When it comes to Chinese religions, people tend to think of Taoism and Buddhism. What about Confucianism? Is it derived from the Confucian school of thought? Is it a religion?
Religion is a cultural phenomenon that has emerged as a result of the development of human society at a certain historical stage. It is a component of the particular ideology of society. It usually involves the belief in and worship of supernatural phenomena such as gods and spirits and regulates the beliefs and behaviors of followers via doctrines.
Confucianism is not a religion as it is regarded as a philosophy or moral system.
The core concepts of Confucianism include Ren (仁), Yi (义), Li (礼), Zhi (智), and Xin (信), which focus on individuals’ behaviors and responsibilities in society. One of its aims is to achieve social harmony and stability through the cultivation of human virtues.
6 Reasons for Confucianism Not Being a Religion
Confucianism, as a school of philosophy or ethical system, overlaps with religion in some ways. A small number of people consider Confucianism to be a religion because Confucianism is dominant in the traditional culture and possesses some religious characteristics under the influence of scholarly and imperial powers.
However, its characteristics and focus clearly distinguish it from traditional religions.
Here are six reasons why it is different from religion that should not be overlooked.
1. Confucianism not believing in ghosts and gods
Most Confucians do not believe in ghosts and gods.
Emperor Yao (尧), Emperor Shun (舜), Emperor Yu (禹), King Tang of the Shang Dynasty (商汤王), King Wen of Zhou (周文王), and King Wu of Zhou (周武王) advocated by Confucianism are all human beings. They are revered for their human behaviors, not for supernatural divine power.
Moreover, as the founder of Confucianism, Confucius opposed the exploration of “strange fairy tales”.
By contrast, most religions emphasize the worship of and belief in spirits and gods.
For example, in Buddhism, there are many deities, such as Buddha and Bodhisattvas; in Christianity, there are deities like God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit; and in Islam, there is Allah.
2. Confucianism with no fixed place for activities
Confucianism emphasizes practices in everyday life as it favors the development of moral character through daily learning rather than a particular place or occasion.
But religions usually have fixed places for their activities, such as churches or temples.
In Islam, for example, the mosque is a regular place for worship, prayer, and religious education.
3. Confucianism with no church organization
Confucianism does not have religious institutions like church organizations, nor does it have special clergy or priests to perform rituals and instruct followers.
Confucian scholars are usually seen as mentors in modern times. Their role is more of an educator than a religious leader.
Their mission is to spread the core values of Confucianism and guide people to practice these values for social harmony.
Religion, on the other hand, has a well-organized hierarchy and corresponding canons.
People in different positions of religion exercise different powers, which are systematized and regulated.
The Christian church, for example, is an organizational structure in which the pastor and clergy are responsible for leading worship activities and teaching doctrine in line with the regulations.
4. Confucianism with no religious doctrines
Confucianism does not have a clear doctrine or religious document that prescribes the content of beliefs. But instead, it focuses more on a code of conduct for practical life.
For example, the “Thirteen Classics of Confucianism” (儒家十三经), works studied by Confucian scholars, are all based on specific characters and historical facts.
However, religions provide their followers with clear teachings.
For example, there are detailed teachings in The Bible, The Koran, and various Buddhist scriptures, which offer clear guidance to believers.
5. Confucianism with no religious ceremony
Confucianism has no strict religious rituals.
Most Confucian marriages, funerals, and weddings are governed by The Book of Etiquette and Ceremonial (仪礼), one of the Confucian classics.
These ceremonies are part of cultural traditions rather than religious rituals.
In contrast, rituals in religion are more formal and sophisticated.
Religious ceremonies often have specific norms and procedures for believers to ensure the effectiveness of the ceremony.
Religious ceremonies such as worship, Ramadan, and pilgrimage in Islam are indispensable in the daily life of Muslims and an important way for them to express reverence and gratitude to God, thus boasting profound religious significance.
6. Confucianism not being idealism
Confucianism is neither idealistic nor materialistic.
The central difference between idealism and materialism consists in their views about the origin of the world.
Confucianism has not offered a clear answer to the origin of the world.
It means that Confucianism does not attribute the origin of the world to spirit or consciousness, nor to matter.
Therefore, Confucianism is not equivalent to either of these philosophical views.
Confucianism is a complex system of philosophy. It focuses on the formation of human character and social ethics and the relationship between man and nature, man and society, and human beings and themselves.
Religion, on the other hand, usually considers spirit or consciousness as the source of the world, so it is seen as an idealistic belief system.
Fundamentally, Confucianism has no fixed rules or scope as it changes along with human beings.
By contrast, religions tend to present specific answers to the origin of the world and deem something as the basis of their beliefs.
Summary
Confucianism has rarely been mentioned as a religion in either ancient or modern China.
Unlike religion, Confucianism does not depend on specific religious beliefs.
This non-religious quality makes Confucianism more inclusive and capable of permeating all religious beliefs.
At the same time, it has absorbed some of the advanced concepts of Taoism and Buddhism and incorporated them into its system of moral thought.
This thought integration has allowed Confucianism to transcend religious beliefs and become a link between traditional and modern Chinese society, shaping the ideology and code of conduct of the Chinese.
In addition, Confucianism needs to be updated to ensure its vitality in constant social and cultural changes. Only in this way can Confucianism continue to deliver its important value and significance.