'Beliefs, Philosophy and Religion\r'

'virtuoso of the to the highest degree nonable fightings that r remainderer been debated by service homoy an early(a)(prenominal) scholars since the medieval ages is the logical argu workforcet estimationing the place of article of faith and immortalliness in a society. The deuce befool been hu valetnessipulationd to ardor all(prenominal) contrary in mark to uphold their bear credibility. The study of civilise of thought is direct to state of wards the speculation of the things that govern the terra firma and its processes, and the temperament of military personnel and his race with former(a) individuals as intimately as with the world (Gas put up, 1964). Philosophy attempts to scrutinize and light up acute explication of al rough e genuinely(prenominal)thing that grass be grasped by the compassionate mind.Yet, it does non sincerely go away comfortable and concrete answers to either its queries. Religion, on the other hand, focuses its scope on e xplaining things and phenomena that skunknot be explained by scholarship and at some read charge those that brooknot re eachy be make explicit by ism. It tries to pay up close for e verything that is happening. Its confession for every reason that it provides is in the runner place founded on credit (Nasr, 1996). accordingly, by corporate trust, it need not be verifiable. A strong creed or dogmaualise could be own hotshot’s surmise and hesitation. However, philosophy would not unfeignedly admit creed as the justification of something.Reason nookienot be support by merely openhearted to ace’s faith (Leahy, 2003). Philosophy moves a course from dogmatism, which is a quotation present in trust. Philosophy has a character of skepticism. This bureau that not unless something is proven to be certain (that which is app argonnt or afterwards partnot be doubted) philosophy would recognize its validity (Heidegger, 1956). It entails cautious and k een analysis of the subject field that is be studied. Whereas in faith, it is to the full that some iodine has faith on something in severalise for it to experience valid (Nasr, 1996).These atomic number 18 the al about commonalty distinctions that distinguish philosophy from piety. The purpose of this paper is to debate how philosophy and piety be pulld in occurrence Schools of design that influence chinaw atomic number 18 namely: Confucianism, Buddhism and Daoism/Taoism. This paper result in any case comp be and line of business these three Schools of Thoughts with Christianity by benevolent to their own definitions of Philosophy and Religion. Schools of Thought Confucianism Confucianism is an anthology of ethical values and beliefs that is frequently equated with trust.These values and beliefs were root worded and highly-developed from the teachings of wholeness of the great thinkers in china, Confucius. His teachings and philosophy were used as the fou ndations of laws and way of government chinaw ar and later on in other Asian regions (Chai & deoxyadenosine monophosphate; Chai, 1973). The teachings of Confucius, like that of Socrates, were neither officially written nor published. Yet his students and disciples made the spread of his teachings. However, according to the Chinese Hi bilgewater, approximately of the recordings of the Confucian teachings were burned up at some point in the Qin Dynasty (Chai & angstrom unit; Chai, 1973).Hence, thither was a conflict of interpretation of the Confucian teachings that is homely in various strands of Confucianism. The metempsychosis of Confucianism was made during the Han Dynasty. It was the motivation for instituting the laws and set of rules of mainland China. Nvirtuosotheless, it again faded subsequently(prenominal) the fall of the Han Dynasty wherein Buddhism was introduced to China. Only in the s all the correspondingth ascorbic acid that Confucianism was make for back (E l hu hu worldly concernkind, 2002). The chief ideas that the Confucian teachings has were tell toward the ruler, upper class and scholars.Such is a great engagement amidst Confucianism and Buddhism where the latter aims to let in the common masses. The instillation of virtues to rulers and noble men is the to the highest degree original supposition in the Confucian teachings. The favorable Rule (Do not do unto others what you do not requisite others do unto you) is its most renowned principle that which promotes conformity among all stack (Chai & angstrom unit; Chai, 1973). With this, Confucianism detests war and the employment of too many laws. Confucianism upholds its defined five most fundamental kinds which entails varying responsibilities.These familys include husband and wife, p arent and pincer (filial piety), the elders and the younger iodins, ruler and subject, and fellowship (Elman, 2002). Among these five, filial piety is the most in-chief(postnominal) rel ationship that is unless accentuated these days in contemporary China. Lastly, Confucianism puts high regard with the fancys of paradise’s polity, Great workforce and Saints, as well as in performing rituals or Li. Buddhism As menti integrityd earlier, Buddhism’s teachings are rules of order towards the general humanskind (Chen, 1972).The very purpose of Buddhism is founded on the idea of the Enlightenment (wherein Buddha is express to be the Enlightened One). From and so on, the goal of Buddhism is to bring man into Perfect Enlightenment or Nirvana (Hanh, 1999). Siddhartha Gautama is the Buddha. He reached nirvana or the wisdom time period through passionate contemplation. arriver nirvana would make unmatchable free from hunger and self-serving desires. It alike marks the demolition of hapless. Once matchless reaches the paradise period, his mind forget nominate everlasting placidity (Hanh, 1999). Buddhism advocates the mode of truthful inquiry. It tells man not to be overwhelmed by their screen door faith.It teaches man to establish broad-minded and skeptic about the things or so him. In accordance with this suggested way of inquiry, Buddhism has open up the Four imposing Truths. This tells man that: 1. ) all forms of be, human and other wise are afflicted with miserable, 2. ) the cause of suffering is craving (an illusion of the soul), 3. ) suffering has a lasting residuum in the experience of nirvana, and 4. ) enlightenment is achieved by a dilatory training of the Eightfold Path. These octuple path is say towards the glade of mind and movement from imbecility and lustful desires (Chen, 1972).Buddhism does not believe in a deity or the likes. in that location is no 1 that can richly control iodin’s own self than him alone. Thus, one has the full responsibility of himself and his actions. And these are not predetermined by a Supreme Being. The notion of Karma is too one of the most dist inct possesss in Buddhism (Chen, 1972). It pertains to the belief that all actions acquit succeeding consequences that are directed to the playing agent. Karma can be a good one or bad one. It depends on the temper of the action performed that produced the consequence that is reflected on the per causality of much(prenominal) action.The idea of Rebirth can be best on a lower floorstood by appealing to the principle or doctrine of Karma (Hanh, 1999). Taoism/Daoism Taoism is a school of thought pioneered by Lao Tze or Lao Tzu, in like manner one of the great thinkers in China. Taoism means the path or the way of living to go for a harmonious relationship with the world and all its autho fountaind processes (Po-Tuan, 2001). Taoism was started as simple philosophic discourse tho ultimately evolved and took the form of theology. One of its beliefs is the opinion of Tao which is defined as the root cause of everything.Tao motivated the rise of the Yin Yang which causes t he formation of the humankind. Taoism highlights that man should put out in harmony with the reputation (Po-Tuan, 2001). And only when man achieves much(prenominal) harmony that he go forth leave in peace and prosperity. Taoism maintains the principle of Wu Wei or non-action which means that man should not go against the personality and must sooner go with its operation (Taoist association of China, 2002). Man need not act since the reputation will do the action provided that man lives in harmony with it. Unlike, Buddhism, Taoism believes in multiple immortals.It has hierarchy of matinee idols that represents dust of government in the superannuated China (Taoist Association of China, 2002). The ethics defined in Taoism is be by the three Jewels that which symbolizes compassion, ministration and humility (Po-Tuan, 2001). Taoism encourages the nation to interpret their way of living by premiere reservation them realize that living with accordance to spirit would m ean peace. It also suggests that man should not overly use his being a man. It says that man should prioritize his needs and diminish his wants and desires. Lastly, it orders man not to become egocentric and egotistic.Christianity in China Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism are the prevailing religions in China. Before the entrance of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism are devil most luminary and most patronized religions in China (Legge, 2004). In position, the two seemed to be opponents of each other primarily because of their consistent difference on position grabpoints and issues. barely the penetration of Buddhism marks a turning point with regards to the spectral inclinations in China. When Buddhism entered China, it signaled the redistribution and reconstruction of religions all throughout China.Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism have been even combined at special(prenominal) regions to serve as one religion. Hence, China’s religion cannot really be tell to be c oncentrated with one of its three most know religions (Legge, 2004). In the seventh century A. D. , Christianity was introduced to China (during the Ming Dynasty) (Bays, 1999). Christianity is a very several(predicate) religion as compared to the earlier religions in China. From then on, Christianity has been said to be the blistering growing religion in China. It is recorded that 40 gazillion to 100 million of public in China are either Catholic or Protestant.This means that China has started to incubate the western religion that is very unlike with their tralatitious and antiquated religions (Bays, 1999). The arrival of Robert Morrison in China has started the spread of Christianity towards China. The Bible has been even translated to Chinese in order to communicate with Chinese people and for them to have easy gate to it. Since then, several Christian missionaries have visited and taught the doctrine of the Christian assurance (Bays, 1999). Christianity The most celebr ated feature of Christianity is the fact that it deifies one god. This God is the cause of everything and the director of everything. alone man’s action is caused by this all- hefty and all-knowing God. notwithstanding these descriptions do not respond the notion of the Christian God. The concept of the Holy three, salvation, and tone after cobblers last are also included in the doctrine of the Christian credit (Borg, 2004). The story of Jesus Christ and His death on the Cross is also the highlights of the Christian Faith (Borg, 2004). It represents the martyrdom of the Son of the God in order to save mankind. All in all, the Christian Faith equates all the happening in this world to what God has primarily ordained to occur.And no one can interfere nor convert what God has decreed. God and mass or Destiny have been a great deal characterized as the same thing (Borg, 2004). But the source has the most perfect and powerful character. Analysis: Compare and direct c ontrast Confucianism and Christianity Among the other school of thoughts (discussed in this paper), Confucianism is the most harmonious religion with Christianity. They twain advocate that promised land’s decree is the most fundamental source of order in the world (Chai & Chai, 1973). Only that, in Confucianism, there is no stress presumption to a god or a deity to be worshipped (Elman, 2002).Such obedience is directed to the Heaven itself. Whereas in Christianity, there is a God that is the end of one’s being obedient (Borg, 2004). As mentioned in the introduction, the defining mark that distinguishes philosophy from religion is the fact that the former repudiates dogmas that tend to confine and limits one’s way of mentation while the latter advisedly suggests and recommends particular doctrines in which one needs not to be certain of (Leahy, 2003). Philosophy speculates and examines the very concept of faith which is often used to justify religions and their established tenets.The belief of the Confucianism and the Christianity about the notion of Heaven’s decree obviously falls under the sphere of religion. It is primarily because the existence of such decree from heaven cannot be verified or confirmed yet can be justified through faith. Yet philosophy does not admit such finality. As cited, philosophy is still at the period of examining the very nature of faith as a source of justification of familiarity (Gasset, 1964). With regards to ethical patterns included in the Confucian and Christian faith implies that man should be virginal in order for him to have a harmonious life.Yet some(prenominal) have several(predicate) ship canal of looking at the concept of a harmonious life. For Confucianism, a harmonious life is the transaction of order in human relationships (Chai & Chai, 1973). On the contrary, for Christians, a harmonious life is being free from sins which separate man from God (Borg, 2004). Seemingly Confucian notion of a harmonious life is philosophic in nature which really explains how harmony could be affected by human relationships †that is verifiable and can be validated. Conversely, the Christian notion of a harmonious relationship is really superficial and metaphysical.One cannot really confirm the truthfulness of such statement. And it cannot even be explained by reasoning. But only faith can support it. Hence it is more of a ghostly belief rather than a philosophic one. Buddhism and Christianity On the other hand, Buddhisma and Christianity is not really compatible with each other (as religions). As discussed above, Christianity advocates a religion that which is primarily directed towards the belief to a God. Yet Buddhism undermines the concept of a Supreme Being that which is almighty and all-knowing, and that which controls man’s actions.Buddhism maintains that man can have the full control over his life therefore he does not need a god that would provid e guidance and delegacy for him (Chen, 1972). Perfect enlightenment is the layer wherein a man thriving reached the point of having a contend understanding of everything including his being (Hanh, 1999). For this reason, God and Buddha is never really peer to each other. Having such distinction, it can be inferred that Buddhism tends to avoid metaphysical speculation since it does not endure the concept of a magical entity as cause of man’s actions.Buddhism keeps its teachings to the deterrent example rack and its reliance on existential insight. Whereas, Christianity admits the existence of a God though there is no concrete and material demonstration for such existence. The two can be analyzed in the light of a rationalist and an empiricist wherein Buddhism most likely supports the empiricist view of knowledge, that which lies in experience. However, Christianity supports the rationalist’s view that only reason itself even without experience can prove Godâ €™s existence. Thus, Buddhism and Christianity is really opposites of one another.Nevertheless, both of them considers codes or doctrines that are mandatory to achieved their established purpose (Buddhism is for enlightenment; Christianity is for salvation). Hence both suggest dogma that which their disciples must come with in order to achieved their goals. This is where religion is obviously manifested. In the first place, one can go against these codes and doctrines and look for other ways that can also bring the actualization of their goals. Philosophy suggests that one should not limit himself from what is traditionally accepted as true up or what is traditionally accpeted the correct way of doing something (Heidegger, 1956).Taoism and Christianity Like Buddhism, Taoism is also not compatible with Christianity. in that location are two major factors that make Taoism and Christianity very distinct with each other. The first one is that, Chirtianity is a monotheistic rel igion while Taoism adheres to mulitple gods hence making it a polytheistic religion (Legge, 2004). For Christians, there is only one God (The Holy Trinity is a representation of One God) (Bays, 1999). For Taoists, they have different and particular deities that vary in different regions (in China) (Taoist Association of China, 2002).Secondly, Christians believed that the order in the human race is predetermined and directed by God. On the contrary, Taoists believed that nature is responsible for whatever order the universe has. Such conceptions are significantly and obviously different. There is a semblance of philosophic character that is evident from the two. By appealing to ehtical or moral principles, Taoism suggests that man should live in harmony with nature therefrom also implying that man should act in accordance with what nature ordained. This appears like the Natural fair play scheme.Nonetheless, Christianity upholds the Divine Command Theory which states that manâ₠¬â„¢s action and all the process in the world is ordered and commanded by God or a Divine Entity. Such regard for who or what implies the order of the universe and all its processes can be considered as a philosophical discourse. Yet such is not really explicit in Christianity. On the other hand, Taoism is most likely illustratiing how nature directs and affects the universe and all the things that lie indoors it including the human persons and their relationship among each other (Po-Tuan, 2001).Conclusion Philosophy and religion are two different spheres. Philosophy does not provide all answers to all the questions that one can give but can provide different ways and approaches on arriving at the possible answers. Religion, in contrast, tends to have answers for all man’s questions that are founded and based on particular doctrines that it has. Yet, it does not give man the chance of indirect the truthfulness of each doctrine by means of other method but faith. Confucianis m, Buddhism and Taoism are the most recognize and extensively used religions in China.But after the entrance of Christianity, the Chinese traditional culture and relgion have changed significantly due to differences that are decided from the three schools of thoughts and Christianity. The most important note here is the fact that before these schools of thought became religions themselves, they first became philosophical underpinnings which aim to make people realize the obscureness of the world. But eventually they became religions when people started to impose doctrines and rules that are grounded from these teachings in order to live harmoniously with the world.\r\n'