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Ball State University *
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201
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Religion
Date
Feb 20, 2024
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docx
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Uploaded by MateMorningCamel37
Allie Fitzgerald
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alannah.fitzgerald@bsu.edu
Dr. Joseph A. Marchal
Religious Studies 110: World Religion
Comparison Report According to Prothero, Confucianism is a community-focused tradition that is debated in the United States on if it should be a real religion (Prothero,354). Although Americans and Europeans know less about Confucianism than any other religion, Confucianism is still stereotyped and seen as a religion with empty rituals that are too old (Prothero,351). Confucius was a philosopher that had his thoughts and efforts written down by his disciples which were later turned into books. One of the books is called the Lunyu. Lunyu, along with three other books are conversations between Confucius and his disciples (Prothero,359). There are five main
virtues that are followed or practiced in Confucianism. These virtues are humanness, righteousness, ritual propriety, wisdom, and integrity (Prothero, 365). Someone who is a follower of Confucianism is called a Junzi which means true gentleman, superior man, or perfected person (Prothero, 354). Confucianism is mainly practiced or seen as the way of life today for Chinese culture. It is also heavily practiced in Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. Confucius taught Ren, Ren is the same as benevolence which essentially means to do on to other as you want to be treated and not doing harm to others (Prothero, 361). Along with Ren, Confucius also taught Li and Xiao. Li focuses on proper conduct and etiquette in social situations which in returns gives a sense of harmony in daily life (Prothero, 361). Xiao is the important teachings of honoring and respecting elders or ancestors (Prothero,361). The only major holiday that is
celebrated in Confucianism is Confucius’s birthday (Prothero, 383). This holiday is on September 28
th
and lasts 10 days (Prothero, 383). Some practices during this holiday includes dancing, music, incense, and offerings (Prothero, 383). Christianity is the largest religion with 32% of the population adhering to it (Prothero, 229) Christianity is considered a soft monotheism because of the belief in one God being in human form (Prothero, 228). Christianity is a religion with a God and an afterlife. Although there
are many varieties of Christianity, the main goal is to be forgiven of sin so you can have eternal life (Prothero, 233).
Confucianism and Christianity are both prominent belief systems which have societal influences. Both Christianity and Confucianism believe in ethical behavior such as compassion, respect, and honesty. Along with similar behavior both religions also practice and promote similar morals such as kindness and charity. One big similarity is Confucianism’s Ren being very similar to one of Christianity’s beliefs: love thy neighbor. Another similarity between the two religions would be the practice and power of the books they follow. For Christianity, Christians follow the Bible, and for Confucianism, there are the Analects (Prothero, 359, 261). Some differences would include how Christianity is monotheistic while Confucianism is philosophical and does not worship any deities (Prothero, 232, 351). Another differences would be how Christianity heavily promotes an afterlife and Confucianism focuses more on morals in the present life (Prothero, 233, 365). Despite the differences in Christianity and Confucianism, they are both religions that share common ground on ethical and morally right behaviors in day to day life.
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