Let religion marry science
B.S. Thaur

Religion and Philosophy for Modern Youth
by J.N. Nanda. Concept, New Delhi. Pages 110. Rs 180.

THE author of this book has woven its fabric on two assumptions: The first is that man is inherently curious. Questions like how did the world begin, how did the human race come into being and what is the structure of thought still bother him. The faculty of philosophy ranks the highest in giving answers to these questions. The second assumption is that "for the past over a century, science has taken over from philosophy. Modern science is the means of understanding the universe and is infinite in its reach".

In this regard, the author, J.N. Nanda, appears to have delved deep into various important philosophies, doctrines and thoughts of religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and the Chinese Taoist faith to find a suitable answer. Simultaneously looking into the advancement of science, Nanda appropriately pleads for an altogether new philosophy. The new philosophy should extensively use science and scientific developments, including experiments with genes, chemical and genes therapy to cure mankind of violence and injustice. The need of the hour is to guard against greed and self-indulgence at the cost of others. The entire world is a family. The overwhelming cult of modern globalisation will be justified only when there is a world federation with democratic constitution; otherwise, the dismal end of imperialism and fascism through captive markets and captive populations is obvious to the world.

Mysticism and spirituality, the author laments, are still a question mark. The Indian philosophies therefore, must invent a worldwide acceptance of some logical tests on miracles for a proper place for spiritualism in human life.

Equipped with the knowledge of different philosophies, ancient ritualistic ‘Puja Archana’ legacies, metaphysical subjects like God, miracles and kismet (fate), Nanda has explained, though succinctly with scientific veneer, the topics one after the other. The topics are such that these will keep a reader with even minimal interest in philosophy glued to the book till the end. The narrative is simple. The only regret is that the book is unusually small for the subject, the ambit whereof encompasses the whole universe, but then, it is for only for the youth. Faced with their career anxieties, how many of the youngsters might be interested in the subject is anybody’s guess.

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