Understanding Religion: Some Approaches and Attitudes

""The term religion lends itself to various meanings and interpretations depending upon the nature, education and the level of consciousness and conscience of a particular human being who actually harbors the idea or practices of his faith. It is evident therefore, that the concept of religion in human life and society appears to be most controversial and a complex thing which has variable meanings and significance to various human minds. It is indeed pitiful to observe that in the mountain maelstrom of materialism, man develops the tendency to ignore or undermine the edifying and enriching experience of religions and prefers to stay away from the path of the nourishment of his soul without which, both human existence and progress are seriously endangered. The practice of spiritual uplift is therefore, an indispensable condition of human progress and civilization, for a life conditioned by, and dependent on, mere material development is deemed to be fraught with utter futility. The essays chosen in this volume by and large have been written by scholars with a view, to unfolding either the virtues or shortcomings of many of the principles and practices of different religions. Some of the essays have sought to examine the causes and reasons behind the unhealthy views and superstitions and also to reveal a good and elevating virtues the cultivation of which may enlighten us for the realization of the noble ideas and ideals of life. The writers have made an honest attempt to look at the grim reality of some religious superstitions in order to find out the hidden light that rise beyond the boundary of blind beliefs and faiths. Such a quest is always worthwhile for a sincere seeker in quest of truth and light. The authors of the essays have taken pains to diagnose the deep-seated malady of blind belief, fanaticism and dogmatisms.""