Confucianism Religion History  

Confucianism is a Chinese system of ethics and philosophy of life that was developed by Confucius between 551-479 BCE.  Confucianism is based upon the teachings of proper human morality and right action in your daily life.  In that sense, it is a diverse network and system of thought about social, political, philosophical, social, and moral issues.  In fact, it is more a system for life than what we would consider a traditional religion, per se.  It is incredibly intertwined with the history and beliefs of East Asia, and their unique cultural heritage.   Governments of East Asian countries are built upon the beliefs of Confucianism, and the rules and tenants are still culturally and politically valued today.   

Those countries that have been more strongly influenced by Confucianism include China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, as well as Taiwan and Singapore.    Since the religion had its origins in China, wherever on the globe the Chinese people have traveled has been influenced in some way by the beliefs of Confucianism.  In that sense, we can see signs of Confucianism in most corners of the world.  It is a set of beliefs particularly geared towards cultures with large populations.  

Confucianism stresses the moral development of each individual, and what this allows is for the state to then rule over these people with moral value as opposed to coercive law.  In that way, Confucius believed that if each man lived by a strong set of moral values, then the government would not need to interfere negatively in his life.     

Confucius was the social philosopher and sage of China.  Like most great religious teachers, his ideas were not accepted during his lifetime, which means that the actual nature of his beliefs and how they have been passed down are not completely verified.  To confuse matters even more, Confucius did not leave behind any writings of his own, so we must rely upon the retellings of his beliefs, and the recollections of others.  Therefore it is his disciples and students who have in essence carried his teachings to the present.    

Some of the most prominent beliefs espoused by Confucianism include the power and art of ritual, which Confucius himself stressed as proper daily etiquette.  The belief is relationship is a central idea in Confucianism, stressing the duty that must be recognized in each person’s relationship to each other.  That includes filial piety, which is the respect that you must show to someone who is your superior, either in family or civic life.  Loyalty, humanity, and the practice of being a Perfect Man who, "combines the qualities of saint, scholar, and gentleman", are just some of the core beliefs that Confucianism follow.