Is this a religion or not? Why do you think so?
This is not a religion because according to the definition of religion, it is a belief in a divine power. In Confucianism, no such belief exists. It is more of a philosophy that tries to explain moral standards and how the government should behave. Even though it has followers and a few components that could make it a religion, it does not have the key idea that sets it apart from a school of thought and puts it into the realms of religion.
Does this reading support the idea that people are born good/bad/neutral? Cite three examples that support your point of view.
The reading suggests that people are born neutral and then either become good or bad depending upon their experiences and family generations before. For example, a man should observe his father's behavior and after the father dies, if he "...does not alter from the way of his father, he may be called filial" (7). The man will learn from the actions of his parents and then follow their morals, thus having a part in the decision of being good or bad. Also, when one is treated with correct moral standards and "...led by virtue..." (10), "...they will have the sense of shame, and moreover will become good" (10). One becomes good as well based on the altercations with others (their experiences). A person will act based on how others behave towards them, and this could lead to either good or bad behavior. He or she, if "...respect is shown according to what is proper..." (8), "...keeps far from shame and disgrace" (8). When a man is born, he or she starts with a clean slate, and then as experiences and family influences occur, the person becomes morally good or morally bad.
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