Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1914-04-04
For Sunday Reading
al Sorts Of Opinions
Confucianism,

The editor of the Congregatonal1st
{Boston} first reminds his readers that
"Confucianism is the least religious OF
Religions little more, in fact, than
an ethical system. combining rever-
ence for parents. ancestors, and other
great men with vague recognition OF
other-worldly powers which have never
been personalized' He then explains
that President Yuan Shi Kafs deter
mination to restore the confucian prac-
tice as the established religion Of China
rests, apparently. on three considera-
tons:
Zone Is the observed relaxation in
the popular moral code since the revo-
luton. The Confucian ideal Of the ruler
as parent CT his people and so re-
eponsible for their correction and In
struction in righteousness would make
strong appeal to any educated and
governing nan OF China. Yuan Is OF
the north. where Confucianism is
strongest and ne commits himself to
the least possible amount OF dogma In
adopting it as national religion. while
he restores to full authority the tradi-
tfonal codes Of practical morality. An
other motive seems to be desire to
strengthen his position by an appeal
popularity All luSutikS 1NS 1iiH
self with the most Chinese OF all
Chinese products. third. We may
guess, is the opportunity the great an
nual festivals and offerings at the
worship of heaven give him to appear
in the place as high priest Of the
nation once occupied by the emperors
and to secure to himself the prestige
that nationally representative charac-
ter win give He is not TO wear the
crown. but otherwise he will be in the
sight OF all China a. his former mas
ter. the Manchu emperor"
This editor then makes this optt-
mistic comment:
1--WE have never desired or expected
that christianity would be made the
legally established religion OF China
We do not believe in established re-
ligions Christianity must make It's
way into the love and loyalty OF the
Chinese people. The practical question
is of the effect which this re-estabitsh-
ment ct Cnnfucianism viii have upon
that forward march OF the faith. Con-
fucianism is certainly less Objectionable
than religious anarchy II may be
treated. aside from the sacrifices. az
the mere code of public ethics which
| it really is II there is no withdrawal
of free worship and confession and no
| state compulsion put upon christians
| in the service Of the government, we
| hardly see how the work of the mis-
/ sions can ne seriously hindered by this
| decision. The real struggle of the faith
| of Christ IN China viii be with Budd-
hism and. perhaps. in the west WITH
| a revived Accommodation"
Peking, China. March l5.-Accom-
panying recent mandates by the presi'
dent and certain provincial officials
prescribing worship OF heaven and o.
! CONTIGUOUS there Is one explaining thai
| China has not adopted a state religion
The documents attract wide interes
! because OF the long controversy tc
! which they come as at least TEN
! porary termination. They are taker
as a declaration by the president, ane
while his government intends to wor'
| ship in the way Chinese government!
I have worshipped for centuries. it viii
E! not interfere with religions OF those