A Comparative Study of Christian and Confucian Thought: C.S. Lewis and Zhou Dunyi

By analyzing and comparing C.S. Lewis’s concept of “perfect through suffering” in The Problem of Pain and Zhou Dunyi’s view of “seeking the pleasure of Confucius and Yan” [Kong Yan Le Chu] in Tai Ji Tu Shuo and Tong Shu, two commonalities between the two can be found. The first one lies in their shared depiction of situations in which individuals are deprived of material resources, compelling them to seek solutions that transcend their suffering. This relief may be achieved either by abandoning one’s ego and placing trust in God, or by concentrating on the realization of the unity with the Tao of Cheng. In both cases, the resulting spiritual happiness is detached from material concerns. Furthermore, they both acknowledge that the material dimensions of existence can foster a sense of happiness. Humans also have the right to pursue and enjoy this happiness. However, for humans to achieve the pinnacle of happiness, it is essential to pursue a state of unity with the highest Good.