In ones desire to flee from Western type thought - a look at Confucius

Confucianism is described by some observers as a "philosophy" based on ideas of the Chinese teacher Confucius. It originated around 500 B.C. and was " ... the most important single force in Chinese life ..." from approximately 100 B.C. to 1900 A.D. A philosophy is defined as an "overall view of or attitude toward life and the purpose of life" or "a system of ideas and thoughts that address human behavior." They see Confucianism primarily as a way of life, a guide to morality, not a religion. Their reasoning is based partly on the following points:
(1) Confucianism does not teach of any god. One of their books contains this quote: "Respect gods but have as little to do with them as possible." Instead of "gods," it speaks of "goodness."
(2) Confucianism’s center of attention is to " ... make people better during their lifetimes ... to guide them toward a virtuous existence ... (and) to help them choose the right and moral course to take regardless of consequences." There is no teaching of life after death.
(3) Confucianism has no priesthood, no clergy, no organized body.
(4) Confucianism has no formal creed.
(5) Their temples which are found through all of China are not "centers of a living faith," but rather museums.
(6) Confucius did not claim any divine status for himself.
Confucius called himself a "transmitter, not an innovator."
Source Stan Griffin

Confucius (Kŏngzi – 孔子 551-479BC) lived during the Warring States Period when more than a dozen feudal states vied for power. Confucian philosophy therefore focuses on alleviating the suffering and chaos of that age.


Confucianism (Rújiā Sīxiăng – 儒家思想) can claim to be a philosophy not a religion because it makes reference to no higher power or revealed teachings. According to Confucius society is capable of harmonious existence without any help from the supernatural, all it needs is for everyone to be properly educated and to know their own place in society. Confucius was once asked about the afterlife by a student, and responded by asking how a man could possibly contemplate things like God and Heaven when he did not yet fully understand the mortal world.