SCIENCE AND RELIGION

Science and religion are both result of the human thought process. But there is the
basic difference of line on which thinking proceeds.

Science, in simple words, is the study of Nature. Whatever noticeable or

otherwise happens, causes curiosity, starts the thought process that raises questions on
what caused it to happen? Upon noticing several such incidents, the single common
factor is derived as the cause..., and it leads to discovery of a new law of nature. The
discovery of Newton’s law of gravity is a good example. Newton only observed a ripened
apple falling on the ground. It always happens that anything released falls straight down
on the earth which brings us to the fact that earth has a pulling force. But a gas balloon or
a small piece of Thermocole or lint would stick to the ceiling. Such incidents lead us to
derive that all matter applies a pulling force on other matter, and it is known as the
Gravitational force. This is only an example of the study of nature on Non-living world,
or Universe as the laws of science have proved themselves everywhere man has reached.
It goes to prove the laws of science are Universal.

The science of living beings that take birth, grow, multiply, age and finally age
and degenerate is the other aspect of science. Biology is the science of the living body
and the functions and structure of various organs and limbs, how they function and their
diseases etc. There are several branches of Biology, each related to a specific organ. One
most neglected but most important organ is the Brain that controls all actions of the living
body. Study of the thought process of the brain is known as Psychology.

Now let us consider Religion. Does is allow the thought process or reasoning or
logical conclusions? The writer is yet unaware of such happenings in any religion. The
writer agrees that in the times of emotional/mental turmoil religion does provide peace
and emotional/psychological support and also provides succor and food and shelter to the
displaced populace—but alas, to the chosen ones of one religion.

To the writer, Religion can best be defined as a belief, traveling down

generations. Religion is also isolated to humans only. No other animal. Bird or amphibian
follows any kind of religion. This is mentioned only to bring to light the fact that
Religion is not universal where as Science is Universal.

In Indian culture, the word ‘Dharma’ is derived from SAMSKRIT language, the
original ancient language of India where it meant ‘Duty’. Gandhiji said ‘Ahimsa parmo
dharma’ thereby calling one and all to shun violence as their duty. ‘Dharma’ has never
been against Nature or Science and always professed duties for the protection of
mankind. The Vishnois of Rajasthan are very particular that no tree be cut, particularly
the ,Khejri’ tree as it supports life by storing water, providing shadow and shelter to
humans and birds and providing green vegetable as food and leaves as food to animals in
the dry and hot weather of arid areas of Rajasthan State of India. This is the dharma of
Vishnois and they have even laid down their lives protecting trees.

If the Reader gives it a little serious thought, all religions are based on idolizing
ancestors. Can it be believed that ancestors, particularly the ones who lived hundreds and
thousands of years ago were wiser than the present generation? And such persons who
once lived are called gods who could do acts which can best be described as magical.
MAGIC---simply put is making believe. The magician performs tricks in such a way the
audience fails to understand how the seemingly impossible was performed, whereas no
such thing actually happens. Magicians take help of the principles of science and
religious preachers are also not averse to science.

Without going into the structure of religious bodies/organizations and their heads,
the writer wishes to draw your attention to the destructive powers being displayed by
them. Every religion professes the respect and welfare of humanity but that humanity is
limited to the followers of that particular religion or sect only. Was it not so, how come
we see street fights in the name of sect or religion, or even war among nations? As more
people are killed or maimed, stronger is the feeling of revenge leading to still bloodier
fights. Dharma never would allow such preaching that generates hatred.

Strangely most religions resist progressive policies good for the general populace;
wiz. Birth Control in densely populated regions. Dense population means lesser portion
of natural resources to a member of the population leading to setbacks to health and
intelligence. In India, every other day a new religious shop called ‘Mandir’ crops up in
the name of one or the other god or goddess. The business flourishes in no time and the
land grabbed is a bonus.

The writer fails to understand why religion or sects needs to raise religious
armies; is it to protect religions or to see that followers are not weaned away to rival
religions or sects. You can draw a parallel between religion and business.

Science teaches us to question everything that you observe happen .Do not take for
granted as religion needs you to believe.

To conclude, the writer would suggest, in case you want peace of mind, try going to a
secluded place least touched by mankind and look around and feel the vastness of nature.
May be you get an idea there which will benefit both humanity and nature. But please do
not apply science to destroy nature. Nuclear energy can do lots of good to humanity but if
used against humanity it can bring death and disease only .Try to follow ‘Dharma’ that is
duties to nature those if practiced resulting welfare of humanity in general and
nourishment to nature. Also please try not to be narrow-minded and /or egoistic.

Just think how beautiful and peaceful this earth can be if all religions and their
branches, sects, casts are abolished resulting in no quarrels or battles or wars between
humans of different groups divided by casts, sects or religions. The first step in this
direction could be to avoid public display of sects/casts/religion. If kept in isolation of
ones privacy it will cause no harm or ill feeling to rival groups. Amen.

Subhash Khullar.
B.Tech.,
IIT-Delhi, 1967.

Email : khullars912@gmail.com

The writer has lived through various regions of India and finally found peace and settled
in a small village of Rajasthan.