Confucianism

by Jennifer Oldstone-Moore

Six centuries before the birth of Jesus, a Chinese sage named Master Kong or Kong Fuzi (later latinized to Confucius) drafted the principles of a society founded upon virtue. For more than two thousand years, Kong Fuzi's work has remained the foundation of Chinese civilization.
In this lavishly illustrated volume, Jennifer Oldstone-Moore takes readers on an insightful tour of this enduring belief system. Not quite a religion, more than a philosophy, Confucianism coexists with Daoism and Buddhism in Chinese spiritual life, guiding personal relations and social
structure. Oldstone-Moore explains the essence of Confucian belief--the primary importance of filial relations, and the need for governments to be founded upon virtue--and she underscores the overarching importance of the Confucian canon. Though Confucius's own sayings are preserved in the Analects,
he saw himself as an editor and mediator of the wisdom of antiquity, which he gathered in the Six Classics and Four Books, which stress harmony in the social order. The author sheds much light on these texts--The Book of Changes, the Classic of History, the Classic of Poetry, the Spring and Autumn
Annals, the Book of Rites, and the now-lost Classic of Music--and also discusses the role of heroes (such as the Sage Kings), rituals and the Chinese calendar, sacred places, and Confucianism's place as a state religion through much of Chinese history.
No society on earth has had the continuous history--as a single people, culture, and state--that China enjoys. One of the keys to that unity, to China's very identity, is Confucianism, deftly elucidated in this attractive, informative volume.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction

112 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought that Jennifer Oldstone-Moore's Confucianism was a useful, beginning guide to understanding the origins and background of the religious tradition of Confucianism.

I would say, however, that I wish that it were a bit longer and more detailed--it is definitely for the complete beginner more than one wanting a handbook of sorts. And while it had decent chapter breakdowns by subject, it could have been organized better with subheadings within each chapter.

I do not regret reading this text, but those wishing for something more detailed and thorough may wish to read a more intermediate guide.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really just a survey, and it only deals with its topics in the lightest, simplest ways, but it gets the job done in getting things started. From here, I feel like I can go on to a more in-depth book without feeling overwhelmed, since I now in part understand some of the core ideas of Confucianism.

[Denise F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice short, easy read covering the basics of Confucianism at the highest level. Covers key themes such as history, beliefs values, sacred texts, etc. Some nice illustrations and enty of useful references to signpost to further reading or sources of understanding.

[Michal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not very well written - I'm not sure how much more I know about the subject.

[Greg Soden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and easy breakdown of the basics!