World Religions and the New Era of Science

Book excerpt: Since ancient times, the enduring religious concepts of love your fellow being, live truthfully, and do to others what you would like them to do to you have laid the foundations of the laws of civilized human societies. The presence of a supernatural power and its feeling at a personal level has been a source of inspiration and emotional satisfaction for the spiritual believer. The spiritual enhancement reinforced the human mind to achieve greater goodness in the conduct of life. All religions have contributed significantly in shaping humanity, and they continue to do so. World religions have a common spiritual heritage to guide us on the path of a purposeful life of kindness, peace, and harmony in spite of differences in languages, cultures, and historical origins. Science has demystified the awe of natural phenomenon like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and violent storms. It has eradicated many ailments and created amenities to facilitate life in numerous ways. It has helped in the religious mission of a happier life. Benefits of science and technology are available to everybody. The geographic barriers have been shrunk for our global township of diverse cultures and faiths. However, science has also produced the menace of thermonuclear and biological weapons capable of global devastations. In this new era of science, religion has a greater role to play for education in universal awakening to purge prejudice and antagonism that trigger conflicts and wars. Religion and science have a new paradigm for humanity: "Live and help to live."