CONFUCIANISM With no clergy or gods - Confucianism is not a religion in the traditional sense Ethical system that provides direction for personal behavior Practiced mostly in China – about 6.3 million followers Based on the teachings of Chinese scholar Confucius Confucius (551–479 BC)- teacher, editor, politician, and philosopher Born at a time of crisis and violence in China Hoped his beliefs and teachings would restore order to society.

CONFUCIUS Philosophy of Confucius emphasized personal and governmental morality - correctness of social relationships -justice and sincerity Confucius's principles - based on common Chinese tradition and belief Believed in: strong family loyalty - ancestor worship -respect of elders by their children and of husbands by their wives His principle "Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself", an early version of the Golden Rule

FIVE KEY RELATIONSHIPS Confucius believed order, harmony, good government could be restored if society were organized around the: FIVE KEY RELATIONSHIPS 1. RULER - SUBJECT 2. FATHER - SON 3. HUSBAND - WIFE 4. OLDER BROTHER – YOUNGER BROTHER 5. FRIEND - FRIEND

FIVE KEY RELATIONSHIPS Except for friendships – none of the relationships were EQUAL OLDER superior to YOUNGER MEN superior to WOMEN {Were not supposed to take advantage of position but serve as a guide or role model}

FILIAL PIETY Filial Piety is respect for one's parents and ancestors: *to be good and take care of parents *show love, respect, courtesy and support *display sorrow for their sickness and death Filial Piety emphasized in Confucianism because devotion to one's parents was associated with one's devotion to the state; it also meant honoring their parents’ memories after death

ANALECTS ANALECTS: the collection of writings, sayings and ideas of Confucius