Confucianism Greyson Holcomb Ben Thiesen James Breyen Camilo

Confucianism Greyson Holcomb Ben Thiesen James Breyen Camilo Caicedo Erica Schneps

Confucianism’s God Based on the teachings of Kongzi or confucius. • Not the teachings about a certain god • Confucianism focuses on teachings • Principles of Confucianism are found in a series of books • The Book of Songs, The Book of Changes

Teachings of Confucianism • • • Confucianism is based on the way you act with other people Confucius said that family life is at the core of being a good citizen in your community The way you interact with others helps make society run smoothly Ren is a key teaching in Confucianism Confucius taught to respect family religious traditions but he himself thought that these matters were unknowable

Practices and Beliefs Confucius, founder of this religion, reciprocity should guide all actions. That means to not do stuff to others that you don’t want them to do to you. In order to accomplish this simple task, one must follow seven steps: 1) The investigation of things to know what their nature is and to understand how they Cultivation of the person. 2) Regulating the Family. 3) Governance of the State 4) are connected. 5) The completion of knowledge. 6) Sincerity of thought. 7) Rectifying the Heart.

Rituals/Holidays Because Confucianism doesn’t worship a deity, they don’t have any religious practices, but they do celebrate important aspects of a person’s life. Birth is considered to be a link in chain for existence from the past to the future. It is also believed that a pregnant woman is protected by the spirit T’ai-shen. Reaching Maturity is also celebrated. As one gets older, their responsibility will grow, their minds will expand develop, their spiritual side will arise, once they are old enough, they will do teachings on what they have learned throughout their lives, and finally they will purify themselves by getting rid of any negative stuff in their lives. Marriage is another celebration. It is mostly traditional, meaning it’s the same as what we do. Death is celebrated as well. People close to the deceased will give money to the family to help pay for the funeral. The name of the deceased will also be added to the shrine of the family hall so that may be remembered.

Rituals/Holidays Cont. There are two Major holidays. The first is Honor your Ancestor Day. It is on April Fifth and on that day people burn paper money and offer food to the dead to show their respects. This holiday is meant to teach the young about their dead relatives. The second is Teacher’s Day. It occurs on September 28 and it is meant to honor Confucius and his teachings. It’s is also meant to honor all teachers.

Role of women • • Women were at the bottom of the social hierarchy Flawless behavior and obedience was expected of the women Women were not allowed to see men other than close relatives, husbands, masters or palace eunuchs However, men could have multiple wives.

Major texts • Lunyu ("Analects") was the collection of aphorisms and anecdotes put together by Kongzi’s disciples after his death • Lunyu were not as important to Kongzi followers as Wujing ("Five Classics“) • Wujing were the first canonical writings of the Confucian tradition in the 2 nd century B. C. E. • Texts did not directly concern Kongzi and other founders until 12 th century C. E.

Missionary and Outreach • • Confucius spent time traveling China and teaching his philosophy However, his teachings didn’t catch on very much until after his death.

Origin and Diffusion • • • Started by the philosopher Confucius in approximately 500 B. C. E. Became the official state religion of China during the Hand dynasty, but gave way to other philosophies after the fall of the Han Was used in legal doctrine in a mixture with legalism

Religious Contacts • Most conflict occurred if the opposing religion threatened the power of the government • Daoism was seen as an alternative religion • At time during warring states period, Buddhism was practiced, until rulers declared against it.

Similarities and Differences • Christianity- No sins, only fulfilling ones role in life • Buddhism- No “enlightenment”, or rebirth • Daoism- Purpose is not simply just to obtain inner harmony, very oposite

Quotations • “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it. ” ~Confucius • “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. ” ~ Confucius

Works cited Works Cited "The Big Religion Chart. " The Big Religion Comparison Chart: Compare World Religions. Religion. Facts, 1 May 2013. Web. 15 Sept. 2013. Bulliet, Richard W. , Pamela K. Crossley, Daniel R. Headrick, Steven W. Hirchs, Lyman L. Johnson, and David Northrup. The Earth and It's Peoples A Global History Ap Edition. 5 th ed. Boston: Wadsworth Pub, 2010. Print. "Confucianism. " - Religion. Facts, n. d. Web. 15 Sept. 2013.

Work Cited "Confucianism: Practices Rituals and Festivals. " Confucianism: Practice Rituals and Festivals. PBworks, 2009. Web. 11 Sept. 2013. <http: //brockbaker. pbworks. com/w/page/8687830/Conf ucianism: Practices Rituals and Festivals>. Chung, Douglas K. Confucianism: A Portrait. In Beversluis, Joel (Ed. ). (1995). A Sourcebook for Earth’s Community of Religions. Grand Rapids: Co. Nexus Press.