What is Confucianism?

Answer

Confucianism, a religion of optimistic humanism, has had a significant impact on the life, social structure, and political philosophy of China. The foundation of the religion dates back to one man, known as Confucius, born 500 years before Christ. Confucianism focuses primarily on moral conduct and ethical living and is often classified as an ethical system rather than a religion. It emphasizes the earthly over the heavenly. The teachings of Confucianism revolve around:

1. Ancestor worship – honoring deceased ancestors whose spirits are believed to influence the fortunes of their descendants.

2. Filial piety – showing devotion, obedience, and respect to the elders of the family by the younger members.

The key principles of Confucianism include:

1. Jen – the principle of reciprocity

2. Chun-tai – the virtuous gentleman

3. Cheng-ming – fulfilling societal roles appropriately

4. Te – the power of virtue

5. Li – standards of proper conduct

6. Wen – the cultivation of peaceful arts (such as music and poetry)

The ethical framework of Confucianism is commendable because virtue is highly valued, both at an individual and societal level. However, the ethical philosophy advocated by Confucius emphasized self-improvement, without acknowledging the presence or necessity of God. Confucius believed that individuals could enhance their lives and culture by relying on their inner virtue. In contrast, Biblical Christianity teaches the opposite perspective. It asserts that not only is man incapable of self-improvement, but he also cannot please God or attain eternal life in heaven through his own efforts.

The Bible states that man is inherently sinful from birth «The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? », (Jeremiah 17:9) and incapa

A person is incapable of performing sufficient good deeds to gain acceptance from a holy and perfectly righteous God. “For no human being will be justified in His sight by works of the law” «Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.», (Romans 3:20). Humanity is fundamentally in need of a Savior to fulfill that role. God has provided this Savior in His Son, Jesus Christ, who sacrificed Himself on the cross to atone for our sins and render us acceptable to God. He traded His flawless life for our sinful ones: “For He has made Him who knew no sin, to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” «For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.», (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Confucianism, like all false religions, relies on human works and abilities. Christianity stands alone in acknowledging that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” «for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;», (Romans 3:23). Its adherents depend entirely on Jesus Christ, whose crucifixion opened the gates of heaven to all who have faith in Him and place their trust not in themselves, but in Him alone.