Comparing Confucianism and Christianity Essay - 1140 Words

Comparing Confucianism and Christianity The premise of Confucian teachings are centered around the idea of Jen or the  ³virtue of humanity (Ching 68). ² To accomplish this divinity, five relationships must be honored: ruler and minister, father and son, husband and wife, elder and younger brother, and friend and friend (Hopfe). These relationships led a push for a revolution of the political system to adopt the methods of Jen. Confucius sought to revive the ancient Chinese culture by redefining the importance of society and government. He described a society governed by  ³reasonable, humane, and just sensibilities, not by the passions of individuals arbitrarily empowered by hereditary status ² (Clearly). He felt that this†¦show more content†¦Several scholars believe that his Heaven was analogous to the God unto which Christians served. Christians feel that in order to also gain a Jen-like status one must have a serious relationship with the church and Jesus Christ himself. Confucius differed in that they feel that the body, mind and soul must be recognized as one to reach Jen (Smith). Through education or ritual practices one gains wealth. With wealth one achieved power. These are the essentials to living a good life (OBrià ©re). However, relationships between men is the most desirable. These aspects are the embodiment of Li. Li was love for authority and respect for others (Alexander). Christianity also looks at wealth in a slightly different manner.  ³At the heart of the Christian faith and at its source of its traditions in Scripture is the belief in a covenant (Carmen 17). ² It is the promise between God and the individual that ensures (through faith) that ones kindly actions on Earth will be divinely awarded. The five relationships of Jen are also honored in Christianity with references to  ³Honor thy father and mother, for this is the first commandment with promise (Ephesians 6:1). ² It is prevalent that Christianity and Confucius are very similar in their philosophy. Some would argue that Confucius lack of a strong theology is its failure to comply with the Christian ethics. Others would say it is thereShow MoreRelatedConfucianism : The Way Of Propriety1265 Words   |  6 PagesConfucianism stands hand in hand with Daoism, as one of the two great philosophical religions of China, but is considered one of the Three Teachings; Daoism and Buddhism are the other two. Derived from the Chinese teachings of the philosopher Confucius, Confucianism focuses more on ethical living and moral conduct; emphasizing earthly and not heavenly. Even though it is referred to as a religion, Confucianism is often considered to be an ethical system. 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