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Religions of the World

Religions of the World. Confucianism. “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” Jeremiah 10:23 Confucianism is a “religion of optimistic humanism” It is an invention of men In Asia - China, Korea, Tibet, Mongolia.

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Religions of the World

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  1. Religions of the World

  2. Confucianism “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” Jeremiah 10:23 Confucianism is a “religion of optimistic humanism” It is an invention of men In Asia - China, Korea, Tibet, Mongolia

  3. Confucianism Never intended to be a religion Mainly an ethical system / philosophical Emphasis on the earthly Ancient Chinese practice of ancestor worship Communism in China has not been able to eradicate Confucian thought Communism publicly Confucianism privately

  4. Symbols Confucianism This is an ideogram for water - the source of life in Chinese philosophy Used in Chinese wedding ceremonies - it means total harmony Yin-yamg symbolizes balance in nature

  5. Origin Confucianism • Confucius - born as Chiu King - about 550 BC • Father died - received a good education • Good job - married - 2 children - divorced • Teacher - famous for his wisdom and ability • Called - King Fu-tzu - Kung = the master • via Latin into English = Confucius

  6. Origin Confucianism • Chinese civilization at very low ebb • Confucius believed the solution was to return to a kinder, gentler ways of their ancestors • Reforms not successful during his lifetime • 200 years later Mencius became a disciple • Teacher and Scholar • Many years wandering over China • Last years teaching and writing about Confucius

  7. Sacred Writings Confucianism • Teachings to produce “The Superior Man” • Books attributed to Him or his disciples: • 1. The Analects • 2. The Great Learning • 3. The Doctrine of the Mean • 4. The Book of Mencius • Commentaries on ancient Chinese writings known as “The Five Classics”

  8. Teachings Confucianism • Four Life passages • 1. Birth • 2. Reaching Maturity • 3. Marriage • 4. Death • Basic Teachings of Confucius • 1. Filial Piety • 2. The Golden Rule • “What you do not want done to yourself, do not do unto others.”

  9. Teachings Confucianism • Four Classes of People • Merchant - Lowest in social rank • Artisan - next in scale • Farmer - he is higher • Scholar - the highest rank • A soldier is a social outcast

  10. Confucianism World Views Cosmos Deity Man Man’s Plight Salvation Conduct Destiny

  11. Confucianism World Views Cosmos transmitter of the best of the past heaven, earth “ten thousand things Deity exalted ancestor believed in prayer to heaven Man natural goodness superior to woman

  12. Confucianism World Views Man’s Plight felt ancient ways ignored ways of men out of harmony war, famine and human degradation Salvation - return to the way of ancestors Conduct the “five relationships” Destiny agnostic - not sure of what he believed turn to past of ancestors

  13. Confucianism Some Errors Ancestor Worship Spirits dependent upon their descendants No offerings then disasters / misfortunes “Festival of the Hungry Ghosts”

  14. Confucianism Some Errors Ancestor Worship Spirits dependent upon their descendants No offerings then disasters / misfortunes “Festival of the Hungry Ghosts” Bible Teaches John 4:24 “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

  15. Confucianism Some Errors That Man is Good Believed man is basically good and needs to return to it. Bible Teaches Rom. 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Rom. 3:9-10 “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.”

  16. Confucianism Some Errors Saved by being a good moral person Just needs to return to basic nature Bible Teaches Ezek. 18:20 - Cornelius a good man - but he was lost

  17. Confucianism Some Errors Confucius elevated to status of a god Offered animal sacrifices to tomb Temples built for worship of Confucius Bible Teaches Only one God Ephesians 4:6 “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

  18. Christ is Our Savior Not Confucius

  19. Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Heb. 6:19

  20. Sermon by Arthur Pigman Evans Church of Christ 515 Gibbs Road Evans, Ga. 30809 706-855-1249 evanscoc@bellsouth.net www.evansgachurchofchrist.org Sunday Evening May 1, 2011

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