Religion in the Light of Reason and Science

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

Born in 1907, Rajendra Behari Lal had a brilliant academic career and took his M.Sc. Degree in Physics in the first division from the University of Allahabad in 1929.

Standing first in an All-India competitive examination, he joined the Indian Railways in 1930 as an Assistant Transportation Officer. He held various important posts and retired as Additional Member, Railway Board in 1963. After his retirement, the Railways felt the need of his services again and in August 1969 he was appointed by the Ministry of Railways, Government of India as one-man Expert Committee on Railway Compensation Claims.

He has been a strong advocate of efficiency in work and administration. While in service he authored several books on improving efficiency in the working of railways. Looking to his valuable contribution for improving efficiency in railway operations, he was conferred the title of 'Rai Bahadur by the then Government of India. His other writings include "The Art of Efficient Working' (Sterling Publishers), 'Human Engineering or the Art of Administration' (Book Centre) and 'Manasik Dakshta' in Hindi, which is being published regularly by the Gita Press, Gorakhpur since 1956.

R. B. Lal was a student of science and scientific study of religion was his life-long interest. Based on his deep studies and reflection and the needs of the modern age, he wrote several articles and books in English and Hindi on harmonizing religion with science. 'Streamlining our Religion' was published by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai. His other writings are "The Gita in the Light of Modern Science (Somaiya Publications), The Call of Sri Krishna', "The Universal Religion of Science', 'Rediscovery of Gita', 'Gita Ka Mool Mantra Loksangraha', 'Shri Krishna Ka Aahvaan', and 'Gita Naya Drishtikon'. His work 'The Spirit of Science in the Quest of Truth' is being published by the National Book Trust, India, regularly since 1997 and has been translated into Hindi, Marathi and Tamil.

His writings on religious topics present a rational and scientific version of religion and emphasize the universal and unifying principles cherished by all religions and inculcate unity, love, moral values, service and cooperation. His vision was to see nobler men and a happier world.

The task of bringing religion into harmony with science is, indeed, stupendous. For one thing, it requires not only respect for both these disciplines but also some insight into them and their common ground. There is also a wide-spread fear- unjustified though - that science may undermine the very foundations of religion without giving anything worth while in replacement. Anyway, in spite of my best efforts I could not find any records of earlier attempts at synthesis of religion with science. This is what has led to the writing of this book as the culmination of my life-long pursuit of this fascinating subject.

It may be wondered whether it is not like rushing in where angels fear to tread. But I am heartened by Sri Krishna's assurance that in human beings He is desire not contrary to Dharma. As such, this undertaking is due to His inspiration, and to Him also belongs whatever is new and constructive in this work.

Reason and science are not meant to displace, much less to destroy, religion. As a matter of fact, science and religion are complementary, serving different needs of man. Roughly speaking, science gives power and resources while religion teaches their proper use. With the advancement of science resources are growing fast and religion must keep pace with them.

Science is well established as a mode of investigation. It represents the collective wisdom of mankind and is based on solid facts as actually observed in the world. It is, therefore, axiomatic that religious teachings which accord with science are far superior to those which contradict science.

Similarly, the scientific method is ideal for screening religious ideas and recovering lost gems of religion. It is indispensable when faith affords no guidance, for example, in dealing with dogmas which are contrary to facts, which divide humanity into warring camps, permit social injustice or promote human irresponsibility: doctrines or interpretations which are mutually contradictory or conflicting. Even the useful lessons of religion will be better observed in practice when the reason and the necessity for them are clearly understood.

Science is an ally of eternal truths but exposes flaws and weaknesses. As a result of scientific treatment religion is no loser but emerges brighter, purer and stronger, for the dross is removed and the essential is separated from the insignificant, the grain from the husk