Place of Religion in the Modern World

Abstract

Sportively accepting the facts of life, as they are, is a primary requisition to properly understand limitations and efficacy of any Religion. This would help in grasping its running status and mode of functioning than giving away to conjectures. One needs to have a clarity in mind that Religion is not merely restricted to a set of beliefs but is also expected to be a faultlessly thorough guide to live meaningfully. It had been and continues even today, that only a meager percentage of the society has clearly followed the genuine meaning. Most of the adherents have been blindly using it as a tool of utility for personal gains. Memorizing a sizable number of aphorisms or couplets with a few mythological man-made anecdotes and getting totally drowned into the ritualistic practices seems to be an accredited qualification. It is sad but a fact that most of the religious minded people have been involved in scandalous affairs, corrupt activities and immoral deeds. Their viewpoints lacking in analysis have proved to be detrimental to the society. It is indeed indescribably a horrible situation. Religion, as such, at no stage is to be blamed for this scenario but it is the self-inspired level of immaturity, self-acclaimed intellectual status and impatience, that have caused all the irreparable damage. Just as many of our preferred actions that are performed, religious activities too fall under personal affairs only. Exhibition of one’s own set of beliefs uninvited and further forcing others to appreciate the same unconditionally has become virtually a designated mark of power. It is also claimed to be a sort of social service. Many times, certain agenda is preconceived and deliberately spread so as to gain cheap popularity and subscriptions.  In history too this has happened many times. In the present-day context, if this ignorance is encouraged or sustained without any protest, it surely would lead to an irreparable damage. Therefore, the chief intention of this paper is to bring forth the simple principles of living as suggested by religions and show how unfortunately the philosophical and spiritual meanings have been deliberately been eliminated or dissipated. Interpretation of the textual matter must go in the hands of people having scientific temper and regard for true spiritual bent of mind.