Confucius and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have often quoted from various philosophers to make their point. European philosophers are not the only ones to be so quoted. Asian philosophers are also quoted, including the Chinese philosopher Confucius. Confucius was a great religious leader, as well as a great philosopher.

Confucius

For example, Latter-Day Saint apostle James E. Faust noted that the First Presidency had stated: “The great religious leaders of the world such as Mohammed, Confucius, and the Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others, received a portion of God’s light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals.” (Source: April 1980 General Conference)

James E. Faust

Russell M. Nelson was another church leader to praise Confucius. He once said: “ ‘Love your enemies, [and] bless them that curse you.’ … He taught the Golden Rule: ‘All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.’ This principle is found in nearly every major religion. Others such as Confucius and Aristotle have also taught it. After all, the gospel did not begin with the birth of the Babe in Bethlehem. It is everlasting.” (Source: October 2002 General Conference)

Russell M. Nelson

Latter-Day Saint apostle Delbert L. Stapley once quoted from Confucius. He noted that “Confucius said that the nature of men is always the same. It is their habits that separate them.” (Source: October 1974 General Conference)

Delbert L. Stapley

Ted E. Brewerton of the Seventy once said: “If we err, then remember the words of Confucius: ‘A man who has committed a mistake and doesn’t correct it is committing another mistake.’ ” (Source: April 1983 General Conference)

Ted E. Brewerton

Church leader Spencer W. Kimball was another person to quote Confucius. Here is the passage: “If we have been wronged or injured, forgiveness means to blot it completely from our minds. To forgive and forget is an ageless counsel. ‘To be wronged or robbed,’ said the Chinese philosopher Confucius, ‘is nothing unless you continue to remember it.’ ” (Source: October 1977 General Conference)

Spencer W. Kimball

Confucius was indeed among those who “received a portion of God’s light,” as Elder Faust said. Moral truths were indeed given to him by God “to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals.” (Source: April 2006 General Conference)

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