Confucianism stresses the ways in which people can live together harmoniously and develop a just and orderly society. The “higher good” comes not from the privileges of birth but of the practice of moderate, beneficial and generous behaviour, and of service to others. Attainment comes through education and formal behaviour. Confucianism does not favour military fervour, but clerical patience. There were no priests nor temples. The only “sin” is a breach of the rule of piety towards one’s parents, one’s superior, one’s homeland, one’s chief of state or one’s son or daughter. Confucian ethical teachings include the following values:-

• Li: includes ritual, propriety, etiquette, etc.
• Hsiao: love within the family: love of parents for their children and of children for their parents.
• Yi: righteousness.
• Xin: honesty and trustworthiness.
• Jen: benevolence, humaneness towards others; the highest Confucian virtue.
• Chung: loyalty to the state, etc.

There is much that Christians can agree with in these principles as the Bible teaches respect, honour, truth, love and kindness to others. However, the Confucianist finds it difficult to consider life outside human relationships. There is a relationship with a personal God that is missing. This relationship with God allows the relationships on earth to take on even greater meaning.

In the early days of Confucianism it did appear to embrace the idea of one immortal God, from whom its teachings originated and whom is believed to govern the universe. Confucius then saw “Heaven” as a manifestation of that God. Confucius considered heaven to be silent.

Confucius occasionally mentions the “Mandate of Heaven.” He appears to interpret this to mean the natural law or moral order within things. Men must seek to live within this order. One must be careful not to violate the will of heaven. Confucius wrote, “He who put himself in the wrong with Heaven has no means of expiation left.” (Analects 3:13)

In the Confucian system, a divine being does not have a significant role; his philosophy is man-centered and relies on self-effort. Man is sufficient to attain the ideal character through education, self-effort, and self-reflection. The goal of life was to live a good moral life. After his death, Confucianism evolved, combining with Chinese traditional religions and Buddhism to add a spiritual component.

In contrast, Christianity is God-centered. It is built on a relationship with a personal God who is involved in the world. Confucius focused on life here on this earth. Jesus focused on life in eternity. For Jesus what happens in eternity has ramifications for life here on earth. In Matthew 6:19 Jesus stated, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Here we see the basically different perspectives of Jesus and Confucius.

The ethical philosophy Confucius espoused was one of self-effort, leaving no room or need for God. Confucius taught that man can do it all by himself if he only follows the way of the ancients, while Christianity teaches that man does not have the capacity to save himself but is in desperate need of a savior. Confucius also hinted that human nature is basically good. This thought was developed by later Confucian teachers and became a cardinal belief of Confucianism.

Experience, history, and the Bible make it clear that man in basically sinful and, when left to himself, is completely incapable of performing ultimate good. Contrast what the Bible says about human nature and the need of a saviour against Confucianism:-

“The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9, NASB).

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

“He saved us, not on the basis of deeds, which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).