Editorial:

Science has facilitated human life in countless ways. It has bestowed on man unprecedented and unheard of comforts and luxuries. But unfortunately from the very beginning of its journey the insularity of medieval Christian church brought it into conflict with religion. This legacy of mutual mistrust abides to this day. The common perception sees them as antagonistic and competing world views. This is highly unfortunate because it is not science but scientism that is competing with religion as a rival world view. Science is the inquiry in to the working of the universe and all phenomena of nature and it has nothing to do with the realm of spirituality, meaning and purpose. It is an instrument in the hands of man which can be used in the service or disservice of humanity. The choice lies with man. It is in the question of choice that religion and scientism become relevant. Scientism, by declaring universe as self originating and consisting only of matter and considering science to be the only reliable source of reaching the truth, invalidates the invaluable spiritual assets of humanity and other sources of knowledge. Sweeping statements and monopolizing attitude of scientism must be rejected to ensure the survival not only of civilization but life on earth. From the perspective of scientism and evolutionism, man is merely an animal among other animals and therefore devoid of not only potentials and possibilities for goodness, truth and beauty identified and promised by spirituality but also not accountable and responsible for his own actions. Scientism can be rightly said to sanction free exercise of animality in man. All through the ages, animality in man has wrought destruction with whatever tools he could lay his hands on. It is ominous. Because in our times the tools of destruction that man possesses can destroy life in all its forms and manifestations from the face of the earth. And only a deep sense of responsibility and accountability, love for life in all its form and manifestation, wisdom, gratitude and a profound sense of meaning and purpose – the essence of religion and spirituality – can save us from chaos and annihilation. We owe a lot to religion and science for their all–pervasive and manifold contribution. Let us cherish them for what they are and the promises they contain for taking man to the ultimate truth and fulfillment.