Kwon,+Yoo+JinE2012

media type="file" key="My Journey in Religion .m4v" width="300" height="300"

Confucianism in Every Day life.

Video Link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ay1gNmM0CGA

RELIGION INTERVIEW I interviewed my Chinese friend who I had met at my summer camp last year.

1. Do you believe in any religion or any sort of faith. Why or why not?

Yes. I am a devote Christian. I believe in my religion because it gives me strength when I am weak, also, its teachings help me become a better person everyday.

2. If so, how were you influenced into believing that religion?

My father and mother are both very devote Christians. It was the first religion that I was introduced to and basically the only religion that I was brought up with. Also, I went to a private Catholic Elementary School, so from a young age, I was taught much about catholicism.

3. Did your religion affect you throughout your life as you grew older and adapted to the social environment?

Now that I think of it, in some ways, my religion really influenced me because I met a lot of people who influence my life now from the Church I go to. Also, I met a lot of friends in high school who shared the same beliefs as me therefore became closer to me.

4. What do you believe to be the most important belief of your faith? What holds you on to your religion?

I believe the most important belief as a Christian are the ten commandments. They speak of all that is true and all that must be kept for a better and safer society.

5. Were you taught Taoism, Buddhism or Confucianism as part of your education

Yes, in my middle school, we had a separate Confucianism class which highlighted the importance of respect to elders and manners. My Elementary school also taught Confucianism not directly but in ways to respect the teachers, adults and the elders. Also, since education is so important in all schools, I guess confucianism existed all throughout my life.

6. Do you practice Confucianism in your life often? How do you think confucianism differs/varies throughout different countries/nations?

Yes, I respect my elders and focus on education and studying. I think some confucian beliefs do exist in America as well but not as much as it is in Asian countries.

7. How has any of the following teachings, Buddhism, Confucianism or Taoism influenced your life in China?

Confucianism has influenced my life throughout my everyday lives, for they are the main core of my country’s beliefs. Buddhism has also influenced my life for a lot of my relatives are Buddhist and their teachings amazed me. It was similar to Christianity but somewhat difficult to get close to, it seemed holy but hard to take a step into.

8. What religion is takes a bigger part of Chinese society? Buddhism or Christianity?

Both are about similar but I guess christianity is growing more and more.

9. Are there any religions apart from your religion that you think speaks true of your beliefs?

Yes, If I had a second chance, i would believe in Buddhism. Though I am not strong enough to stick to all of its beliefs, Buddhism appeals to me because it speaks equally to all people.

10. To what extent is your life influenced by the teachings of your religion as well as some other major religions in your country?

Confucianism and Christianity influences my life in a way that without them, I would not have had a set of core beliefs that tell me right from wrong and the right person to be friends with and the right person to be.