The 16th century was a time of culmination. A time during which the fundamental forces of civilization that shaped the world thus far, came together and accelerated their pace. Religious, cultural, intellectual, and economic transformations took place. New civilizations arose, only to be destroyed by imperialistic invaders. Old cultures converged and conflicts arose. New and old, east and west were unified, if only fleetingly and superficially. The religious beliefs of any society during the 1500s were taken very seriously and were tremendously important. At the time, entire empires were built on the simple principle of religion. It was the central unifier, the Europeans under Christianity, the Ottoman Empire under Sunni Islam, and the …show more content…
Their philosophy was derived from their religious beliefs. Their God was not a removed entity that controlled the world but did not have a role in the life of the individual. Their God was everything and without him, there was nothing. God was salvation and eternal life. Their main reference was the Bible. It was studied extensively by Catholic theologians and, from it, created a central ethical system was developed. The Chinese on the other hand had an ethical system based on the individual. Confucianism was not a religion. It was not based on a deity and strict codes of conduct found in Catholic tradition did not exist. However, an overall sense of order was decidedly central to its philosophy. Virtue here was found introspectively, through thought and study. Another interesting facet of Confucianism was it’s veneration of ancestors, an extension of honoring one’s parents. These two ethical systems differed so much that fundamental concepts (right, wrong, sinful, virtuous) were not completely equateable. Confucianism viewed people as fundamentally good. In the Great Learning, a fundamental Confucian text, described human nature as “being universally good” and that the “original substance of the mind is correct.” This gives us important insight into how they would classify an act as immoral or sinful. If each person is fundamentally good, then any act he does would also be good. And any act that he does that goes against his “innate knowing…of right and
Confucianism teaches that each person should accept his or her role in society. According to document number five, Confucianism became the basis of order and respect in China. It was central in governing China. The teachings of Confucius were even studied for civil service exams. Essentially, Confucius believed that younger people should show respect and obey anyone who was older, so respect your
Confucianism has been a part of Chinese culture for over a thousand years. Many who have studied Confucianism would say that it is not a religion. It is better described as a philosophy or moral code. The philosophy of Confucianism comes mainly from the speeches and writings of Confucius, a great Chinese thinker and educator. He believed that Humanity, Rite, Neutrality, Virtue, Education, and Cultivation were the basis of human behavior. In addition, Confucius felt that this philosophy was the best way for people to behave and interact with others in society.
For example, the Analects of government, sage, virtue, and manners give a sense of teachings and positive philosophies to follow in order to become a good ruler and obtaining and giving respect. While the Classics and ideals of popper conduct, political peace, moral power, love and ideal humanity help to reinforce the Analects by giving an ideology of a humanism. As Confucian gives words of wisdom of establish a community who should act only when necessary, use knowledge for the benefit of all, and to live in peace in order to developed a stronger culture. Confucius gives the Chinese people a focus on the cultivation of virtue and maintenance of ethics, creating a community of righteousness and moral disposition to do good and how one should act in a community. Overall, Confucianism is a source of values, the social code of the Chinese, and a substance of
Confucianism had a positive impact on China because it increased social stability. Confucianism is a philosophy which focused on everyday problems and the relationships between people. It’s main goal was to restore peace, harmony and social order. Confucius is the creator of Confucianism believed that societies like China had lost touch traditions and morals so he made the concept “filial piety” which stressed “respect for ones parents, elders, and ancestors… bring a good name to ones parents and ancestors… he believed that if everyone respected, their family, was obedient, and worked hard to bring honor to their families name”. (Document 1).
Ever since the Han Dynasty, Confucianism has been a cornerstone in Chinese culture. Established by the scholar Confucius, this belief system focused on achieving a "…perfect society in which all people devoted themselves to fulfilling their roles… (and) all wholeheartedly did what was expected of them." (PMEA, 32) This included all individuals knowing and enacting their responsibilities in order to create a world of harmony. During the Song, Ming, and Qing Dynasties, Confucian principles, were intertwined throughout the Chinese government, culture and everyday lives of subjects. Advancements made during this timeframe allowed Confucianism to develop and grow with the Chinese population, making this belief system a mainstay in Chinese society.
Confucian philosophy is an ethical and philosophical thinking system thought to have been developed from the teachings of Kong Fuzi, known as Confucius who lived between 551–478 BC in China. [1]The essence of Confucianism is that the human mind can be cultivated through virtue and moral perfection. Confucianism has had tremendous influence on Chinese history and culture as well as other East Asian
Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism were the three political beliefs and institutions of Classical China. Confucianism was about the connection between personal virtue and a stable political life. It emphasizes having respect for other people, especially one’s social superiors. It taught people ethics and loyalty to their government. Daoism, on the other hand, was the belief in harmony and balance among people and the world around them. It embraces the idea of magic and the mystery of nature. Daoism greatly influenced science and art in China. Legalism was the harshest of these beliefs. Legalists promoted discipline and a state that ruled by force. Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism are all different but each contributed to Classical Chinese philosophy.
Confucianism in China had been a way of life, a state ideology as well as a combined philosophical, religious, and social system. Fundamentally, Confucianism focused on
Confucianism is a system of social and ethical philosophy rather than a typical religion. It teaches China about how important correct relationships are between couples such as husband and wife and father and son. This in forces how ancient china was a respectful and humble nation while the countries around it were at war. This shows that China was way ahead of its time and was a civilised nation, this all proves that ancient China was a very successful ancient society. China did not just flourish on successful religions it also created some of the world's most common and used inventions of all time, some of which are still considered modern today such as
Three of the major religious philosophies in Classical China were Daoism, Confucianism, and Legalism. Daoism was a religious philosophy that the upper class favored to strengthen their traditional Chinese beliefs, especially those relating to nature. Daoism told people to have harmony with nature by living frugally and with humility. On the other hand, Confucianism was centered around ethics. Confucianism’s main teachings were to treat others based on both of your positions in society and it did not discuss magic or mysteries, but instead made sure that everyone understood their place in society. Legalism, another system of political thought, consisted of an authoritarian state and strict rule. Legalists believed that human nature was bad and needed to be controlled. In a Legalist state, the army was in control while the people worked. Although these teaching were are very different, they were all found in Classical China.
The religion of Confucianism begins, of course, with Confucius whose Chinese name was Kong Qui and who lived from 551 B.C. to 479 B.C. Surprisingly Confucius was merely a low level government worker. He did not exactly view himself as the founder of a school of thought. Regardless, Confucianism is the most influential belief system in Chinese culture. It provides the rules which govern the social behavior of the individual. The basic teachings of Confucius are grounded in the Five Constant Virtues: humanity, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and faithfulness. Confucius went on to define five basic human relations and
Confucianism was founded by the first Chinese thinker to address both the political and social order of things straightforwardly and self- consciously. Kong Fuzi, or Confucius in English, lived from 551-479 B.C.E., but his teachings did not reach their full potential during the his life of an educator and political advisor born into an aristocratic family. Confucius gathered many disciples to spread his beliefs that were rooted in moral, ethical, and political character. He didn’t address questions about religion because he believed they were above the human moral intelligence capacity, nor those regarding obscure, complicated philosophical questions because they would not help solve the problems of China. Confucius did not really even care about the state, but he did believe
Christianity is the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Most followers of Christianity, called Christians, are members of one of three major groups--Roman Catholic, Protestant, or Eastern Orthodox. These groups have different beliefs about Jesus and His teachings. But all consider Jesus central to their religion. Most Christians believe God sent Jesus into the world as the Savior. Christianity teaches that humanity can achieve salvation through Jesus.
Confucianism was orchestrated and created by Master Kong who was later named Confucius by missionaries from Jesuit when visiting China. Nevertheless, the basic principles of Confucianism preceded his birth during the Zhan Empire. During that time, the concepts of respect and the considerations for others flourished but there was as well emphasis given to spiritual concerns- specifically, the divine’s goodness and supremacy. Such concepts focused on uniting the people, establishing stability and monitoring rebellion against existing authorities.
What religion am I? In my life, I have been told many things about my religion. My mother is a Roman Catholic, while my father is Jewish. I have learned about both religions, and I have tried to practice both as best I could, but I am now faced with the decision; which one am I?