Religion and science generally go hand in hand and there is very less divide between the two. However, there are slight differences and some major similarities. Know more here.

In Hindu mythology religion is very deeply rooted and even though we live in the age of science which has reshaped human life but even today, religious beliefs often dictate practices that seem to clash with scientific reasoning.

The main reason for this clash is because of the way both operate as science seeks answers through evidence and reason, always open to change and correction. Religion, meanwhile, is often rooted in tradition, personal belief, and moral guidance. It offers comfort, identity, and community—things science doesn’t always address.

In today’s fast paced world where each one of us is very much indulged into science a clear line between faith and fact should be drawn and we need to look into whether modern practices of religion really challenges science and if it does what solution should we opt for to maintain the harmony for both?

Coexistence of religion and science since ages

Historically, religion and science were not enemies but rather the relationship between science and religion has ranged from conflict and hostility to harmony and collaboration. In fact, many early scientific advances were inspired and nurtured within religious traditions which clearly again signifies that religion and science are not truly at odds but the tension arises from misinterpretation and rigid rituals that completely stay away from original teachings.

In Hindu scriptures like Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas are not just books of prayer but libraries of metaphysics, logic, cosmology, and introspection. For example Nasadiya Sukta (Rig Veda) describes how our universe was born from a cosmic egg (Hiranyagarbha). This is very much similar to our modern day Big Bang theory as the science suggests that the universe started as an infinitely dense and hot before expanding.

Further even the Dashavatara (ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) are also very much similar to Darwin’s theory of evolution. As the evolution of Matsya (fish) to Kurma (tortoise) and finally to humans like Rama and Krishna. We can evidently trace an arc of evolution through these avatars.

 

Clash between religion and science in modern times

In today’s fast paced world some religious practices have become rigid and people are relying on the literal interpretations of myths and scriptures which is hampering basic morality and scientific understanding. For example people blindly follow astrology (jyotish shastra).

Although astrology is a major part of Hindu tradition and holds a major religious significance, many people consult astrologers before starting a marriage, starting a business or even going through medical help.

Our belief in planetary influence comes from a deeply rooted belief in culture but modern day astronomy does not support the idea that the positions of stars and planets at one’s birth can determine personality and fate.

All this does not mean astrology has no value in modern times because it does offer psychological comfort, cultural acceptance and ritual structure but it raises a very serious question in our modern society that where should this faith end and reason should begin.

Also similarly, certain rituals or more sort of taboos like not touching certain people during eclipses or isolating women during menstruation always clash with scientific and basic human rights frameworks. These practices are rooted in ancient hygiene or seasonal observances and might have had scientific logic once but if their continuation without adaptation can lead to superstition rather than spirituality.

Therefore, we can say that yes some modern religious practices do challenge science but it is often more about interpretation and education than illogical opposition.

Religion plays a guiding role in scientific morality

Although we always talk about science being rational and fact oriented and it can never be wrong, we must recognize that science is not value neutral. As various technologies like genetic engineering, Artificial Intelligence and nuclear weapons all raise ethical concerns.

These acts are against the deeply rooted ideas of religion like that of Dharma (righteousness), karma (cause and effect), ahimsa (non- violence). If we follow these religious ideas in today’s modern world we can get the much- needed moral compass.

The Bhagavad Gita does not dismiss war altogether, but it asks very deeply as to When is it right to act, and when should one refrain? What are the consequences of action? Therefore, religion is followed vigilantly and not superstitiously and can be a guiding force for the modern world to get a peaceful co-existence.

As we know India is a land where temples and space agencies co- exist. A country where a scientist performs puja before launching a satellite and it clearly signifies that spiritual and empirical forms can live side by side in our consciousness and practice. But in this mutual co- existence the real challenge is not religion against science but rather it is ignorance, rigidity and ego on both sides.

Science must avoid arrogance and should not disregard spiritual wisdom as backward while religion must avoid fundamentalism and should be open to growth and change. In Hindu mythology, even gods like Shiva and Vishnu undergo change, they take new forms and always embrace complexity and uncertainty.

Therefore, modern practices of religion do not challenge science. Instead, they challenge us to think deeper, live more ethically and ask the right questions to harmoniously balance both and when we practice religion with openness and humility, it can walk hand in hand with science. 

 

This article was written by our very talented writer, Nikita. We do not like to take credit for our team’s work, so Nikita, shoutout girl.

 

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