The original teachings of Confucius do not include references to which concept?

• A. A supreme being
• B. The Dao
• C. ritual
• D. filial piety

Answer: (A)

The central idea tested is how Confucian teachings handle divinity and moral order. Confucius centers ethics on human relationships, social harmony, and virtuous practice—things you cultivate through ritual propriety, filial piety, and benevolence. Heaven (Tian) is invoked as a moral order that approves virtuous conduct, but it isn’t presented as a personal supreme being or creator. The Dao in Confucian thought refers to the Way of proper conduct and living rightly, guiding actions and rituals rather than worship of a deity. Ritual and filial piety are foundational because they train character and sustain harmony in family and society. Because a personal supreme being isn’t a focus of the original Confucian corpus, that concept isn’t included.