Final answer:
Confucianism, mistakenly considered by some to be a religion, is actually a philosophical and ethical system that originated from the teachings of Confucius. It prioritizes moral behaviors and ethical living without the aspect of religious worship, and it played a central role in ancient and historical Chinese society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Although many people consider Confucianism a religion, it is actually a philosophical and ethical system based on the teachings of the Chinese teacher, Confucius. Confucianism is often regarded more as a philosophy or social system than a religion because it concentrates on imparting wisdom about ethical and moral practices without entailing any specific form of worship or having formal sacred objects.
The teachings of Confucianism emerged in response to the chaotic social conditions and breakdown of social cohesion in ancient China. Kung Fu-Tzu, known in the West as Confucius, created a framework of moral guidance to help stabilize society, emphasizing self-discipline, respect for authority and elders, and 'jen' (the kind treatment of every person). His ideas were compiled in the Analects.
Confucianism was so influential that it became the official ideology in China for centuries, not being displaced until the rise of communism in 1949. It has also spread to other Asian countries like Japan, where it has been adapted to local contexts, sometimes blending with other philosophies such as Buddhism.