Cosmos, Religion and Meaning
Zainab Shakruwala
What is the difference between the Cosmos and the Universe?
Cosmos is the opposite of chaos, it means seeing the universe as an orderly system. One that is governed by laws instead of being a random chaotic existence. Cosmology is the study of this universe , its existence and the laws governing it.
There have been three approaches to study the cosmos; religious, philosophical, and scientific. So far the religious one has been the most comforting and the scientific one the accurate. But then again this is the function of these two methods.
While both try to make sense of the world around them, religion uses stories that can make us feel less lost and more in control while science believes the proven facts and proven facts alone. The fight between Science and Religion, between tradition and innovation has been an age old one. At first religion complemented human growth and development but now a days it superstition often times supersedes it.
From the beginning of human consciousness humanity has striven to find meaning to life and to the world around us. Why do clouds thunder? What are earthquakes and what causes them? What is the moon and why is it there?
The simple answer to all these questions was God. An all knowing, all-encompassing deity who knows everything and controls everything. This concept was beneficial for two reasons, it gave answers to questions which were unanswerable at that time and it helped in creating and maintaining rules that were considered to be for the common good of society.
The concept of Religion was introduced. In many ways religion became the backbone of society. It gave a set of rules to govern others by, which were decided upon by intelligent men of that era. It also consolidated the power of those in charge in the hearts and minds of people. But these very advantages became its disadvantages. Religion became more and more influenced by politics which led to its present state where it has become the cause of completely politically motivated conflicts.
But in its purest form Religion was always a way for mankind to seek answers and create order. In the bygone era it was the religious men who brought the greatest advancement in Science and mathematics in those times. Be it the famous library of Baghdad of the Muslims, the Vedas and Upanishads of Hindus or the Vatican library of the Holy see, they all have made significant contributions to human advancement.
But the problem with Religion is that instead of acknowledging that it doesn’t have all the answers and it makes up stories that have no proof. This is where Science comes in with its concrete proofs and stone cold facts and logical approach. Science is the ultimate quest for truth. The reason more and more people turn to science everyday is that it has time and again given us proven results.
And now Science has begun answering the big questions. Where did we come from? Where are we headed? Who or what created the universe? Evolution, Theory of Relativity, Astronomy all these fields strive to answer our questions. And slowly and steadily we are finding our success. Disease and suffering, whether it be mental or physical illness are being eradicated or cured by science.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not against religion, nor am I an atheist, religion for me is an ever evolving journey where in my opinions change everyday based on the evidence I receive. Religion has satisfied two basic need of the conscience: meaning and order. And if we take religion away from people then they lose meaning and even purpose which is not good for mankind.
But I think we can all agree that the answers that we are looking for can no longer be found in our religious texts. Instead of Religion being an hindrance to science it should promote its growth and lead it towards a more ethical path. As the modern world outgrows religion, it is important to keep the values of empathy, kindness and servitude which all religions promote to take forward with us. Not because one wishes to go to heaven but because one wishes for the growth and development of all humankind.
