儒学之为“道德的宗教”——析牟宗三对宗教问题的论述

On the Polarities of Philosophy Again:Mou Zong-san's Theory on Confucianism as a "Moral Religion"

哲学应担负起"现实关怀"和"终极关怀"两种使命,这两种使命为哲学之两"极"。然而,传统儒学推开了"终极关怀"这一"极"。面对西学的大规模东渐,这一问题成为现代儒学不可回避的问题。在此方面,牟宗三对"终极关怀"这一"极"进行了有益探讨:其一,无论就宗教之"理"来看,还是就宗教之责任来看,儒学就是宗教。其二,由于儒学不具有一般宗教之形式,且它所强调的是"天道"、"超越而内在"等,故其为一种特殊的宗教。其三,儒教将重点放在道德之本心与道德之创造上,故是一种"道德的宗教",亦是一种"人文教"。

Philosophy should take up two missions, namely, ＂two polarities ＂ ： the ＂real concern＂ and the ＂ultimate concern. ＂ However, Confucianism pushed away the ＂ultimate concern＂, the second ＂polarity. ＂ But, while the western culture blowing eastward, modem Confucianism has to deal with the issue of religion. In this regard, Mou Tstmg-san had a useful exploration about the second ＂polarity＂ ： firstly, regardless of religious ＂ principles＂ or religious responsibility, Confucianism is a religion. Secondly, because Confucianism does not have the general form of religion, and it emphasizes ＂transcendence and immanence＂ and so on, thus it is a special religion. Thirdly, the focus of Confucianism is placed on the moral mind and its creation, so it is a ＂moral religion.＂ also a kind of ＂humanistic relieion. ＂