Do People Truly Need Religion in the Age of Science?

**Summary:** Although science has reshaped much of our understanding, humans still yearn for a spiritual life. This article clarifies that need, cautions against distorted religious sects, and affirms the singular truth of Buddhism.

I recall a story by a Japanese writer: In a war-torn, chaotic region, a young girl sat by the road, unable to evacuate. One by one, a farmer, a merchant, and even a person with a disability who walked slowly came by and offered to protect her. She did not ask who they were, but only inquired: "Is there anyone still behind you?" Upon learning there were more, she refused them all. It was only when the final person said he was the slowest and that no one remained behind him that she stood up and followed him. This simple story illustrates a human psyche: we are never completely satisfied with the present and always yearn for a better future.

This leads to a profound question: In our modern age of science and technology, why do people still turn to religion? Venerable Thich Chan Quang, in his dharma talk "Religion (2)," offers many insightful perspectives to help us understand this spiritual need better.

**Religion – A Companion Since the Dawn of Time**

From ancient times, when humans lived in small tribes, beliefs emerged as a tool to explain human existence, the universe, and to provide moral lessons. Venerable Chan Quang says:

"In the past, when people still lived in small tribes, beliefs had already appeared. These beliefs served as an explanation for human life and the cosmos, and provided people with a way to treat each other and live together in this life."

At that time, beliefs functioned like an early science, helping people understand the world. More importantly, they also taught people how to live uprightly and love one another. Thanks to these two immense values, religion has been appreciated and respected by humanity, enduring to this day.

**Can Science Replace Religion?**

Today, science has made extraordinary strides, yet much remains unexplained. The Venerable observes:

"What science has discovered in this life is not yet enough to satisfy people, so they continue to seek explanations within religion."

Humans possess an inherent desire to understand the ultimate truth. As long as science leaves questions about life after death and the meaning of existence unanswered, religion continues to serve as a repository for people's faith and hope.

**A Promise and Its Price**

The Venerable also highlights a key human psychology: people are often drawn by promises about the future. Religion promises happiness not only in this life but also in a better life to come. In the Venerable's words:

"Religion promises that if you join, after death, you might go to heaven. You will live an extremely blissful life, something no amount of worldly wealth can provide."

This is precisely why many choose a religion. Yet, it is also from this very point that numerous sects have exploited human faith for personal gain. The Venerable warns:

"We come to the faith, offering real money and sincere devotion, in exchange for a promise. Paying real money for a promise—this is often where religion is criticized."

Therefore, each person needs to be discerning to recognize distorted religious teachings while building their own faith on a foundation of clarity and wisdom.

**Religion and Its Expansion in Society**

There are various ways for a religion to become a major force in society. The Venerable outlines several forms: passing it down through family lineage, encouraging procreation, using marriage to attract followers, or even employing force. Buddhism, in particular, has a distinct characteristic:

"Buddhism does not compel a child to follow the faith from birth; as they grow up, their own awareness develops... Here, the point is not about snatching followers, but about affirming that Buddhism is the truth. It would not be right for us to enjoy this truth without letting our children experience it too."

Some religions have used weapons to spread their faith, causing much suffering. The Venerable mentions that Islam once massacred Buddhists in India in the twelfth century. This serves as both a warning and a reminder to Buddhists to have the consciousness to protect and propagate the true Dharma.

**The Trap of the Mind Before Glory**

One intriguing topic in the talk is the danger faced by someone with many followers who becomes lost in fame, profit, and politics. The Venerable shares an experience:

"We can endure many things. For example, in disaster, contempt, slander, or others speaking ill of us, we can remain calm and endure. However, when faced with the admiration of others, our mind stirs immediately. Therefore, the admiration of others is more dangerous; it can destroy us more powerfully than insults or criticism from others."

This is a valuable lesson for anyone, especially practitioners who accumulate much merit and are revered by others. They must constantly pray for the Buddha's guardianship to avoid pride and arrogance in their hearts.

**There is Only One Truth – No Compromise Possible**

Amidst a multitude of religions, where lies the ultimate truth? The Venerable affirms:

"There can be only one truth; there cannot be two or three. This is how it is in the universe."

This leads to irreconcilable differences between Buddhism and other religions, such as the view of a Creator God. The Venerable recalls a conversation with a teacher of the Mother Goddess faith: "Who created the Buddha?" He answered:

"The Buddha attained Buddhahood through his own merit of practice over countless eons. To say that some creator created the Buddha is a foolish statement."

This teaching encourages Buddhists to have faith in their own merit, for every person can practice and achieve enlightenment without relying on any external creator.

May every child of the Buddha always illuminate their faith in the truth, live in accordance with the law of cause and effect, and attain enlightenment in their every action.