Absolutely more of a philosophy and cultural way of life than a religion. No need to degrade the teachings of Confucius by calling it a religion.

A very peaceful and positive philosophy for how a society is ought to be. It looks good on papers, but doesn't seem to work all that well since not all human beings are born with human kindness, which is what Confucianism is based on.

This religion is being killed by modernism. It will persist in some New Age communities long after the Chinese have rid themselves of it.

Confucianism is actually a the relationship between governement and people. IT IS NOT A RELIGION.  it was used to define the role of the japanese people in a society that was plagued with internal strife and coruption.  It is like saying fuedalism is a religion.  give me a break

The Tao Te Ching is one of the better spiritual texts I have read,and I have studied quite a few.It is more of a philosophy than a "religion",but it is definately a guide to staying on a positive path.There is plenty of Wisdom and good advice in it,but the translations vary widely.

Contains a lot of wisdom actually, and works as a philosophy more than a religion.

Unwavering devotion to elders and the worship of ancestors may strike us as too rigid or even unreasonable today, but it's the spirit behind these teachings that's of real value to the modern world. Everything Confucius taught, if you really examimne it, boiled down to two things: respect and self-discipline. We could use a lot more of both in today's society, just as Confucius saw this his own society needed them all those many centuries ago. And in some respects, he was ahead of his time -- he expressed his own version of the Golden Rule long before Christianity came to be. But were his teachings simple and obvious? Sure. Yet it's amazing how few of us follow such simple advice as his. Common sense is all too uncommon, it seems, and that's why we always need great teachers like Confucius to help set us back on the right track.

Bonus points for fortune cookies. Not really a religon but a bunch of obvious observations. If this is a religon then that book Everything I Need to Know I Learned In Kindergarden is a religon.

oh quit preaching Philc. Get of your high horse, quit it with the hollier then thoughness and try and see the goodness in other peoples beliefs and give them a chance for a change.

More of the same humanistic works religion. What can I do to get into heaven? Whatever happened to God's plan? Didn't He already make provisions for us through His Son Jesus?

I have no problems with Confucianism, because it is not a religion. Confucius managed to set out a series of principles and ethics without resorting to justification by some higher authority, and he did it in order to improve humanity. He didn't even want any real prestige for himself. All he wanted to do was to teach students his ideas and principles, in the hopes that the students would eventually become advisors to kings. Some of his lessons are in parable form, but that doesn't make them religious in nature, because you can appreciate the wisdom in the teachings of Jesus without believing in His divinity. Yep, I have read the Analects of Confucius and agree with some, disagree with some, and am kind of baffled by the rest, but I have the utmost respect for what he tried to do. And even though Confucius believed in mysticism and ancestor worship and the mandate of heaven and such, he didn't emphasize them in his teachings. His beliefs were merely a part of him so he just assumed that that was how anyone reading his works would feel as well, so he didn't have to emphasize them. The Analects are pretty good evidence that you do not need religion or a deity to come up with a moral code, and for that I applaud them.

We are not saved by good works or morals. Don't try to gain the world and lose your soul. The Savior is Jesus Christ - give Him a try~

Started in 479BC (or 520BC) from Taoism. Ethical teaching, emphasising devotion to parents family and friends, respect & obedience to government authority, ancestor worship, and the maintainace of justace and peace. Has instructions under 4 heads: culture, moral conduct, doing ones best and being honest. Confucius acording to all his scriptures belived in God and some minor gods (some later athistic divisions). Strong emphasis on the 'golden rule'- "don't do to others what you don't want them to do to you." Moral standards for behaviour for a better society. Practice meditation (via inner calm, stillness and silance) and Divination via the I-Ching. Politically most scriptures are Center Right as are all present govenments that claim to use the confucian system (I have meet a confucian lady from Taiwan who claimed the scriptures were communist and some books claim it to be hardline legalistic ultra-nationalist). Paternalistic government, egalitarian, free trade, incentivation, low tax, no socialization of pay, increasing police and the militry. Ruler must have a high moral standard (benivolent and honerable). Testing to enter the public survice (which is elitist). Suports monarchies. Scriptures: Analects, Ch'un chiu (analistic acount on history 721-480BC), I-Ching, & eleven (or 12) others. Confucius is said to be Chinas grates sage. Over 20 denominations but since the rise of Mao the ones that belive in God (which were then the most popular) have disapered. It believes in Moderation, that God will gift those who keep the law & do good deads, Karma and Karma-loci. I found the scripture give a better understanding of the book of King (Old testament) and Buddhism.

It's putting up with crap and moral obedience to parents and government. It lacks mysticism. PS. Confucius had disciples.

confucius is just a human being.

out of date.

Confucius himself is not so great.

Confuciansim is not a religion. Confucius was an ancient Chinese philosopher that didn't want prophets and disciples (in other words, start a religion). He taught values about how to govern a society effectively, not what you should personally believe. I think it is an outrage and offensive to Confucius and his beliefs to call his teachings a religion. It is sacrilegious, in fact, because it is the absoulte antithesis of what he wanted.