Homework help: I need to write a persuavive on Confucianism being a religion

[MrHappyMonkey]

I need to write a 1-page speech on why Confucianism can be considered a religion. Any ideas here?

Edit: Not looking for complete papers, but ideas and websites that will give me some facts. I dunno there might be some members of the Confucianism religion that could give me some pointers.

 

[linuxboy]

oh come now. We are not here to do your work. But, I will help anyway. Argh, why do I always do that?

To argue anything you just need to apply a little logic. Follow this:

All religions have certain characteristics/properties A.
Confucianism has properties A.

Therefore, confucianism must be a religion.

FInd out what properties religions have in common and how a religion differs from a cult or some other social group or institution. You can also try a reductio ad absurdum and prove what confucianism is NOT and then also have examples why confucianism is a religion. makes the argument seem stronger.

Do your own research though. You have the outline

Cheers !

 

[GoldenGuppy]

I certainly dare not to help you if linuxboy isn't, his knowledge in such situations is a lot relevant and concise than mine would actually be.. however, I can lend you a few sites that can actually help you w/ your paper.

For starters learn to spell it 'Confucianism'

Here are the sites:

http://www.comedition.com/AAAA/Religion/ConfucianismReligion.htm



http://www.askasia.org/frclasrm/readings/r000004.htm



http://www.index-china.com/index-english/people-religions-s.html


However, let me tell you upfront that I consider Confucianism to be a social system/ethical philosophy - never really looked at it as being a religion... however I am sure that you can find primitive to advance answers for your argument, good luck

><GG>

 

[MrHappyMonkey]

<< For starters learn to spell it 'Confucianism' >>



That's what spell check is for .

Thanks for the links. I will check them out.

 

[superkeith]

confucianism, at heart, yearned to recreate the bygone era of early Zhou, then viewed as the pinnacle of humanity and cilvility at the time of confucius' warring states period. in terms of confucianism being a religion, i see several possible parallels and points of argument.

1. emphasis on rituals: confucians, above all, believed civility and humanity could be restored in warring states china through the reestablishment (emulation of Zhou practices) of ancient rituals and traditions; (social) order is the ultimate objective. many religions today also depend on the practice of certain rituals to perpetuate (religious) order. in christianity, the sacraments, such as the taking of bread, provide such an example.

2. i forgot what i was going to say.

you might find this helpful (in gg's post first)
it is both similar and different than what i said. personally, i believe confucianism less a religion than an attempt to create a social agent of control amidst a chaotic era in chinese history.