RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD WEEK 4
1) Taoism has a complicated dafinition. Taoism cannot be clearly described as a religion with teachings and rituals. Its origins have been lost through time in Chinese antiquity. There are those who even denies its existence. Little is known of its founder and its sacred book is more poetic statements of philosophy rather than scriptures. Now, Taoism is associated with charms, exorcisms, and magical attempt to prolong life.
Taoism, over a period of time, became or was converted to religion. This occur by the early centuries of the Common Era. Taoism was converted to a religion complete with gods, priest, temples, and sacrifices. Even with its phylosophy of nature and magical practices, Taoism is also a religion.
Confucianism was never intended to be a religion. The teachings of Confusius and his desciples were never intended to be a religion. Its origins and development were developed from a mix of Chinese philosophy. Confusius discouraged prayer to the gods and probably was atheist. His main concern is the nature of human society. Confucianism has no priesthood. Its sacred writings have never been considered a devine revelation. It has no doctrine of afterlife, and it has frowned upon asceticism and monasticism. it has a lot of non religious aspects.
Confucianism is considered to be one of the major religions of the world. There have been some cultic developments in the history of Confusianism. Its philosophy has deeply affected the Chinese character. Some believe that Confusius was not an atheist, but an agnostic. He denied the validity of religion, but he advocate the return to ancient religions of China. He developed a system of government, and a set of personal and social goals that deeply influenced the Chinese for a long period of time. Confusius teaching were based on certain central themes. It has religious and social connotations. Confucians believed that humanity's natural...