CULTURE AND RELIGION
RELIGION IN CLASSICAL CHINAIn classical China there were three main religions or belief systems. Confucianism, Daoism (also spelled Taoism) and Legalism. China has been a multi-religion country since the ancient times. Chinese government was tolerant of many religions, although the Han dynasty did try to push Confucian values onto the people.
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CONFUCIANISM
Created by King Fuzi, later known as Confucius, believed that personal virtue would lead to good political institutions and that rulers and the ruled should act with respect, humility, and self- control. Confucianism is not a real religion as much as it is an ethics system. Confucius believed that good politics were influenced by personal virtue, which explains the long-lived tradition of tight family-units in China. Also, there was a strong level of authority entrusted in fathers, who had much more authority than their kids. This concept is called filial piety. |
DAOISM
Daoism is a belief system made famous by the writer Laozi. Daoism emphasizes balance and harmony with nature. Daoism preaches a belief in simplicity and humility as well as compassion and "naturalness." Daoism was popular around the same time that Confucianism was around, and some people even practiced both at once because they were complementary.
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LEGALISM
Legalism was a belief system that gained ground during the Qin dynasty but was never popular with the public. Legalism was the belief in tight authority and harsh rule. Followers of Legalism believed that the human race was inherently evil and that harsh laws were vital in maintaining order. Legalists did not believe that Confucian values were enough to maintain order.
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