RELG 402 - World's Living Religions
Confucianism
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Confucianism is founded on the teachings of Kung Fu Zi, or Confucius as his name was known in Europe. Confucius was a Chinese philosopher who lived in the sixth and fifth centuries B.C.
Confucius's sayings and dialogues, known collectively as the Analects, were written down by his followers. Confucianism grew out of a tumultuous time in Chinese history; it stresses the relationship between individuals, their families, and society, based on li (proper behavior) and jen (sympathetic attitude).
Its practical, socially oriented philosophy was challenged by the more mystical precepts of Taoism and Buddhism, which were partially incorporated to create neo-Confucianism during the Sung dynasty (AD 960-1279).
The overthrow of the Chinese monarchy and the communist revolution during the twentieth century have decreased the influence of Confucianism on modern Chinese culture.
Copyright © 1999 Shirley J. Rollinson, all Rights Reserved
