CONFUCIANISM
World
Population:
Two Million- Six Million estimated people (most confucianists refer to themselves as part
of other religious groups as well)
Origins:
China, pre Han Dynasty (Confucious was the prime minister of China, therefore
implementing his ideals in the government)
Founder
[if any]:
Sacred
Texts:
K’ung Fu Tzu (Confucious)
His followers organized his teachings into nine books: The Four Books, and The Five
Classics. I Ching has rules for practicing, poetry, and documents. The most famous of the
four books is Analects of Confucious, which Mencius, a loyal follower wrote
Major Beliefs:
-One of the key components of Confucianism is that everyone treats each other with
respect, as well as peace and order.
-Li: superior person (father, older brother, elder, etc.) were to be considerate and
benevolent towards those beneath them, while the interior people were to be respectful and
loyal.
-Jen: goodness and human-heartedness, people were to practice good deeds in their lives
-Practicing Li and Jen would endure that the government run smoothly.
-I Ching was a divination taught by ancient China, and depending on your situation,
special sticks and coins were tossed, revealing the answer to your problem.
-The Five Virtues: honest, trustworthy, hardworking, generous, loving
-Confucious believed that everyone had a role in society, and as long as everyone accepts
the roles, society should run peacefully and in harmony.
Everyday
Practices:
-Everyday practices that Confucians follow are Li and Jen.
-There is no organized religious day because it is not really considered a religion.
-Confucianism has no specific sumybols as other religions have, however occasionally you
might see a stature of Confucious.
-Confucianism focuses on the family and “training” to become better people.
Place &
Language of
Worship:
Spiritual
Leader:
Religious
Divisions:
-There are many temples in honor of Confucious, although he is not worshipped as a God.
-These temples are used for festivals and meetings, and Confucious is like an ancestor.
-There is no form of worship, Li and Jen could be practiced in daily life.
There is no specific belief in a supreme being, or God. Many Confucians believe in other
religions as well such as Buddiasm, and Taoism which are both Chinese.
There are no specific religious divisions because Confucianism is often considered a
philosophy rather than a religion.