How do Confucian values influence everyday life in Chinese

society? In what ways are Confucian values similar to Christian

values?
Confucianism is important because it keeps Chinese society respectable and well governed.
Confucius believed in respect for elders and parents. He also believed in loving others as
you love yourself. Honour was also key to Confucianism. Confucian values are similar to
Christian values, for example honour, respect, and to treat others as you want to be treated
(Golden Rule). Confucianism is practiced in everyday Chinese society, for it keeps China
respectable and well governed.
Respect for your parents and elders is considered a very important belief in Confucianism.
Having respect means that you will obey and listen to your elders and parents. Confucius
says, without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts. The
meaning of this saying is respect is what should be required of every human, without it there
is nothing that sets us apart from animals. Chinese people apply this in everyday life by
having respect for their elders, parents, friends and rulers. In the bible it says, show proper
respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honour the emperor. 1 Peter
2:17. The meaning of this bible verse classifies the different kinds of respect you should
have for different people. Christians apply this to everyday life by showing different respect
to different people. Therefore, respect for people is important as it is a key belief in many
religions, including Confucianism and Christianity.
Honouring people who have done great things is another Confucianism belief. Honour
means to have high respect or great esteem for someone who has earnt it. The superior
man honours his virtuous nature, and maintains constant inquiry and study, seeking to carry
it out to its breadth and greatness, so as to omit none of the more exquisite and minute
points which it embraces, and to raise it to its greatest height and brilliancy. That quote from
Confucius means that man should be honoured for doing great things and having great
things. Chinese people apply this to everyday life by respecting and honouring rich, great,
and worthy people. But Christianity talks about honouring none but God because he is the
most important thing in the world, To the king of the ages, immortal, invincible, the only
God, be honour and glory forever and ever. Bible verse; 1 Timothy 1:17. Christians apply
this bible verse to everyday life by honouring God and respecting other people. Honouring
people who have done great things and honouring God is an important value.
The golden rule is an important and popular rule to live by. It is a rule that should be followed
to ensure successfulness, it is also a biblical rule, \do as you would be done by, (Matthew
7:12). Confucius states, what one does not wish for oneself, one ought not to do to anyone
else; what one recognises as desirable for oneself, one ought to be willing to grant to
others. This saying means that we should treat others how we would like to be treated.
Chinese people apply this rule to their everyday lives, coming out as successful. In the Bible
it says, so whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the law
and the Prophets. This Bible verse is very similar to the quote from Confucius. Christians

apply this saying to everyday life by loving one another. The golden rule is important and
should be considered seriously.
In conclusion, Confucianism is an interesting belief and has helped China in gaining further
respect, glory and wisdom. By giving people the required respect, society will be uplifted.
Honouring the righteous and accomplished people is a good practice to follow. The golden
rule will forever be remembered for its wisdom. Christianity and Confucianism are very
similar in their values, but Christianity is unique because we worship one holy God of all
things. Although, Chinese people still practice Confucianism because it is an ancient
tradition and is very popular throughout their culture.

Bibliography:
http://www.china-mike.com/chinese-culture/understanding-chinese-mind/confucius/
http://www.asiaeducation.edu.au/curriculum/histoy/details/learning-from-confucius
http://asiasociety.org/education/confucianism
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/opinion/2010-01/14/content_9317906.htm
http://www.worldofquotes.com/author/Confucius/4/index.html
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A12&version=ESV
http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Tim%201.17
http://www.azquotes.com/quote/434393
http://www.azquotes.com/author/3177-Confucius/tag/honor
https://gotquestions.org/Bible-honor.html
http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Honor