Confucianism and Christianity as a representative of Chinese and Western culture, in the way of thinking and behavior are different, the Confucian doctrine of the doctrine of the mean, do not go to extremes, the pursuit of harmony and stability, the inclusion of foreign culture. While the Christian advocate competition, easy go to extremes, the pursuit of power and against the rejection of alien culture, comparison. It is the Confucian doctrine of the mean and the Christian worship fighting thoughts, to a certain extent also showed different in Western civilization.
The historical evolution of the Confucian doctrine of the mean
Confucius thinks that the doctrine of the mean is the highest moral realm: "the doctrine of the mean is the virtue, and it goes on! The fresh long. "Confucius doctrine concerns on, such as" Book of Songs "the praise of" Guanju "is" joyous but not indecent, said a person mournful but not distressing. "The character style," quality wins the wild, enterprise quality is history. Wen Zhibinbin, then gentleman." Confucius advocated the "golden mean", made a deal with the scale of the problem, advocating impartial, stressed that "too far". "Not with the Bank of China, will also kuangjuan between! Mad Juan has not aggressive, too." In his opinion, mad, Juan is not desirable, in the middle path can make a difference. "Analects of Confucius advanced" recorded Confucius's evaluation of students. Confucius and a son Zhang Zi Xia, too, a less than two people, each end are extreme, so they say "too far". In Confucius's view, everything should be in moderation as the standard, this is no more avoid leaning to either side. Confucius said: "the knowledge and shun! Shun ask and observe you, hidden evil and virtue, hold both ends, with which to the people. It was thought that Shun it!" (the golden mean)! Shun seoul! In the days of the listing, bow to a turn. The world of poverty, Tianlu forever end." ("the Analects of Confucius," Yao) Confucius advocated that we should be "hold both ends, with which to the people", so "to a turn" became a concept and approach advocated by Confucius.
"Moderation" is China's first article is devoted to the doctrine of the mean, according to Confucius's thought that, it further developed the doctrine of mean of Confucius theory, thus become crucial in Confucianism classics. "The doctrine of the first chapter the writer explains:" the passions without hair, hair and all that; in that day, and. Also, under heaven; and also those of the world of road also. In moderation, heaven and earth will, everything sterile." The "golden mean" for the first time the "link" and heaven and humanity, to regulate the human nature and the passions such feelings according to clarify the way of neutralization. First proposed the "no" and "section and the" two propositions, and asserted that "in" is big, "and" is up to the road, finally tried to describe "to" effect and the highest level of.
Mencius as "Confucius Dynasty", and directly by Zisi inherited their nature, the doctrine of the mean thought. Meng Zi said: "Yang Ziqu for me, pull 10 Fen and benefit the world, not for. Mo-tse love, fervor to benefit the world. Zi Mo Zhizhong nearly Zhizhong, they have no right, still hold one also. The evil hold one, for it is also a thief, to give up and waste hundred also." In Mencius view, Yang Zhu for me, Mo-tse, the former king without universal love, no husband, who love the poor, Mencius think they're too extreme, do not meet the "moderation" of the road.
It can be seen that the core idea of the Confucian doctrine of the mean is the moderation of thought and behavior. Reflected in things, require a high degree of unity of principle and flexibility, opposes not flexible complacent, also opposed no principle of wind.
Two, Confucianism and thought of the four-dimensional embodiment
The thought of Confucianism is mainly embodied in its re cultivation, light war and punishment
"Analects of Confucius" records, "the son of the cautious: Zhai, war, disease." ("the Analects of Confucius and the" war) is a matter of life and death, Confucius very cautious.
Confucius said, "feed", "foot soldiers" and "man" is the 3 political event, and the 3 and the order of priority, to remove one, Confucius first advocated "to soldiers". When Confucius asked the army of Wei Ling array method, Confucius did not hesitate to say "the sacrificial rites things, but I say; military affairs have not learned." ("the Analects of Confucius" Wei Ling) and second days left now. Its cautious attitude towards war is evident. In addition, Ji Kang asked the government to Confucius said: "if no road kill, by the way, how about?" Confucius said: "for the government, why kill? The son wants to be good and the people are good. The gentleman wind, small virtue grass, wind grass will fall." ("the Analects of Confucius" when Confucius opposed) sanguinariness, advocated "governing by Morality". The people as long as the example, good management in government, people will have to follow the wind as obedience to the grass, the grass will pour down the wind.
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Compared with Confucius, Meng Zi advocates peace, the tendency to oppose war is more distinct. Mencius advocating people-oriented, that "people are the most, followed by state, king of light" ("Mencius, dedicated"). The implementation of the people will pay attention to and cherish the people's lives, the ruler can not be easily deprived of people's lives. The people based on the principle that "Mencius unjust wars". The spring and Autumn period of the war, to compete for the city, territory, often lead to "struggle to fight, fight to the city war, bodies of the killed lie everywhere; kill yingcheng." This Mencius angrily condemned: "the so-called land cannibal crime rate, not to die! Because he should take, even the princes of the first monarch as the second land grass levin." ("Mencius - Li Lou") Mencius against "on", advocate "saying", and "Virtue" and "on" as the difference between King and overbearing. In the Warring States hegemony, mergers and frequent wars in the background, Mencius respected benevolent and kingly way, against the unjust war thought is precious.
(two) "harmony" is the principle of Confucianism dealing with the relationship between countries
The Confucian advocates "and" is to solve the relationship between country and country principle, advocate "harmony", "harmony" was first seen in "Shangshu Yaodian", "Yao said hoon, kinmei Ann Evans, let Yun Gong, light is four meter, to the upper and lower case. Cumming Jung De to the pro jiuzu. Both jiuzu mu, Ping Zhang people. People Zhaoming, Xiehe vanba." "Tex" refers to the "Qin people have both talent and virtue," refers to the highest seriousness, "Ming" means coming, "Christine" means "let" careful, not arrogant, these are the specific objectives De Jun de ". "De" social function is Qinmu jiuzu, Xiehe vanba, obtained the world universal harmony. [1]317 -318 Saint Matilda clearly point to the king the order in the world ", and" not only is jiuzu mu, Ping Zhang people ", in order to achieve peace and harmony within the world is" harmony ", in order to achieve peace and harmony between nations. With the "book of history" is regarded as one of the "Five Classics", the State advocates the principle of relationship has gradually been accepted by rulers. The Confucian concept of "harmony and unity" has promoted the integration of all ethnic groups and harmonious exchanges between countries.
The Confucian harmony of thought, the most vividly reflected in the construction of the tributary system. For neighboring countries, as long as that of Middle Kingdom authority and its tributary to Central Plains, don't force the land directly the Kingdom, come to the national tribute envoy and the king, the Central Plains Kingdom largess is tribute to several times, it is a "thick to thin" ("Li Ji - mean") also. In the western's process, to mutual benefit and even bargain to carry out the principles of international trade, and not by the force of the big oppressing the small and the strong bullying the weak. It also highlights the Confucian "soft one" ("book of Rites" the concept of peace).
(three) the law of the relationship between man and nature
The Confucian "expensive and" embodied in the relationship between man and nature level, mainly refers to the "heaven". The "fusion and unity" to emphasize the natural combination of heaven and man, "the universe as a whole" ("Henan Cheng Testament" Volume II). Confucius said: "heaven does not speak? Yet the four seasons, all things grow, heaven does not speak ("the Analects of Confucius" goods "). In the view of Confucius, and all the operation and growth are natural, human beings should recognize and follow the laws of nature, and not to violate. "The Analects of Confucius and the statement" contained: "the son of fishing, but not the class, Ge does not shoot." "The Analects of Confucius Yong also" set: "mountain, water." Confucius even think "break a tree, kill a beast, not at the time, not filial piety also." ("the book of rites Festival justice" will treat the attitude of biological) increased to the extent of filial piety. Ziyi had said "when cutting trees in animals to kill Yan, Yan" ("book of Rites" cult) Mencius inherited Confucius "Pan loving public and benevolence" ("Analects) benevolence idea, advocated" kiss and Jen, Jen love "(" heart "- Mencius), the benevolence", and "well, pushing already transitive, and enough animals" ("Mencius - lianghuiwang"), for the rational use of resources: "the number of rulers in more Kwu pond turtles can be eaten; when the axes to the mountains, trees without using" ("Mencius Leung king"). Xunzi Hui also said: "every life between heaven and earth, flesh belongs to have knowledge, knowledge is not love" ("Xunzi theory", the ritual) of human compassion radiation to the creature, which makes life a respect and Paul Emotion of protecting living creature. Later, the song Confucian Zhang Zhang to promote "the people of my compatriots, and I also" ("is Mongolian, said"), but also to follow the "harmony between man and nature" concept.
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(four) "expensive" is the principle of dealing with interpersonal relationships
Confucianism holds that "harmony" is not only a basic principle to deal with the relationship between people, but also a effective way to mediate the conflicts of interest between people. Confucius advocated "the function of ritual harmony" ("Analects)." harmony "concept is expressed by the ceremony. Confucius to archery as a metaphor: "the gentleman without contention, will shoot almost! To rise, and drink. The dispute is also a gentleman!" ("the Analects of Confucius eight Yi") that the gentleman in the fierce competition in archery can live together in peace together, this dispute is with due respect, gentleman dispute. Confucius also put forward specific methods of harmonious interpersonal relationships, is this way - "the One principle runs through it all. Yuli written for the people, he seeks to reach Master", "do unto others". According to the principle of Tao, in order to achieve the "no poor, and no less" ("on the ideal of Ce Tis").
When the fan Chi asked Jen, Confucius replied: "love" ("the Analects of Confucius". Mencius known) and later developed into the "benevolent love", Mencius said:
"The benevolent love, respect and courtesy, love, people love; respect people, are respected." ("Mencius and IVB") are to love others as the starting point, praised the "old I old and the old person, young people and the young" ("Mencius - lianghuiwang"), and achieve the harmony between people, so the day as location, terrain and better ". All in all, Confucianism "and" as deal with the relationship between people, the ultimate goal is to realize "providing for the elderly, have to use strong, the young director, pity, widowed, lonely and disabled people who have no support." ("book of Rites") Datong ideal.
Needs to be emphasized is that the Confucian "doctrine" and "is often thought and closely linked to each other, complement each other, constitute the Confucian" doctrine of the mean value and is "deep, and subtly shaped by Confucianism edification Chinese spiritual atmosphere.
Three, the worship of Christianity
(a) the ideological roots of the Christian worship
The thought of Christian worship is deeply rooted. Christians believe soul is two yuan and two yuan in opposition, opposition and soul makes the Christian flesh and spirit have strong inner tension, the tension in the spirit and the flesh of people to achieve harmony, "the formation of Christian worship fighting" character played a role in the promotion of Christian worship; human nature of this crime, bear the original sin of people only rely on the grace of God can be saved, so expect through the "Christian worship fighting" secular efforts to obtain the grace of god. In addition, the Christian monotheism Monotheism and extreme hostility model, heresy, pride and only show also reflects the "worship fighting" feature. At the same time, Christians have extremely strong and fanatical missionary spirit, the spirit of the need for "worship is still struggle" to achieve.
(two) the four dimensional embodiment of Christian worship of power
1 the worship of Christianity is embodied in the war against heresy
In the foreign cults in war, "Christian worship fighting" nature of the performance of the most classic than "crusade". Because the Christian holy city of Jerusalem into the Islamists, in order to recapture Jerusalem from the Islamic world, the Pope of Rome in the name of religion, to defend the feudal lords and the liberation of the holy land, Knights of Western Europe and what they believe is a pagan country launched a protracted war of religion.
"Crusade" from eleventh Century to thirteenth Century, which lasted nearly 200 years, after a total of 9 Crusade, the number of war as many as about 2000000 people. Staggering, puzzled, "crusade" to show the wonderful combination of lofty and sacred purpose and means of cruel sanguinariness. On the one hand, Christians with passion and purpose of jihad to war, they believe that the soul will go to heaven for the jihad to death, so they are not afraid of death; on the other hand, in order to achieve their lofty ideal of Jihad, taken in the process of means extremely cruel and barbaric, regardless of everyone, every Muslim is killed after killing. Also my belongings looted.
The fact tells us that "crusade" seems to advocate and sacred, the essence is barbaric, which greatly deepened the contradictions and conflicts between Christianity and Islam, the East and the west. In the early 90s of last century, Huntington put forward the "clash of Civilizations", which also reflected the religious roots of the conflict between the East and the west. With the "9 / 11", Christianity and Islam, further intensification of contradictions, the war in Afghanistan, the Iraq war and the Syria war are triggered at any moment, showing the Christian heresy of "worship for nature".
2 the worship of Christianity is embodied in the war of the internal sects
In the sectarian war, "Christian worship fighting" nature is most evident than the worst of the 30 years war in.1618 years to 1648 years, the German split in a large-scale outbreak of the wars of religion. War is the first between the German Protestant princes and the Catholic princes, then gradually evolved into a religious war in Western europe. Later, the war is considered to be the first international war in the history of the world. The two sides quite distinct from each other battlefield, Britain, Sweden and Denmark, Switzerland and Holland in support of the Protestant princes of Germany, Spain, Rome and the holy Empire and Rome Catholic Church to support the German Catholic princes, the war lasted 30 years, after playing 4 rounds, but ultimately did not have any side to win a decisive victory.
Until 1648, the two sides have had to compromise well-matched in strength, signed the "Treaty of Westphalia". The treaty defines the sphere of influence of Protestantism and Catholicism in central europe. This lasted 30 years of war, the German nation has lost about 60% of the population, the belligerent also suffered heavy casualties, "Christian worship fighting" nature in this field shows the wars of religion.
3 the Christian worship is embodied in the colonial expansion
The Christian world of European colonial expansion, in the pursuit of wealth, pioneering territory at the same time, also the spread of christianity. The colonists were mostly responsible for spreading the gospel. In their view, the colonial is barbaric and uncivilized, and Christian is civilized and educated. The Christian's mission is to civilize and wash the heathen and the barbarians. So they grab a holding, holding the "Bible", in the ships bombarded open colonies abroad at the same time, also knocked the colonial heart. Their arrival not only means the loss of the territory and wealth of the colony, but also leads to the decline of the colonial culture.
It can be seen that the colonial expansion of Christianity is closely connected with the spread of christianity. Under the impetus of Christian missionary spirit, Western European countries have embarked on the road of colonial expansion. The nature of the Christian worship is still evident in the colonial expansion.
4 Protestant Ethics in the business trade level highlights the Christian worship is still fighting"
One of the Protestant Calvinism praised the "duty" concept, abandoned the Catholic asceticism practice, hoping to give a personal duty of God revealed in the earthly activities. Calvin Zon also advocated the predestination, believed that in its birth before it has been God destined to the fate of the world in the afterlife, who do not know God; people in the world of work is for the glory of God; for the occupation of success, is to be established only means rescued confidence. In order to obtain the success of the Protestant occupation, competition in the commercial trade with each other, desperately create and accumulate wealth. While encouraging followers to pay attention to the production and competition, Calvin Zon prohibited extravagance and waste, and gradually formed a new creation, more production, less waste, less waste of Protestant ethics. Max Webb said, "if the ascetic attitude towards life can stand the test, the more property, the more the sense of responsibility for the glory of God to keep the property does not reduce, and make unremitting efforts to increase it." [2]160 this "advocating competition, has a strong affinity between hard work" the Protestant Ethic and the spirit of capitalism, has become the spirit of leverage to promote the spirit of capitalism development. The development of capitalism in England and Holland, to a certain extent, proves the superiority of Protestant ethics. Later Protestants came to the United States, where kaijiangtuotu, hard work, vigorously develop the commercial trade, and laid a solid foundation for the rise of the United states.
Four, the Confucian doctrine of the mean and the worship of Christianity and the struggle for comparison
Confucian introversion and the open mind of Christianity
The Confucian culture was born in a relatively closed geographical environment. The southwest of China and the West are the high Tibetan Plateau, east of the Pacific Ocean, the north and the northwest are barren and barren Mongolia plateau. The limited blood lineage barriers, coupled with its restraining, slow development of commodity economy, the geographical and cultural factors in Confucianism exudes introverted, advocating moderation is attitude and. This inner state of mind has also led to its own self protection and light external expansion, does not promote foreign wars. In the Confucian view, militaristic style outward conquest is unjust. In foreign relations, Confucianism advocates "harmony", "peace, to give more and get less" to carry out foreign relations, not to external expansion, also does not pursue the system or ideology upon others, hoping to use "mean and is" the concept of "Peace Day" lofty ambition. We have seen that the Confucian doctrine of "the doctrine of the mean" and "the doctrine of the mean" show a kind of introverted mentality.
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Contrary to the Confucian closed geographical form, the emergence of Christianity in open ocean civilization, the center for the vastness of the Mediterranean, west the Atlantic is endless, the other 3 is a vast land, such as geographical conditions, Christianity provides a broad space for development. In addition, the marine civilization of the Christian world commodity economy is relatively developed, the foreign expansion of the strong desire, universality and Christianity has prompted Christians actively reach out to others: "you have to go and make disciples of all nations, in the name of the father, the son and the Holy Spirit in the name of baptizing them" ("Matthew 28: 19)," you will receive power, and in Jerusalem, all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth as my witness "(" acts "1: 8). In the call of God, not afraid of difficulties and hardships to embark on a Christian missionary road. So, from a Jewish Christian heresy, Jewish breakthrough, stretching to the west Mediterranean, the development of Rome Empire, and later accompanied by colonial activities in real world, become worthy of the name of a universal religion. The evolution of the surge high and sweep forward open, fully demonstrated the characteristics of the.
(two) Confucianism's tolerance for heresy and Christianity's rejection of heresy
Westerners think "everything in its effect on the enemy", Chinese believes that "all its role in and through the [3]454. access and enlightened liberal Confucian benevolence, advocating moderation in peace, to culture, although there is also criticism of heresy of speech (such as Meng Zibi Yang Mo), but on the whole, adhere to the" harmony but not Sameness "," the precious "concept, that the thought is" consistent and 100 into account to a large extent, different ways to the same." Hence, combined with Legalism and Taoism, Buddhism into Confucianism, Confucianism and Tao, even coexist with Christianity and Islam, which constitute the characteristics of Confucian culture all-embracing. Buddhism and Taoism 3 in the history of long-term coexistence, mutual absorption, and ultimately to the "Three Religions", but did not appear between the various religious sects in western countries are sharp and brutal struggle, and the dominant Confucian insist on tolerance and attitude are closely related, seek common ground. Secondly, as the Mongols and Manchus alien has entered the Central Plains, the establishment of the dynasty, but its culture and later to a large extent by the Confucian culture and integration, and ultimately in the Confucian culture as the standard.
At the same time, the Confucian culture "on", against its spread of peace, because of "saying", many countries envoys will come to accept the education, not the spread of Christianity that experienced the baptism of fire and sword.
Christian monotheism which produces a kind of arrogance, either this or that not the enemy or friend's mode of thinking. No Christian inclusion for heresy, good to go to extremes, "the righteous see foes rejoice" ("Bible, psalm"), which triggered a brutal war between Christianity and Islam and other religions (such as the Crusades, killing the Jews). Christianity not only reject external heresy, its internal factions for many to resort to force to resolve the internal between Christian Catholic and Orthodox, Protestant religious war in the history of two yuan to fight in an unbroken line, has been thinking either this or that the Christian world of bone marrow, fully demonstrated its rejection of heresy "worship for nature".
(three) Confucian "harmony between man and nature" and the "heaven and man" of Christianity in two points"
Confucian "doctrine of the mean and is reflected in the relationship between man and nature, is a respected" harmony ", that man and nature depend on each other, human should deep reverence and respect for nature, and strive to" Heaven's Genesis ", and" heaven and earth parameters. On the contrary, there is a strong Christian the human center doctrine, praised the "heaven two", emphasizing the conquest of nature, fully reveal the "worship for nature".
According to the "Bible, Genesis" discussion, God created everything in the world, but in the creation, only human beings are created in the image of God, who can be said to be "the soul of the universe, the God of joy.
In the view of Christianity, man is the master of nature, the nature is created by God to serve people, the rule of human nature is sacred, absolute. Moore Terman said, "because only through man's command of the earth can man be like God, the Lord of the world. Just as God is the Lord and owner of the whole world, man must also work to become the Lord and owner of the earth, to confirm that man and God are alike."
So Liang Shuming thought that "the separation of nature is a major feature of Western culture." [5]335 so Christianity "draws out a nature, and man is opposed to it."." [5]319 also Christians believe God only has divinity, against animism, since no divine nature, human beings can justifiably conquer nature for your service. As Moore Terman put it, Christianity through the concept of nature without the soul of God from the world to lead, and let the world by human mercy mercy."
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(four) the weather of Confucian "moral man" and the "economic man" of Christianity
Inspired by the Confucian "doctrine of the mean and the impact is" thinking, to maintain a harmonious relationship between people and people, reflected in the business activities that people generally advocate "harmony, Friendliness is conducive to business success., not too much emphasis on competition. In order to suppress the excessive money, the Confucianist advocated to righteousness "," Se "," gentleman Yu Yuyi, Xiaoren Yu Yu Li. "These ideas and shaping the Confucian" moral person "in the success of the style at the same time, also constitute a China traditional social economic activities, light heavy harmonious competition cultural foundation.
In the view of Protestant, a part of mankind can be saved, and the other part is not saved, the salvation of men and not in the "justification by faith" at the same time, also depends on whether to obtain the corresponding achievements in the world, with the full glory of god. Man's devotion to God and the glory of God's desire to bring together the economy. "As long as the correct boundaries in the form of, as long as the moral character and the use of flawless white jade in the wealth blameless, bourgeois industrialists can seek money at the same time, feel this is an obligation that must be completed." [2]166, in order to create more wealth, to a greater extent the glory of God, the relationship between people and people generally tight, fierce competition between each other, to form the Christian "economic man" weather, highlights the "Christian worship for nature".
epilogue
Confucian "doctrine of the mean is" and "Christian worship fighting" fully demonstrates the different characteristics between the spirit, to reveal the value of the pursuit of each other. Through the analysis of historical evolution and the Confucian doctrine of the mean thought is Confucian thought and in 4 dimensions reflected, can touch the Confucian "doctrine still and" hidden deep spirit; ideological roots "Analysis on Christian worship fighting" and in 4 dimensions can be fully reflected, insight into the Christian context lineage "worship force still struggle"; the Confucian "doctrine of the mean is" and "Christian worship fighting" in 4 dimensions, a systematic comparison of the difference can be fully and even conflict. However, if you believe Confucian and Christian spirit of "harmony but not Sameness" values, "all rivers run into sea" inclusive attitude dialogue, mutual understanding and cognition will be further deepened, so as to lay the spiritual foundation for the cultural exchanges and integration.
Reference
[1] chen. Ancient religion and Ethics: the root cause of Confucianism [M]. life, reading, and new knowledge, 2009
[2] Max Webb. Protestant Ethics and the spirit of capitalism [M]. Sichuan people's publishing house, 1986
[3] Qian Muwei. Study of blind speech [M]. Guangxi Normal University press, 2004
[4] J. Ecological crisis: does nature enjoy peace? [M]/ / Liu Xiaofeng, editor in chief. In twentieth Century the Western religious philosophy Anthology (2). Shanghai University Press, 1991
[5] liang. The essence of Chinese culture [M]. Shanghai: Shanghai people's publishing house, 2003