ConfucianismConfucianism is a major system of thought in China It developed from the teachings of Confucius (551-479 BC). Though not one of the “big five” world religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism), and with probably less than 500 million adhirants, Confucianism, had a large influence on Chinese thought and life. It has shaped much of the cultural outlook of the Orient, even spreading to Japan, Korea, and several other eastern countries.Some call Confucianism a philosophy of life and not a religion. There is not church or priesthood, and Confucius himself never claimed deity.

The central concept of Confucianism can be summed up with the word “jen”. Jen basically means social virtue. Their rule of thumb closely resembles the golden rule “What you do not want done to yourself, do not do unto others.” As with all false religions, it is based on works, not grace. Their most noted Symbol means total harmony and righteousness. Confucius aspired

“To be able under all circumstances to practice five things constitutes perfect virtue; these five things are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness and kindness” This would constitute the Virtuous Man.

This Virtuous Man has three awes: An awe for Heaven’s decree

An awe for great men An awe for saint’s words

Little is known of the man Confucius. He was likely from a wealthy land-owning family that was forced t o take up a trade as they fell upon hard times. He lost his father at a young age. Through frugal living, his mother was able to provide him with a good education. He became a teacher, offering instruction in all six subjects (history, poetry, government, propriety, music, and divination).1

Tradition tells us that he attempted to secure a high-level government position, and upon failing, traveled around with his disciples. He was entertained and treated honorably by most lords and kings but never taken too seriously. He came upon two realizations that drove him to seek reformation. The first realization was that China at his time was disturbingly corrupt. He also believed that the moral condition of his country was not beyond salvage. In short, man’s behavior had become corrupt, but not man himself.

Confucius promoted a society that was family based and powered by virtue. He outlined how each of the five great human relationships was to be undertaken:1. Kindness in the father; filial piety in the son.2. Gentility in the eldest brother; humility and respect in the

younger.3. Righteous behavior in the husband; obedience in the wife.4. Humane consideration in elders; deference in juniors.5. Benevolence in rulers; loyalty in ministers and subjects.2

Unity, harmony, and order are all central concepts of Confucianism. When wives and children and their sires are one,‘Tis like the harp and lute in unison.

A prince by courteous carriage may createConcord in court and order in the state.

We see then how ancestral worship is engrained in both culture and religion. Confucius once remarked, “The Emperor Wu and his brother, Duke Chou, were indeed eminently pious men….

“In spring and autumn they repaired and put in order the ancestral temple, arranged the sacrificial vessels, exhibited the regalia and heirlooms of the family, and presented the appropriate offerings of the season…

“To gather in the same place where our father before us have gathered; to perform the same ceremonies which they before us have performed; to play the same music which they before us have played; to pay respect to those whom they have honored; to love those who were dear to them—in fact, to serve those now dead as if they were living, and now departed as if they were still with us: this is the highest achievement of true filial piety.”

A Superior Man is motivated to practice li because he is realizing his own goodness or uprightness. Though some of Confucius’s writing bear witness of a truly humble spirit, others do not. He is said to have calmly stated, “At fifteen I had my mind bent on learning. At thirty I stood firm. At forty I had no doubts. At fifty I knew the decrees of Heaven. At sixty my ear was an obedient organ for the reception of truth. At seventy I could do what my heart desired

1 Noss, 430.2 Noss, 351.

without transgressing what was right.” This gives us a glimpse of interior righteousness resulting in exterior virtue.

The ancients who wished to cause their virtue to shine forth first ordered well their own states. Wishing to order well their states, they first regulated their families. Wishing to regulate their families, they first cultivated their persons. Wishing to cultivate their persons, they first rectified their thoughts. Wishing to be sincere in their thoughts, they first extended to the utmost their knowledge. Such extension of knowledge lay in the investigation of things. Things being investigated, their knowledge became complete. Their knowledge being complete, their thoughts were sincere. Their thoughts being sincere, their hearts were then rectified. Their hearts being rectified, their persons were cultivated. Their persons being cultivated, their families were regulated. Their families being regulated, their states were rightly governed. Their states being rightly governed, the whole kingdom was made tranquil and happy.

Most of what we know about Confucius comes from the Four Books.1. The Analects. This is a collection of saying and quotes. Not all can be ascribed to

Confucius.2. The Great Learning. This concerns itself with the education of gentlemen.3. The Doctrine of the Mean. This presents the philosophical presuppositions of Confucian

Theology. Deals with the relation of human nature to the underlying moral order of the universe.

4. The Book of Mencius. A selected collection of writings and saying from the earliest disciples of Confucius.

Scriptures to consider when dealing with Confucianism:

Transcendence of God. (Isaiah 55:9) Sin nature of Man. (I Corinthians 15:22, Romans 3:23, John 3:19, Jeremiah 17:9) Ancestral worship. (Hebrews 9:27, Exodus 39:14, Matthew 4:10)

Ancient China

As is common in any culture, Chinese viewed their country as the center of the world. This was easily done since the earth was thought of as a flat disc. In fact, the further from their emperor’s palace one went, the less civilized and advanced the society was thought to be. This assumption was not entirely untrue.

History records for us that the Chinese culture was the first to begin fertilizing their crops, publish a medical journal, manufacture paper, printing, gun-powder, the magnetic compass, and porcelain. Education, too, was advancing. Ancient Chinese had one of the most thorough theories of evolution in mythology. They proposed a materialist system in which order came from chaos. The supposed sequence of their evolution progressed from the simplest plants

upward through grubs, insects, birds, leopards, horses, and men. It is an example of what is perhaps the oldest and most valiant attempt to explain the world without a Sovereign Creator.

To conclude that Chinese were irreligious, however, would be incorrect. Noss states, “Perhaps no people have gone to such lengths to keep the good spirits on their side as the Chinese, because no people have been more afraid of demons.”3 Awed by the order and precision of the universe, they held to a “natural piety” when they viewed the dome of stars or growth of their crops. It was precisely the elements created by God to drive men to Him that birthed their pantheistic world view.

The Concept of Tao

The now well-known yin-yang, however, was merely an observation, not an operation The reality of harmony did not explain the reason for harmony. The source of this unity was attributed to Tao. Literally, Tao means a “way” or “road”.4 According to their thinking, the way in which the universe runs must have existed before the universe itself did. This all-powerful cosmic guidance for order became the “way”, or tao. The Tao is good, and overcomes evil in the long run like water overcomes the hardness of rock.

The sacredness of objects quickly led to earth-worship. Every village in China would have a mound of dirt thought to be sacred. It was from this mount that the she, or fertility strength of the region was drawn. Every state and province had a large mound, on which different ceremonies and earth-worship took place.

As this ancient religion developed, the earth became less significant, yielding the spotlight to the heavens. While the earth contained spirits, the heavens contained great Spirits. While the earth was yin, the heavens were yang. The heavens favor because so significant that the emperors took the name T’ien Tzu, or “son of Heaven”. He was responsible for offering annual sacrifices for the wrongs of the people at the Alter of Heaven. Of course, this only increased their influence and power over the people.

3 Noss, 3044 Noss, 298.

Case Study: The Reconstruction of a Religion

Those who mistrust religion as a tool to control the masses have their greatest fear confirmed in the Chinese emperor Chen Tsung (997-1017 AD). He had lost face when he was forced to sign a peace treaty with an invading group of nomads of the Kitan Tartars who came pouring over the Great Wall. When a court official suggested he brazenly fabricate a “revelation from heaven”, he decided religion would be his political tool.15 In 1008 a yellow silk scroll was found hanging from the roof of the palace. Emperor Tsung personal oversaw its removal, and dispatched messengers throughout the kingdom with the news. From is heavenly revelation he implemented a series of religious observances that were well received by his people.16

Many spirits were identified. The good spirits were called shen, while the evil ones were kwei. Ancient China demonstrates superstition at its best, with magic, Taoist priests, and exorcism

common to this day. Light and daytime were easily identified with the good spirit. The rooster, with obvious links to morning, became a sacred animal. Images of this animal, if placed on top of ones house, would assure only good spirits would

enter. Even its blood had healing powers, and if smeared over the heart could heal one from heart trouble.5 Fireworks, too, helped fend off evil. This was especially important on special days like new years.

There is likely no other place in the world where ancestor-worship is more prominent than in the East. Even to this day, many houses will have a family alter at which the family with gather for worship. The head of the house sacrificed at an alter, prayed to the ancients, and always seeks guidance before making major decisions.

Shinto

The religion of Shinto is thought by many to represent a way a life more than it does a set of doctrines. The word literally means “The Way of the gods”. It is only a Japanese religion, and begins with a creation myth where the islands of Japan are the first to be formed. The god multiplied in different ways until there was finally enough to fill nature. Even the leading families of the country are thought to have descended from some of the lesser deities.

Shinto was very closely aligned with the government. Much power was derived from the thought that the emperor was actually a living deity. It was only in the 20th century that Japanese government could truly be said to be secular.

5 Noss 30415 Noss, 333.16 Brian E. McKnight, Law and Order in Sung China (Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, New York, 1992) 40.

The Shinto gateway is as iconic as a church steeple or mosque’s minaret.

This influential religion had a large part in the participation of Japan and her solders in World War II. A missionary outlined what he believed to be the eight foundational principles of Shinto:6

Loyalty Gratitude courage Justice Truthfulness Politeness Reserve honor

The most honorable Bushido spirit is represented in an ancient story of “The Forty-seven Ronins”. These servants of a great lord were noble to the end. When their Lord was taken advantage of by a more powerful man, he attempted to kill him by throwing a spear. However, he missed, and was sentenced to perform hara-kiri. (Also Seppuku-stomach cutting) This was a solemn act of suicide thought to be honorable, and one that would infer favor on the ones who commits it.7

Having so taken his life, the forty-seven Ronins were honor-bound to avenge him. With trick and cunning, they captured the lord responsible for their master’s death. He was executed, and his head offered as a token of their honor. They then waited word from the government that, to atone for their deeds, they too were to commit suicide. This was done without exception.

6 Christopher Noss, Tahoku, The Scotland of Japan (Board of Foreign Missions of the Reformed Church in the United States: Philadelphia, 1918) 87-887 John Noss, 423

Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism originated in ancient Persia, currently the country or Iran, and is also known as Mazdaism. The founder of this faith was Zoroaster, who was born in 660 BC to a virgin, it is supposed, after a shaft of light visited her.8 Zoroaster received a good education but felt an inward gnawing from the deepest questions of life. He left home at 20 seeking enlightenment, and received a vision at thirty years of age on the banks of the Daitya River.9 The archangel Vohu Mana (Good Thought) ushered him into the presence of God, Ahura-Mazda, and the true faith was revealed to him. In this revelation he was given four key commands: Worship Ahura Mazda Magnify the archangels Damn the demons, and Marry the nearest relative10

The propagation of this new faith was nearly stagnant for ten years, despite the earnest teaching and example of Zoroaster. Finally a prince by the name of Vishtaspa was converted, and evangelism exploded from the courts of the monarch down to the common people.11

Beliefs

Zoroastrianism is widely seen by secularists as having vast influence on Christianity. Some would even claim to find its ideas incorporated into the Holy Bible. Though this can be confidently rejected, Zoroastrianism does agree with Christianity on a transcendent and benevolent God, the presence of evil, every person’s inner struggle with good and bad, and a final judgment before God where the wicked are damned to Hell and the righteous sent to Paradise.

However, this religion is very works based, and teaches salvation through good works, good thoughts, and good actions.

8 Edward Verstraete, The Popular Encyclopedia of Apologetics, ed. Ed Hindson and Ergun Caner (Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House Publishers, 2008) 501.9 McDowell and Stewart, 357.10 Verstraete, 501.11 John Noss, 439

Islam

Although no one knows for sure, most estimates place the Muslim population at almost a quarter of the world’s population. By anyone’s records, it is the fastest growing and second largest religion on the earth, with about 1.2 billion already confessing.

As much as any other religion, Islam is the lasting imprint of a single life. Mohammad was born in 570 AD. Christianity had become the official Roman religion about 350 years earlier at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. One hundred years earlier the last “Western Roman Emperor”, Julius Nepos, had passed away. He was born in the thriving commercial city of Mecca. Even at that time, Mecca was a holy city, due largely to the famous stone temple called Kaaba.

Mohammad’s father had died before he was born, and his mother passed away when he was only six. While still in his teens he began to travel on trading journeys into Syria with his uncle. Though a very young man, he was soon well versed in business, travel, and foreign ways. Soon he became a merchant himself and did very well. One of the people he worked for was a forty year old widow named Khadijah. She was impressed with him and had proposed to him within the year. He was 25.

He become somewhat meditative and began frequenting the caves outside of Mecca, sometime for several days at a time. At his first revelation, Gabriel appeared unto him and “pressed me so hard that I could not bear it anymore. He then released me and again asked me to read, and I replied, ‘I do not know how to read,’ whereupon he caught me again and pressed me a second time till I could not bear it anymore. He then released me and asked me again to read, but again I replied, ‘I do not know how to read…’” This was repeated several times before he was allowed to return home. When he did, tradition tells us he went straight to his house, terrified and confused. He begged his wife to cover him, which she did. Although Muhammad doubted his own sanity, his wife encouraged him that he was indeed a chosen prophet.12

12 Noss, 962.

After this period of serious doubt and fear, Mohammad began preaching to his family and relatives and then to the public at large. He though of Islam, which mean “submission”, not as a new religion, but a reviving of the one true religion that had been forsaken by the Jews and Christians. Due to increasing hardships and hostilities faced at home, the new prophet moved his growing following to the nearby town of Medina. Here he struggled with the complications of blending two cultures and peoples. Soon, old traditions of loyalty began to fade, and religious following took precedence over family and culture.

This was a necessary adjustment, for they were soon at war with their neighbors and family Mecca. Having plundered and ambushed many of the rich -caravans en route to Mecca, retaliation was inevitable. Although facing armies that outnumbered them three to one, Mohammad’s men were very disciplined and had drilled hard, and the first battle was a decisive victory.

Tensions between Mecca and Medina continued to escalate. In Mecca, all Muslims had their property confiscated. In Medina, Mohammad was busy building alliances with neighboring tribes. Two major attempts were made against the Muslims just one year apart. During the second of these, in 627, Medina was strongly fortified behind a huge trench. Sieges on an oasis are notoriously unsuccessful, and the Meccans predictably lost heart and went home.

Life was not that easy for the Banu Qurayza, a Jewish tribe that predated the Muslims. Convinced of their disloyalty, nearly all men were beheaded. Mohammad noted that this sentence was “similar to the judgment of God”. By 630, the Muslims had acquired enough military force to return to Mecca. Facing his 10,000+ well trained men, the city of Mecca surrendered to Mohammad without a fight.

Muslims Beliefs

Here is a summary of Muslim beliefs compiled by Matthew Slick (carm.org):

TermChristianity Islam

AfterlifeChristians will be with the Lord in heaven (Phil. 1:21-24), in our resurrected bodies (1 Cor. 15:50-58).   Non-Christians will be cast into hell forever (Matt. 25:46).

There is an afterlife (75:12) experienced as either an ideal life of Paradise (29:64), for faithful Muslims or Hell for those who are not.

AngelsCreated beings, non-human, some of which, fell into sin and became evil.  They are very powerful.  The unfallen angels carry out the will of God.

Created beings without free will that serve God.  Angels were created from light.

Atonement

The sacrifice of Christ on the cross (1 Pet. 2:24) whereby His blood becomes the sacrifice that turns away the wrath of God (1 John 2:2) from the sinner when the sinner receives (John 1:12), by faith (Rom. 5:1), the work of Christ on the cross.

There is no atonement work in Islam other than a sincere confession of sin and repentance by the sinner.

BibleThe inspired and inerrant word of God and preserved forever on earth. (2 Tim. 3:16).

Respected word of the prophets but the Bible has been corrupted through the centuries and is only correct in so far as it agrees with the Koran.

  CrucifixionThe place where Jesus atoned for the sins of the world.  It is only through this sacrifice that anyone can be saved from the wrath of God (1 Pet. 2:24).

Jesus did not die on the cross.  Instead, God allowed Judas to look like Jesus and he was crucified instead.

DevilA fallen Angel who opposes God in all ways.  He also seeks to destroy humanity (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezek. 28:13-15).

Iblis, a fallen jinn.  Jinn are not angels nor men, but created beings with free wills.  Jinn were created from fire, (2:268; 114:1-6).

God

God is a trinity of persons:  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  The Trinity is not three gods in one god, nor is it one person who took three forms.  Trinitarianism is strictly monotheistic.  There is no other God in existence.

God is known as Allah.  Allah is one person, a strict unity.  There is no other God in existence.  He is the creator of the universe (3:191), sovereign over all (6:61-62).

Heaven (Paradise)

The place where God dwells.  Heaven is the eventual home of the Christians who are saved by God's grace.  It is heaven because it is where God is and Christians will enjoy eternal Fellowship with Him.

Paradise to Muslims, a place of unimaginable bliss (32:17), a garden with trees and food (13:35;15:45-48) where the desires of faithful Muslims are met, (3:133; 9:38; 13:35; 39:34; 43:71; 53:13-15).

Hell

A place of torment in fire out of the presence of God.  There is no escape from Hell (Matt. 25:46).

Hell is a place of eternal punishment and torment (14:17; 25:65; 39:26), in fire (104:6-7) for those who are not Muslims (3:131) as well as those who were and whose works and faith were not sufficient (14:17; 25:65; 104:6-7).

Holy Spirit Third person of the Trinity.  The Holy Spirit is fully God in nature.

The arch-angel Gabriel who delivered the words of the Koran to Muhammad.

JesusSecond person of the Trinity.  He is the word who became flesh (John 1:1, 14).  He is both God and man (Col. 2:9).

A very great prophet, second only to Muhammad.  Jesus is not the son of God (9:30) and certainly is not divine (5:17, 75)) and he was not crucified (4:157).

Judgment Day Occurs at the second coming of Christ. Occurs on the day of resurrection where God will judge all people.  Muslims go to paradise (3:142, 183-185, 198).  All

others to hell (3:196-197).  Judgment is based on a person's deeds (5:9; 42:26; 8:29).

Koran, TheThe work of Muhammad.  It is not inspired, nor is it scripture.  There is no verification for its accurate transmission from the originals.

The final revelation of God to all of mankind given through the archangel Gabriel to Muhammad over a 23 year period.  It is without error and guarded from error by Allah.

ManMade in the image of God (Gen. 1:26).  This does not mean that God has a body, but that man is made like God in abilities (reason, faith, love, etc.).

Not made in the image of God (42:11).  Man is made out of the dust of the earth (23:12) and Allah breathed life into man (32:9; 15:29).

MuhammadA non-inspired man born in 570 in Mecca who started the Islamic religion.

The last and greatest of all prophets of Allah whose Qur'an is the greatest of all inspired books.

Original Sin

This is a term used to describe the effect of Adam's sin on his descendants (Rom. 5:12-23). Specifically, it is our inheritance of a sinful nature from Adam. The sinful nature originated with Adam and is passed down from parent to child. We are by nature children of wrath (Eph. 2:3).

There is no original sin.  All people are sinless until they rebel against God.  They do not have sinful natures.

ResurrectionBodily resurrection of all people, non-Christians to damnation and Christians are resurrected to eternal life (1 Cor. 15:50-58).

Bodily resurrection, some to heaven, some to hell (3:77; 15:25;75:36-40; 22:6).

Salvation

A free gift of God (Eph. 2:8-9) to the person who trusts in Christ and His sacrifice on the cross.  He is our mediator (1 Tim. 2:5).  No works are sufficient in any way to merit salvation since our works are all unacceptable to God (Isaiah 64:6).

Forgiveness of sins is obtained by Allah's grace without a mediator.  The Muslim must believe Allah exists, believe in the fundamental doctrines of Islam, believe that Muhammad is his prophet, and follow the commands of Allah given in the Koran.

Son of God A term used to designate that Jesus is divine though he is not the literal son of God in a physical sense (John 5:18).

A literal son of God.  Therefore, Jesus cannot be the son of Allah.

Word, The"In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God...and the word became flesh and dwelt among us..." (John 1:1, 14).

Allah's command of existence which resulted in Jesus being formed in the womb of Mary.

 The Five Pillars of Islam

The practice of Islam is built on five “sacraments” or religious observances. The faithful execution of these is what qualifies someone for Allah’s “grace”. They are believed to be the most important tenants of their belief.

Shahada: Testimony of faith

The declaration that “There is not God but Allah, and Muhammad is His Prophet” This is not only said at the time of conversion but is a daily catechism for the faithful.

Salat: Prayer

For a Muslim, prayer is more than a petition. Fives time a day all work, business, travel, or education are temporarily delayed for a time of prayer. Though mosques are open for these prayer times, many will pray where they are. If living in a Muslim community, one would hear the muezzin, or announcer of prayer giving direction to his fellow worshiper from tall towers that may or may not be connected with a mosque. Friday is the Day of Prayer, involving public gathering and is so to distinguish it from Jewish and Christian faiths.

Zakat: Alms

This is a compulsory tribute to Allah of 2.5% of their annual income which is given to needy Muslims. Zakat means “purity” or “growth”. However, the purification is not one of the person but his possessions. It is not the worshiper, but the “rest of the money” that has been purified. Horrific punishment awaits at the Day of Judgment for those who do not yield.

Sawm: Fast

Perhaps the best known Muslim practice is the yearly fast that occurs in the month of Ramadan. Due to their lunar calendar, this month will fall on every season throughout ones life time. It is done in memory of the revelation of the Koran and to give a greater appreciate for those less fortunate.

Hajj: Pilgrimage

At least once in every believer’s lifetime, every Muslim is expected to journey to Mecca during the last month of the year, Dhu al-Hijjah. This is said by some to be the most meritorious form of jihad, or struggle. For others, a six pillar of physical jihad, or conversion by the sword, is added to these five pillars.

Islam in the World Today

There is no other religious that merits the focus and study of Christians today than Islam.

Country Population % Muslim

Afghanistan 30,000,000 99

Algeria 33,000,000 99

Bangladesh144,000,00

0 88

Egypt 78,000,000 91

Ethiopia 73,000,000 48

Indonesia241,000,00

0 88

Guinea 9,000,000 85

Iran 68,000,000 99

Iraq 26,000,000 97

Jordan 6,000,000 95

Kuwait 2,000,000 85

Lebanon 4,000,000 70

Libya 6,000,000 97

Malaysia 24,000,000 60

Mali 12,000,000 90

Mauritania 3,000,000 99.9

Morocco 33,000,000 99

Niger 12,000,000 90

Nigeria129,000,00

0 50

Oman 3,000,000 99

Pakistan162,000,00

0 96

Saudi Arabia 26,000,000 100

Senegal 11,000,000 94

Sierra Leone 6,000,000 60

Somalia 9,000,000 100

Somaliland 8,000,000 100

Syria 18,000,000 88

Tajikistan 7,000,000 95

Tunisia 10,000,000 99

Turkey 70,000,000 99

Turkmenistan 5,000,000 89

United Arab Emirates 3,000,000 76

Uzbekistan 24,000,000 88

Yemem 21,000,000 99.5

1,316,000,000 88.6

Modern Trends in Islam

In his recent work, The Future of Political Islam, Graham E. Fuller breaks contemporary Islam into three primary groups.

Modernist Muslims place the greatest emphasis on allegorical interpretation of the Koran and the traditions. They consider the historical settings and try to apply general principles instead of literal interpretations. Although the term is avoided, this would be most akin to liberals in the West.

Moderate Muslims, instead of beginning with modern society and working toward to Koran, begin with the Koran and work toward modern society. They are not averse to opinions and dissent but do not wish to lose their historical moorings. They look at contemporary Christians in the West as an illustration of what happens when a religion ceases to counter the current of moral decadence.

Traditionalists, possibly the most familiar group within Islam, accept their faith de facto as it has evolved historically in each local culture. Other faiths, especially local ones, can be tolerated as long as they are not poly-theistic in nature. This group can be imagined as trying to hold the lid on change, while not always opposed to new developments when necessary to keep Islam alive.

Fundamentalists represent the most conservative element among Islamists. They oppose not only all other religions but also stand against any leftward-leaning Muslims. They see their scriptures as literally written for all time. This literalism causes them to strictly adhere to all rules of faith and strive for the establishment of an Islamic state. Within Islam, they are sometimes referred to as “revivalists”.