Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Coexistence of Science, Technology, God and Religion

Very recently I saw discussions on the subject matter in a TV programme. Participants were using the terms as they liked to suit their debating skills. I felt that this needs clarity of thought.
R.K.Singhal


Coexistence of Science, Technology, God & Religion Introduction Just as science & technology are different but complimentary so also God and religions are different but complimentary.Science through research converts ideas, thoughts, surmises and theories developed by human intellect and imaginative mind into a realm of proven possibilities through repeated physical experimentation and explains why various phenomenon occur with certainty. Technology converts scientific possibilities into a viable mechanism for exploiting commercially or otherwise for the benefit of mankind.Science showed the possibility of generating electricity when a coil could rotate in a magnetic field. Technology converted the phenomenon into well known electric generators and motors for human comfort. Science proved that when a current is passed through a tungsten wire it would glow and emit light. Technology converted the idea into a light bulb for our benefit.Science indicated the possibility of generating immense power through atomic fission. Technology converted the theory into atomic bombs and reactors for generating electricity. Man could use it any way. Similarly God and religions are also different, yet essential and complementary.Concept of God is an amazing ingenuity of a fertile human mind. God is an unknown Supreme Power and is vested with overall authority over the universe. Since He has no form or substance He does not exist physically. He can only be seen in mind through intense meditation in ones own perception as visualised by him. He therefore has no beginning or end. He is eternal. He can create and destroy the universe. God has all the purest values and attributes which humanity could think of. Everyone wishes and strives to assimilate these ideal values and virtues. Otherwise people may face God’s wrath. This is essential to keep societies alive, intact and peaceful. No normal human being can live at peace with himself without having faith in God. In adversity one finds solace mainly from Him. Faith ultimately begets belief. He becomes the savior. So God is an absolute necessity for all humanity.
Religion is a guide to human beings for achieving salvation and become godly and pure like God without any desires and vices. This means complete adoption of God’s values and virtues without being aware that self has disappeared of its own without making any effort. One loses ones entity entirely in God. All actions are like writing on a slate and wiping them off. All actions or inactions are what God would have wished. To achieve this ideal state is an uphill task. This is where religion comes. Religion indicates ways and means along with rigid and auster rituals to tread the holy and virtuous path to attain the heavenly bliss. Many saints from time immorial have rigidly followed this path. Even in ordinary people religion imparts good human values and selflessness for a peaceful and happy life together in this world . Assimilation of Science and Religion Science creates knowledge for physical and material benefits of mankind. Religion creates philosophies for the spiritual needs of the human mind. Both are essential as material comforts and disease free environment are necessary for the body and philosophical pursuits for peace of mind. Humanity needs both for a peaceful happy existence in pluralistic societies. All individuals have the intellect to discern and assimilate the best in both to suit their needs. Human intellect can create a balanced relationship for a happy, healthy and a meaningful life through coexistence..