THE FAMILY INSTITUTION AND ITS ROLE IN EDUCATION FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE CONFUCIUS RELIGION

Abstract

This paper examines the concept of family and its relationship with marriage and education from the perspective of the Confucius Religion. The author discusses the importance of love and benevolence (Ren), of glorifying Tian (Almighty God) and of ethics, as some of the elements in education that strengthen a family unit. In his research, the author applies a qualitative methodology that analyses related wTitten materials critically and textually. Findings reveal that according to Confucius, the goal of education is to become fully human - one who learns and pursues the Confucian core values (ren, yi, Ii, zhi, and xin) - and cultivates and practices them in his day-to-day living. This education, imbued with benevolence, is the manifestation of the family institution. Keywords: Marriage, family, values, Confocianism, religion.