The teachings of Confucius and the practice of Confucianism, no matter whether you believe it is a religion or a philosophy to living, offer many ideas to all people. Some Confucian ideas can be viewed upon as helpful and attractive to a non-Confucian, while other ideas will make absolutely no sense to the non-Confucian. It is up to each individual to decide for themselves if they wish to incorporate some aspect of Confucianism into their life. This incorporation of any number of beliefs is one of the most attractive principles in Confucianism.
One concept in Confucianism that is attractive to anyone includes the teaching, “What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.” This saying is one of the most widely recognized teachings in all of history. Not only does Confucianism teach this, but also many other religions as well. Throughout everyday living, this teaching portrays to the individual that using good manners, being respectful, and using ethics are all a significant part of life.
Another attractive concept in Confucianism is tolerance towards others. In fact it is very realistic for a practicing Confucian to also be a Buddhist, Taoist, Muslim, Christian, etc. This view can actually be very beneficial in modern American society. In essence what this tolerance of religions is saying, is that there is a belief that all religions have something important to say. No one specific religion can be completely correct and know everything, and thus everyone can learn from another’s viewpoint. If American society, especially with its great amount of diversity, would incorporate this understanding of tolerance into day to day living, a lot of tension would be decreased and common ground would be reached in many conflicting issues.
A final attractive concept in Confucianism is the belief that everything begins with the family. The Anthology of World Scriptures by Robert E Van Voorst states, “The government of the state depends on the regulation of the family.” Here Confucianism believes that through family the government will be formed. In other words, you cannot enforce from the outside government to the inside family.
This teaching on the importance of family would be especially helpful in American society today. This ‘inside family’ concept would mean that parents should raise their children with good moral ethical values that will stay with the child throughout their life. With this set of values firmly instilled, a child would be more inclined to continue using these values as they move into adulthood and eventually go on to teach these very same values to their children. With this action continuing to cycle on down through future generations, it is very realistic to assume that unethical behavior would be less likely to occur.
Overall Confucius’ teachings seem to be a very attractive living philosophy that anyone, no matter their current religion or set of beliefs, can use in their everyday lives.
Sources:
Robert E. Van Voorst, Anthology of World Scriptures. Fifth Edition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 2006.
