume that their religious
practice will be informed by the variety of religious traditions found in East Asia, including
folk religions, Taoism, Shinto, and Buddhism.
The Bible and the Books of Confucius - Most Christians believe the Bible is a part of God’s
Revelation and refer to it as the Word of God. It has been, and continues to be, transmitted
through the Christian Church. Confucians also have books at the core of their tradition,
including the Analects, the Book of Mencius, and the Great Learning. These books, and
others similar to them, are regarded as having been written or assembled by wise human
beings, or sages, rather than being divinely inspired. – S. Adelgonda
 Conclusion focusing on Personal Impact
B. What are the differences?
Differences in customs / religious event
are. Confucianism is philosophy,
Christianity is religion. Christianity
deals with the spiritual aspect of human
nature while Confucianism deals with
the mundane aspect of human nature.
– S. Gaudensiana
Difference is the Christian belief and Confucians
have no specific beings as their gods. Confucius has
never talked about gods, or afterlife. Next is their
ideas about human nature. To Christian, the sin
nature is in every one of us. Human beings are born
with a sin nature that can be traced through our
ancestors like Adam and Eve. The Christian view is
that we live only once in this physical world, and
then follows the judgment of God. After death,
humans either enter into a close and eternal
communion with God, or into a state of total
isolation from him, which is called hell. However,
in Confucius’s teachings, there is no such a
statement about the eternity of life. Instead, he
emphasizes on this world, on the presence. –
 Conclusion focusing on Personal Impact
C. How does learning about this religion help you appreciate your
faith as a Christian?
Learning about Confucianism is a great way to not only understand why others believe
what they believe, but also to understand why we believe what we believe. As a Christian, I
find that insights from this religion tend to help me be less complacent, enable me to apply
some new understanding to my own faith, and ultimately enhance my Christian faith.
– Rizza
Learning about Confucianism is a way for me to understand the beliefs of other
Religions. As a Christian, this helps me know the things I do or not to do if ever I have
friend that has this belief and show that we Christians respect their beliefs.
– Honeylette
This help to understand that, as long as we can understand our differences and respect
their beliefs, we can make friends with and show our love for anyone in the world as our
Lord taught us. What we need is peace which build up our lives toward one another.
– S. Adelgonda
 Conclusion focusing on Personal Impact
C. How does learning about this religion help you appreciate your
faith as a Christian?
  As a Christian I really admire their daily lives. They respect older people and other
religions as well as they pray for the souls of the dead who are in purgatory.  This religion
too rests upon the belief that human beings are fundamentally good, and teachable,
improvable, and perfectible through personal and communal endeavor, especially self-
cultivation and self-creation. Confucian thought focuses on the cultivation of virtue in a
morally organized world. Eg. The golden rule is the same as Jesus’ call to love our enemies.
As an Ignacian Marian, loving my enemies or those who are difficult to love would make it
possible for me to promote peace.
                                                                                                     - S. Gaudensiana
  The system of ethics, education, and statesmanship taught by Confucius and his disciples,
stressing love for humanity, ancestor worship, reverence for parents, and harmony in
thought and conduct. This practices or values help me to appreciate more and
strengthen my faith as a Christian. – Maricel
 Answer the following questions:
1. Based on the report, who was Confucius and what was
his role in the Chinese society?
2. Confucianism became the state philosophy in what
country?
3. What was the philosophy of Confucius based on and
why?
4. What caused Confucius to teach about peace and
respect?
5. What qualities of Confucius do you think might have
him a good teacher? Do you think he would still be a good
 Answers:
1. Confucius (or Kongzi) was a Chinese philosopher who lived in the
6th century BCE and whose thoughts, expressed in the philosophy of
Confucianism, have influenced Chinese culture right up to the
present day.
2. China
3. Confucius' social philosophy was based primarily on the principle
of "ren" or "loving others" while exercising self-discipline. He
believed that ren could be put into action using the Golden Rule,
"What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others.“
4. The leaders of the Chinese taxed and enforced harsh and unjust
laws, which caused many wars
 Answers:
4. The leaders of the Chinese taxed and enforced harsh and unjust
laws, which caused many war. unjust laws, which caused many wars.
5. Confucius emphasized the values of virtue and tradition, propriety
and humility. He would be still be a good teacher if he were alive
today, If you go back and read The Analects and some of the early
writings, you realize the way we see Confucius today is really not the
Confucius who lived 2,500 years ago. A lot of his ideas are universal
and timeless. He believed that people should do the right thing
because it was the right thing to do. And that trying to do the right
thing would have a ripple effect through society.
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h1qqKHjIC-MN-pL4HM42IUhAA
● https://courses.lumenlearning.com/atd-fscj-worldreligions/chapter/confucianism/
● https://classroom.synonym.com/who-is-the-god-of-confucianism-12085777.html
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● Book : Introduction to World Religions
● https://www.slideshare.net/viharirajaguru/confucius-67513990
 THANK YOU
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