If the sentence in question is a statement (ends with a period), I would probably "however" as your transition word.
Yes some of confucius's idea about people and society are relevant today because he had some great ideas and ways of thinking however some things are no longer acceptable in today's society. like mourning for 3 years over the loss of a parent. Lao-tzu's philosophy is somewhat compatible with the modern world because meditation is still a good for people but other things like gaining wisdom through understanding the universe isn't practical anymore because we know so much more about the universe than we did back in Lao-tzu's time.
Enlightenment philosophers were generally opposed to the Catholic Church and organized religion in general. The Catholic Church was seen as an oppressor -- along with the aristocracy -- of individual freedom and reason because of its dogmatism and insistence on being the only source of truth. I hope my answer has come to your help. God bless and have a nice day ahead!
