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This gives us a code of conduct for living or what may be described as a system of social and ethical philosophy rather than a religion. It does not attempt to bring us into touch with God. The law of Moses included an ethical system and in a way Confucianism gives us such a system. Confucius lived about 500 BC, about the time of Buddha. As has sometimes been pointed out Christ said: “All things whatever ye desire that men should do to you, thus do ye also do to them” a positive statement (Matthew 7:12). Confucianism on the other hand says: “ Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself” - a negative statement. This shows that Christ’s teaching is superior to that of Confucius on this somewhat fundamental point. Following the teaching of Confucius may well benefit man, but there is nothing for God in it (See for instance Job 35:6-8). God has ordered certain things such as government as a restraint upon evil and maybe the teachings of Confucius have had that effect. It seems that in Confucianism ethical behaviour is predominantly a way to perfect man. As in Hinduism and Buddhism it is something that man is to achieve by his own efforts. There are different strands of thought as to man’s nature. Some say it is good but can be corrupted, while others say it is bad but can be reformed. As in Romanism ethical practice is put forward as one of the things needed for salvation. |
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Taoism |
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Taoism is a Chinese religion as is Confucianism. It arose circa 500 BC. There are reckoned to be about 20 million followers of this religion today, mainly in Taiwan. It is not easy to pin down, because exactly what it really is, is elusive. It is essentially mystical nature worship. Instead of simply worshipping creatures, worship is directed to the force behind nature, the Tao. It is the spirit in nature, or what one might call the life force, that is followed; not a transcendent God, that is, a God outside and above the natural world. The Tao is not regarded as a conscious being; simply a first cause. The goal of Taoism is to be one with the Tao. The idea of yin and yang is a Taoist idea and has a number of meanings. The yin is the dark side (of a hill), earth, female, passive and absorbing The yang is the sunny side, heaven, male, active and |