Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

RELIGION LIBRARY

Confucianism

Toggle navigation

Beginnings

Confucius's ideas became well known only after his death. The 4th-century B.C.E. philosopher Mencius, 3rd-century B.C.E. thinkers Xunzi and Han Feizi, and many others joined the debate about Confucian thought, adding their own ideas about human nature and morality, and considering practical applications, particularly to political rule and government. read more

Influences

Confucius attributed his teachings to the Duke of Zhou, a heroic figure from his home state of Lu who was regarded as the founder of that state. He was also inspired by the rituals and institutions of the Zhou dynasty, founded several hundred years before his birth; by the classic literature of his time; and by legends of the early sage kings. read more

Founders

Confucius, whose Chinese name was Kong Qiu (K'ung Ch'iu), was born around 552 B.C.E. and died in 479 B.C.E. He traveled from state to state teaching the sons of the nobility, though he was not famous during his lifetime, and never achieved the high position he aspired to as an advisor to a great ruler. read more

Sacred Texts

Confucius left no writings, although the "Five Classics" of Chinese literature are traditionally attributed to him as writer or editor. The "Analects" is a collection of aphorisms put together by Confucius's students after his death. The "Liji," or "Record of Rites," also contains dialogs, discourses, anecdotes, and narratives about Confucius and his teachings. read more

Historical Perspectives

Some Western scholars have argued that "Confucianism" was manufactured or invented by Asian and Western scholars as an alternative to Western individualism. Scholars have also examined the little-known impact of Confucian studies on Western institutions, including civil service and the examination system. read more

Overview History Back to religion Library

editors picks View All Columns

Evangelical

Before You Unplug or Sign Out for Good

Guest Contributor

Evangelical

What Is the Purpose of Spiritual Gifts, and How Do You Discover Yours?

New Visions

5 Ways to Hear What God is Telling You

Muslim

How Awake Are We? When Waking Up is Falling Asleep

Daniel Thomas Dyer

Latter-day Saint

"The Church supports the use of vaccinations"

Evangelical

Luther and the Beauty of Christ

Guest Contributor

The Soul of Gospel Music Explored in New Netflix Series "Voices of Fire"

Seven Ways to Think About Christian Mysticism

Evangelical

Cancelling Alice Walker?

Evangelical

Does God Have His Own Logic?

Muslim

Imam Ali’s letter to the Governor- Everlasting Example of Good...

Progressive Christian

Why Did Jesus Have To Die?

Patheos Logo Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Copyright 2008-2026, Patheos. All rights reserved.

Subscription Support Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In

Follow Patheos