RELIGIONS

 By Brennan W. Chinese Religions



=Chinese Religion =

=
**Confucianism ** =====    **HISTORY **
 * What kind of religion do you study? There are many different religions in the world, but one very important religion to people in China is Confucianism. Confucianism has a strong history, many beliefs, and the Analects, which is just like the Bible. Other religions may use a god to pray or to look up to, but in Confucianism, there is no god. This religion is based on moral values, and making sure people do the right thing to make the world a better and more peaceful place to live. **

 ** Thousands of years ago, a man named Confucius was born in Lu, China. He traveled across the country to teach others about his beliefs. At first, Confucius couldn't find anyone who agreed with what he thought. He eventually gave up and moved back to his home. When he was 67 years old, his dream came true. People were finally beginning to recognize Confucianism. With perseverance and courage, Confucius reached his goal. He dedicated a large part of his life to helping others and try to fill other people with the knowledge that he had. He wanted to make people better, and the world a better place. **

** BELIEFS & PRACTICES **

** Confucianism has symbols that represent the beliefs of the religion. Some examples are Li, Xin, and Jen. Confucian followers must learn and practice these beliefs. The symbol of L ****i represents good manners; Xin means honesty and trustworthiness; and Jen represents friendship and kindness. These values were very important to Confucius and are still a very important part of the religion in China today. Since there is no god in Confucianism, these symbols take the place of it. They are very important to followers and they practice and use them very seriously. **

**<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-size: 130%; text-align: center; display: block;"> THE ANALECTS **

<span style="display: block; text-align: left; font-size: 120%; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">**Some of you may follow popular religions like Christianity or Judaism or another. If you are a member of a one of those religions, than you may know about the Bible or the Torah. Well, Confucianism has a holy book too. It is called the Analects. The Analects are writings of Confucius that express his beliefs and practices of the religions.The Analects are so important to the religion that at one point, "...a man was not considered morally upright or enlightened if he did not study Confucius's works" (Confucius Confucianism). There was also information for daily life, so the Analects were not only used just for religious reasons. This is one reason why Confucianism is one of the most unique religions in the world.**


 * <span style="font-size: 140%; color: rgb(128, 0, 128);">Confucianism brought a new way of thinking to China. The religion is so important to Chinese people through its history, beliefs, and the Analects. It has given hope to people and offered an opportunity for all. Confucianism is a religion that people can follow if they are not very religious at all because it doesn't require much commitment, and how you use the religion in daily life is totally up to you. That is one of the most unique things about the religion and why it attracts many people. Confucianism has positively changed China and it has influenced the rest of the world as well.

<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center; display: block; font-size: 120%;">Works Cited: **

<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Analects of Confucius. [Online Image] Available http://www.purpleculture.net/bookimages/20067/2006710165618.jpg, March 23, 2009. <span style="font-size: 90%; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">

<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> "Confucius Confucianism Beliefs Religion: Truth Reality of Confucius, Confucianism." __<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">On Truth and Reality: Philosophy Physics Metaphysics of Space, Wave Structure __ <span style="font-size: 90%; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. 24 Feb. 2009 <http://www.spaceandmotion.com/Philosophy-Confucius-Confucianism.htm>.

Confucius: Picture 5. [Online Image] Available http://www.logoi.com/pastimages/img/confucius_5.jpg, March 22, 2009. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Confucianism - History Of Confucianism." __<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Marriage and Family Encyclopedia __<span style="font-size: 81%; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. 24 Feb. 2009 <http://family.jrank.org/pages/316/Confucianism-History-Confucianism.html>. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Confucianism. [Online Image] Available http://www.himalayanacademy.com/resources/books/hbh/images/06_SYM_Confucian.jpg, <span style="font-size: 81%; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">March 20, 2009. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Robinson, B.A. "CONFUCIANISM." <span style="font-size: 90%; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> ReligiousTolerance.org by the Ontario Consultant <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">On Religious Tolerance . __<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">24 Feb. 2009 <http://www.religioustolerance.org/confuciu.htm>. __

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