World Religions

Introduction to World Religions Study Guide Hsun-tzu Hsun-tzu was another follower of Confucius; however, he believed humans were basically evil. He stated humans needed to be trained so they could be good. He felt people should follow the moral code of the universe rather than worshiping or calling on deities. He is noted as the most non- religious teacher of Confucianism. He did, however, believe in social rites, which he felt were needed in order for people to become educated and connected to society. Han Dynasty through the present The Han Dynasty embraced Confucianism and made it the official state culture. Taoism was also the official state religion. The Confucians of the time were put in charge of the education of the children and they were very highly regarded. Temples to Confucius were built and he was worshipped. The social and political system of Confucianism remained until 1912 when the new Republic of China rejected it; subsequently, it was rejected by the People’s Republic of China. Since 2000, there has been a revival of Confucianism and it is now supported by the central government. The People’s Republic of China has been setting up institutes for Confucian education all over the world. Beijing houses the headquarters of all Confucius Institutes. In 2010, 300 institutes were established. The intellectual community in China is growing and a greater number of people seek to make Confucianism an institutional religion. Confucianism traits There are no theological claims or religious texts in Confucianism. The value is social. There are no monocratic orders and little interest in the afterlife is expressed. Followers of Confucianism place more value on the here and now, and death is not feared. Confucius did not speak or write about the afterlife. • Li – Li is the living of life as it is “supposed” to be lived (with respect and courtesy for all of society) • Jen – Jen is love and goodness; the individual is supposed to perform social duties properly • Shu – Shu is the principle of reciprocity or treating others as one wants to be treated Golden Mean or Superior Man Confucianism advocates that the individual live a moderate lifestyle called the “Golden Mean”. This promotes living without extremes and avoiding excess. A man of the Golden Mean has five constant virtues: Self-respect, generousness, sincerity, earnestness and benevolence. Five Basic Relationships Confucius held that the family is sacred and deserves special loyalty. He outlined five major life relationships: • Friend to friend – Each should treat each other with respect • Elder brother to younger brother – The elder brother should act with courteousness, while the younger brother should be humble • Father to son – The father should be kind to the son and the son should respect the father • Husband to wife – The husband should be righteous and his wife should be obedient ©2017 Achieve Test Prep Page 43 of 96

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