Philosophical Approach to Religion

INTRODUCTION Philosophy of religion is a very important and interesting area for study and the spectrum of topics comprehended by it is considerable. But its scope is narrow, because philosophy of religion is only a philosophical reflection on religious ideas. The terms "philosophical reflection" and "religious ideas" necessitate clarification. "Philosophical reflection" involves critical analyses and careful use of reasons, words, and evidences for hypotheses, claims, and arguments. These analyses cover the fundamental problems in metaphysics about the nature of Reality, and in epistemology the means through which we attain knowledge phenomena. The triumph and rapid progress of science and technology in the 20th century makes it appear that science will soon replace religion, often-viewed with contempt as a bundle of dogmas and superstitious beliefs! Paradoxically, in the 21st century, when rational and intellectual science is making unbelievably rapid strides, irrational and emotional religious fanaticism has become the order of the day! People of different religious denominations nurture negative emotions manifesting themselves in hatred and fanaticism. Such negative religious passions threaten the sanity of human beings and their peaceful co-existence in societies across the world. Therefore, understanding the true teachings and the essence of religion are the need of the hour. Religion is as old as human civilization. It seeks to eliminate the evil in (wo)man, tame beastly behavior, ennoble and edify human beings. The goal of religious pursuit is differently conceived of as a state of supreme good, absolute contentment and blissful union with God. Morality constitutes the core of every religion. In reality we find different religions prevailing in this world. Each of them has got some philosophy, some beliefs, some rituals, and some practices. By "religion" we mean that religion which is above, and at the same time mostly common in fundamentals to, all the concrete systems of religion- like the vertex of a convex solid angle. It is also universally said that at the bottom, in the last analysis, all religions are one. Hence, religion, in the general sense, is bound to be abstract, absolute and eternal. Religion is practiced for attaining liberation/salvation, mok¿a, (nirva¿a) for identifying oneself with the Supreme, for merging the individual soul with the universal soul and by seeking the blessings of the Almighty.