No, duty to the Ruler is always ahead of duty to the family, ZHONG (the chinese word for loyalty) is always ahead of XIAO (the chiense word for filial piety).
And Confuscius said many things, but one needs to focus on the things he stressed repeatly and the ideas that are used in indoctrinations rather than the one or two throwaway comments he made.
In the end theory doesn't matter, it is reality that counts. Just like communism, Confusicianism may sound high minded and lofty, in practice is a disaster for the people who live under its rule.
My 23 is to you, as well as mrs don-o
The Communist one-child policy eliminates a huge swatch of "family" from society: no brothers and sisters, no aunts and uncles, no cousins, nieces or nephews. The elimination of the natural family is one of the major evils of the CCP system, and it is deeply repugnant to the broad and yet intricate Confucist view of family relationships.
Here's another thing: I'd also venture to say that the incredible brutality of Red dictatorship, with its multiple millions of murders, would not be countenanced by a Confucist ruler.
And most important to me: though Confucian conservatism has its limitations, I think it could provide a much better pre-evangelium for Christianity than any other system we could reasonably hope for, in the short-to-medium term, in China.
I admit to being a great admirer of Matteo Ricci as a model for Christian missions.
Here's a thought I'd like to discuss:
"When introduced into another country or nation a foreign culture is confronted by the problem of how to treat that cultural tradition. If it wishes to spread easily and exert influence in the country in which it is introduced it must identify with that country's native culture. Hence, as the attitude of Matteo Ricci towards traditional Chinese culture is related to his missionary goals in contacting Chinese and especially Confucianist culture, he developed an intensive knowledge of that culture and recognized its very positive value."
Anyone with enlightening links on this subject? I am looking to learn more.