God and Science

By Harshit Gupta

INTRODUCTION: 

In contemplating the vast mysteries of the universe, the question that invariably surfaces is the existence of God. Some may argue that the magnificence of space or the mystery of our own existence eclipses this pondering. Yet, unlike these other mysteries, which can be dissected by the tools of science, the nature of God seems to elude such straightforward examination. Scientists and researchers, when faced with this question, fall across a spectrum of belief. While some find room for God within the intricate folds of the cosmos, others remain agnostic, and a few embark on journeys to disprove any divine presence. 

THE LIMITS OF HUMAN LOGIC: 

To challenge the existence of God requires a departure from conventional human logic. Often, our perception of God is confined to the limits of space and time, governed by the laws of physics. However, if God were to exist, logic dictates that He should transcend our understanding of space and time, for to confine God within these parameters would render time the deity. Consider creatures devoid of sight—unaware of light's existence. Similarly, our comprehension is restricted by the confines of our senses and the world we inhabit. When we entertain thoughts of disproving God, we must acknowledge our own limitations. We are mere beings, grappling with the intricacies of our existence and purpose, constrained by time, location, imagination, and dimension. Attempting to think in this manner is akin to talking and saying things without any credibility. 

So how can we try to think on this topic? 

EXAMINING DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES: 

When I asked and read people's different opinions on the existence of God, there were a few types of responses. Let's look at them 

ARGUMENTS FROM DESIGN VS ATHEISTIC COUNTERARGUMENTS: Some argue that the perfect nature of the Universe, Earth, and the complexity of humans suggests a creator. Atheists counter this, proposing that the Big Bang was a coincidence, and the evolution of Earth and life over billions of years can be explained without the need for an intelligent creator. Carl Sagan, in his book Cosmos, argues that the evolution process accounts for the complexity we see today. Additionally, Stephen Hawking questions the necessity of introducing God as an extra step, suggesting that the universe itself could have existed from the beginning, governed by the laws of physics. These arguments seem pretty logical to me. But they also have some limitations. 

CRITIQUE OF REDUCTIONIST TACTICS: 

An atheistic argument questions the human tendency to believe in a watchful deity, suggesting that this belief provides a sense of security and instills fear of consequences for wrongdoers. However, comparing this to asserting that schools exist merely for students to pass their time on Earth oversimplifies the multifaceted nature of religious beliefs. This reductionist tactic, often

employed by certain influencers(you know who), presents a skewed perspective by focusing on a single aspect of religion. 

RELIGION AND VIOLENCE: 

Another argument against following any religion blames religious beliefs for causing wars and global strife. However, it is crucial to distinguish between the teachings of religions and the actions of individuals. While instances of religiously motivated violence exist, it is often rooted in the greed for power and dominance rather than the teachings of the respective religions. Examining the core tenets of major religions reveals a commonality in discouraging violence. 

DIVERSITY OF RELIGIOUS BELIEFS: 

An intriguing thought arises when considering the diversity of religions: the existence of different religious beliefs might indicate the absence of a singular God, as one might expect uniform descriptions. However, delving deeper into religious philosophies reveals a convergence. Figures like Ramakrishna Paramhamsa have demonstrated that despite diverse religious practices, the pursuit of spirituality leads to a shared understanding of the omnipresent divine. Truth is one as the Rigveda declares, but the wise sees it differently. 

So, how can we think about god? 

THE QUEST FOR GOD IN INDIA: 

In India, the quest for God takes an internal journey, emphasizing self-awareness and introspection. Exploring the core of our being becomes paramount before delving into the understanding of a higher power. To comprehend the nature of God, one must first understand oneself. This involves contemplating aspects such as the body, mind, ego, and senses(when we think about ourselves, we wrongly think - we are these things). Through deep introspection or meditation, individuals realize that these facets are transient, while the observer(atman) remains unchanged. Such realizations were sought through various sadhanas in ancient times. With this realization, they had many more such realizations which showed them what god can be and that all the things are in perfect harmony(let's talk about it later). If I were to think about god, reflecting on the idea that if there is god, everything should be made of God and this brings forth profound realizations, such as the interconnectedness of all things. This understanding challenges the conventional notion of a distant, supernatural God. Instead, it highlights the omnipresence of divinity, suggesting that praying to God is, in essence, a form of self-contemplation. Exploring different paths of yoga reveals distinct approaches to self-realization. Jnana yoga involves philosophical contemplation, gradually leading to the realization of one's divine nature(we can understand this as a play). In Bhakti yoga, individuals adopt a devotional approach, viewing themselves as servants of God. The teachings of spiritual figures like Sri Ramakrishna emphasize that, akin to a bucket of water from the ocean, individuals are integral parts of the divine whole. There can be many paths to reach the realization or samadhi or nirvana as in different cultures. Regrettably, some exploit the spiritual quest for monetary gain by inducing fear. A true understanding of self and the divine nature acts as a shield against falling prey to such deceptive practices. If individuals possess these realizations, they become immune to manipulation and can navigate their spiritual journey with

discernment. And realization is different from learning, understanding or teaching. We can only realize when we ourselves make an effort. 

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR UNDERSTANDING THE SELF AND THE BEING:

While I don't advocate for converting atheists or agnostics into theists, I strongly encourage every reader to embark on a journey of understanding the self or the atman. The inherent absurdity of our existence prompts us to question and reflect. Simply adhering to inherited beliefs without contemplating one's own existence may seem senseless. It's not about necessarily believing in God but making an effort to understand ourselves through meditation, introspection, and thoughtful contemplation. 

CAUTION FOR THEISTS: 

For those who identify as theists, a note of caution is essential. It's easy to fall into the trap of self-delusion by unquestioningly embracing beliefs without a genuine understanding. Swami Vivekananda's advice to embrace the belief that one is a part of God and that divinity pervades everything is a powerful foundation. This, however, doesn't absolve theists from the responsibility of understanding themselves.

Fearlessness, as Swami Vivekananda advocated, stems from a profound understanding of one's connection with the divine.Instead of blindly following the crowd, theists should exercise caution when choosing a spiritual guru. Incomplete or incorrect information can be more detrimental than having none at all. Swami Vivekananda's teachings remind us that wrong assumptions can cloud our understanding. Genuine seekers of truth should be discerning listeners. Many self-proclaimed theists I've encountered seem to use religion for political gains or base their beliefs on misguided assumptions rather than a genuine understanding of the divine. This is often more harmful than atheism, as an atheist's skepticism and constant questioning may lead them closer to the truth. Theists, however, risk deluding themselves by not questioning their own assumptions and not actively seeking answers about the essence of their existence. I have tried being both, and I can say for sure that being a theist required me to be much more careful. 

CONCLUSION: 

I can't speak for others, but personally, I often feel a compelling need to explore the depths of my own self and mind. From the moment we are born, society guides us to respect our elders, pursue financial success, build families, be virtuous, and acquire knowledge about the external world. While these are valuable aspects of life, it seems that, in the process, we might overlook our primary responsibility — understanding ourselves. 

The conventional path, laden with societal expectations, often leads us to merely pass time on Earth. I believe it's crucial for people to question, think, and introspect rather than unquestioningly accepting everything handed down to them from birth. The journey into self-awareness can be transformative, offering insights that extend beyond the transient pursuits that occupy much of our daily lives. By encouraging a habit of questioning and self-reflection, we empower ourselves to delve into the profound depths of our existence.

While I have tried to explore different perspectives in the article, it is impossible to limit this topic in this small article. Hence I will try to add more things later(especially in quest in the India part) and your valuable suggestions and feedback, as a reader, would greatly contribute to refining and enhancing the content. Feel free to share your thoughts to help make this article more comprehensive and enriching. Thank you for your engagement and input. 

By Harshit Gupta