Rational Approach to Religion- Logical Criteria
INTRODUCTION
According to Britinnica.com: “Religion, human beings’ relation to that which they regard as holy, sacred, absolute, spiritual, divine, or worthy of especial reverence. It is also commonly regarded as consisting of the way people deal with ultimate concerns about their lives and their fate after death. In many traditions, this relation and these concerns are expressed in terms of one’s relationship with or attitude toward gods or spirits. Believers and worshippers participate in and are often enjoined to perform devotional or contemplative practices such as prayer, meditation, or particular rituals.
In all communities, the dominant religions at the height of civilization seem to have been based on written texts from sources that are, consciously or unconsciously, accepted by the followers of these religions as supreme sources. These texts or orders of human and/or divine origins are both unjustly considered sacred and sources of commandments and guidance by the adherents of these religions. As a result, in the course of time, what seemed to be clearly distinct from the product of human thought has been drowned out by norms and practices whose traces cannot be traced back to the divine origins. We have identified the following list of some logical and rational criteria that we can use to distinguish these fabrications from true divine commands, regardless of any religion that one is pursuing, although most of the examples illustrated are from the religion of Islam.
Anything that:
1) Clearly negates the concept of justice;
2) Goes against life;
3) Is discriminatory or judgmental of others
4) Violates our basic human nature;
5) Leads to or amplifies negativity;
6) Blocks our intellectual faculties and demands to blindly follow any irrational religious rule;
7) Cannot be applied equitably to or followed by all humans;
8) Creates divide, lawlessness, dispute, or animosity;
9) Aims to hinder, block, suspend or stop any source of life;
10) Is based on or generates fear;
11) Purports to be a religious law but contradicts the laws of the same religion;
12) Contradicts a basic proven scientific and natural law;
13) Contravenes love or justice in claiming to protect (the honor of) the divine or any of the prophets;
14) Lacks any meaningful impact on humanity or social causes;
15) Is trivial in any shape or form and is beneath the divine wisdom
…cannot be from divine but instead is a human fabrication in the name of the divine. By applying these criteria with critical thinking and discernment, we can navigate the complexities of religious teachings and discern genuine divine guidance from human manipulations.
1) NEGATES THE CONCEPT OF JUSTICE
Since justice is a fundamental principle in moral and ethical systems. It embodies fairness, equity, and the impartial application of rules or laws regardless of one’s background such as gender, race, geography, language, beliefs, religion etc. It seeks to ensure that individuals receive what they deserve, whether in terms of punishment for wrongdoing or reward for righteous behavior. Anything that contradicts or undermines justice cannot be considered a true expression of the divine will. If a command purportedly coming from a divine entity promotes discrimination, oppression, or the infliction of unjust harm upon others, it would inherently contradict the very essence of justice. For Instance, in Islam, misinterpretation of the Quranic Ayah of 4:34 has led to the so-called divine Islamic law of allowing husband to beat his wife in case if the wife thinks about disloyalty, whereas no such harsh action is advised in the case of husband, even when the husband undertakes such an act. This is a clear example of unjust law fabricated in the name of the divine. True justice cannot sanction or condone actions that violate the rights, respect and dignity of individuals. Thus, any interpretation of divine commands that negates or undermines the concept of justice in any shape or form cannot be considered authentic or legitimate. Instead, it reflects human imperfection, misinterpretation, or even manipulation for personal, patriarchal or ideological purposes.
2) GOES AGAINST LIFE
The Devine being the Creator, it can’t make sense that we will be receiving guidance that goes against the sustenance and safety of each component of this creation to make Life prosper. At the core of all religious traditions lies the belief in a benevolent and compassionate deity who cherishes and sustains all life forms. Divine teachings emphasize the inherent value and interconnectedness of all living beings, urging us as humans to act as caretakers of the world. Such teachings inspire respect and admiration for life in all its forms, from the tiniest microorganisms to the majestic ecosystems of the planet. In contrast, actions or ideologies that seek to destroy or damage life in any shape or form, whether through violence, exploitation, environmental degradation, sacrifices in the name of the divine, or other means, stand in direct opposition to the principles of divine wisdom and compassion. For instance, any killing in the name of divine of another life form, whether human or animal, can never be sanctioned by the divine. If religious practices or beliefs result in harm, division, death, injustice or destruction, it raises questions about their divine origins. Anything that goes against life or aims to destroy or damage life in any way cannot be divine in nature, but rather is a man-made fabrication masked in the name of the divine. For instance, we found in many cultures influenced by man-made religion of islam the custom of killing salamanders. The origins of this practice, which has become instinctive, can be found in the texts of the hadiths and not Quran.
3) IS DISCRIMINATORY OR JUDGMENTAL
At the heart of the divine teachings lies the principle of universal love and the recognition of the inherent worth and dignity of every individual that call for rejection of any discriminatory attitude and judgmental behavior. Discrimination or judgmental attitudes towards others, regardless of their beliefs, identities, or backgrounds, contradict the core principles of the divine and cannot be deemed as authentic divine commandments. True divine commandments are expected to promote inclusivity, empathy, and understanding, fostering harmony and unity among diverse communities. They invite individuals to rise above barriers of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and social status, recognizing the interconnectedness of humanity and the inherent divinity within each person. Divine commandments would inspire people to overcome their narrow-mindedness and embrace the richness of human diversity with humbleness, humility and respect. Discriminatory or judgmental attitudes, on the other hand, stem from human biases, insecurities, and misconceptions. They often arise from a limited understanding of others and a failure to recognize the complexity and diversity of human experiences. For instance, judging or looking down upon people who follow other religions or belong to a different sect or have any different sexual orientation, cannot be divine led but based on human attitudes. Such attitudes breed division, resentment, and conflict, undermining the principles of love, peace, and justice that lie at the heart of authentic divine principals. Any commandment or teaching that requires us to judge another human being, or promotes discrimination or judgmentalism towards others cannot be considered truly divine. Instead, it may reflect human distortions or misinterpretations of religious texts and traditions, fueled by fear, ignorance, or the desire for power and control.
4) VIOLATES BASIC HUMAN NATURE
Consistency with fundamental moral principles can serve as a crucial criterion. At the core of human nature lies a set of fundamental values and inclinations that have shaped our societies, cultures, and moral frameworks throughout history. Among these are love, compassion, care and justice for others. Anything that contradicts these fundamental aspects of human nature cannot be considered a genuine divine commandment. True divine commands are expected to align with universal human values such as love, compassion, empathy, and respect for human dignity. Any commandment or teaching that deviates from and contradicts these core values should be viewed with skepticism, as it reflects human biases or interests rather than divine will. Genuine divine commands encourage individuals to cultivate a culture of care and support, nurturing environments where every person is valued and respected. Anything that contradicts these basic aspects of human nature reflect human distortions, misinterpretations, or manipulations of religious teachings for personal gain, power, or control. For instance, asking parents to beat their 7-year-old child if they are not praying, is an example of distortion in the name of the divine that goes against our basic human nature of love, care, compassion and motherhood for our children.
5) LEADS TO OR AMPLIFY NEGATIVITY
While positive human emotions like love, joy, and compassion uplift and enrich our lives, negative emotions such as anger, guilt, shame, depression, and sadness can be deeply distressing and disruptive. The promotion of human well-being and flourishing is central to divine teachings and therefore, anything that encourages, supports, or leads to negative emotions, such as anger, guilt or shame, depression or sadness etc. cannot be guided by genuine divine commands. For instance, in the Islamic tradition of slaughtering millions of animals during Eid-Al-Adha, the ritual leads to guilt, shame, distress and sadness upon the killing of the animals, especially amongst the children and young adults, which can never be divine led. Anything that exploits or exacerbates human or life sufferings for despicable purposes, whether through manipulation, coercion, or abuse, cannot be aligned with divine wisdom and compassion. For instance, committing suicide or killing others in the name of the religion can never be divine led. In discerning true divine commands from human fabrications, it is essential to consider their effects on human emotions and well-being. If it leads to any negative emptions, then this is a fabrication in the name of the divine.
6) BLOCKS INTELLECTUAL FACULTIES TO PROMOTE BLIND FOLLOWING
The freedom to think, reflect, and seek knowledge is an intrinsic aspect of human existence. Genuine divine commands encourage intellectual inquiry, critical thinking, and the pursuit of truth, fostering environments of openness and intellectual curiosity. We, as humans, are born with the birth right of freedom of choice and decision that we can carry out on the basis of our intellect and reasoning. Blind adherence to illogical religious commands and rituals undermines this principle of intellectual independence and suppresses the capacity for critical reflection and moral values. The human inclination towards thinking and curiosity for knowledge is a divine gift. The expectation to blindly follow illogical religious commands or rituals contradicts the essence of critical thinking and rational inquiry. Genuine divine guidance is never irrational but rather aligns with principles of reason, wisdom, and moral judgement. For instance, if any religious concept, law or ritual expects a blind following by forbidding the need to question, or argue such rituals and commands, then it’s against the human’s basic nature of curiosity and thinking. The so-called divine laws that prohibit us asking questions by expecting us to simply follow the religious man-made laws, is a manipulation in the name of the divine. Commands that demand blind obedience or adherence without justification are opposing to the pursuit of truth and wisdom and cannot be considered authentic expressions of divine will. Instead, such commands reflect human biases, misconceptions, or distortions of religious teachings.
7) CAN’T BE APPLID EQUITABLY TO ALL HUMANS
The universality of moral principles is a central consideration in evaluating the authenticity of divine commands or rules. Genuine divine commandments are expected to resonate with principles of justice, equity, and compassion that apply universally to all human beings, regardless of their geographical location, gender, cultural, social, racial, or religious background. If a religious rule or law is contingent upon these factors, it raises questions about its validity as a divine commandment. For instance, addressing only men and no other genders, as per various misinterpretations of Quranic Ayahs (e.g. 2:187, 4:34, 4:3 etc.) is a man-made fabrication since the applicability of any divine law can never be based on gender. Similarly, the so-called prayers timings, or opening of fast timings can not be applied in places like Alaska, where we do not have defined sun set and sun rise timings like other parts of the world. Religious manipulations often exploit divisions and inequalities within society to assert control or dominance of one group, for instance men over women, or heterosexuals over homosexuals etc. By exploiting religious discussion or symbolism (for instance certain dressing or language), manipulative leaders seek to justify discriminatory practices or policies that serve their own interests rather than the common good. Hence, the key criterion to use in order to discern true divine commands from religious manipulations is that any law, command or ritual which can’t be justly applied or followed by everyone is not led by divine will but is a human fabrication.
8) CREATES DIVIDE, LAWLESSNESS, DISPUTES, OR ANIMOSITY
The essence of many divine teachings revolves around principles of unity, compassion, and humility, fostering harmony and understanding among individuals and communities. Anything that creates division, self-righteousness, animosity towards, or distinctions that breed self-righteousness or superiority over others contradicts the core divine values and cannot be considered a genuine divine commandment. True divine guidance encourages dialogue, reconciliation, and cooperation, even in the face of disagreements or conflicts, fostering environments of understanding and mutual support. Religious teachings that promote division or hostility towards others stem from human biases, insecurities, or misunderstandings, rather than a genuine connection to divine wisdom. For instance, the religious leaders divide and lead people towards different sects of a religion or different religions based on creating a self-distinction and pride, creating an impression as if only we’re on the right path, while creating feelings of hatred, animosity and divide towards others. By doing this, manipulative leaders seek to assert control or dominance over certain groups, fostering environments of distrust and resentment.
9) HINDERS, BLOCKS, SUSPENDS OR STOPS A LIFE’S SOURCE
The sustenance and preservation of life are central themes in many religious and spiritual traditions, reflecting a profound reverence for the interconnected web of existence. Anything that aims to hinder, block, suspend or stop any source of life in any shape or form can never be divine led. Rest and sleep are vital components of human well-being, necessary for physical, emotional, and cognitive health. Genuine divine commands recognize the importance of rest and restoration, encouraging individuals to honor their natural rhythms and prioritize self-care. Anything that seeks to hinder, block, suspend, or stop essential sources of life, such as rest, sleep, food, water, or the freedom to think and reflect, contradicts the principles of divine wisdom and compassion. For instance, the Islamic preference for offering prayers in the middle of the night, or to wake up for Sehri during the month of Ramadan, through lack of sleep, disrupt the delicate balance of human life and undermine the principles of holistic well-being. Likewise, access to adequate food and water is essential for human survival and flourishing. Commands that withhold or deny access to food and water exploit human vulnerabilities and perpetuate suffering. For instance, the idea of staying away from food and water for an extended period of time during the month of Ramadan, leading to human suffering can never be divine led but is a human fabrication.
10) BASED ON OR GENERATES FEAR
Fear is a powerful and primal human emotion, often evoking feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and vulnerability. While fear serves a protective function in alerting us to potential threats or dangers, its manipulation for control or exploitation is a common tactic employed by individuals seeking power or dominance. Consequently, anything that is based on fear, particularly when used to coerce obedience or compliance, is more likely to be a manmade manipulation rather than a genuine expression of divine guidance. By exaggerating threats or punishments, manipulative religious leaders seek to influence beliefs and behaviors, fostering environments of distrust, anxiety, and division. Fear-based ideologies often perpetuate cycles of violence, oppression, and discrimination, fueling conflict and animosity among people whereas genuine divine guidance promotes reconciliation, understanding, and mutual respect, transcending divisions and fostering environments of peace and cooperation. For instance, death penalty for homosexuality or for someone denouncing their religion is not divine led but is a human fabrication.
11) IS NOT COHERENT
When any religious law contradicts any other law of the same religion, both cannot be from the divine since coherence is the basic pillar of divine teachings where one law can never contradict another. The divine guidance has to have a cohesive body of scriptures, doctrines, and ethical guidelines that provide a framework for understanding divine revelation. The idea that divine guidance should be consistent and harmonious means that conflicting laws within the same religious tradition raise questions about their divine origin. Divine wisdom is timeless and immutable, offering principles that transcend cultural, time-based, geographical, and contextual boundaries. These principles provide a framework for ethical conduct, spiritual growth, and social cohesion. Therefore, when conflicting laws emerge within the same religious framework, it suggests a divergence from this foundational coherence. For instance, on one hand many Ayahs of the Quran stresses the importance of preservation of life, by saying that killing one soul is like killing whole of humanity- on the other hand there are misinterpretation of other Quranic ayah leads to killing of Mushrekeen or other hadith texts which talking about killing or capital punishment for certain so-called crimes. The only possible explanation for conflicting laws is the result of human interpretation and cultural influences over time.
12) CONTRADICTS ANY PROVEN SCIENTIFIC OR NATURAL LAW
Any law that contradicts a basic proven scientific or natural law cannot be from the divine. Coherence with scientific and natural laws is one of the key criteria that can be used to discern the true divine guidance from human fabrication. Basic scientific principles, such as the laws of physics, chemistry, and biology, provide a foundation for understanding the universe’s mechanisms and processes. Science, with its rigorous methodology and empirical verification, offers insights into the workings of the natural world, created by the same divine. Therefore, any law, event, ritual or statement that claimed to be divine but that contradicts these well-established scientific principles warrants skepticism. For instance, parting of sea by Nabiy Musa (Prophet Moses) is not possible keeping in consideration basic scientific principals and hence this is not what any book of scripture could say. Similarly, the story of Nabiy Yonus being eaten whole by a whale where he remained alive for a period of 40 days, is nothing but a fairy tale since this is not scientifically possible. The reason for this criterion lies in the fact that all the natural laws are created by the same divine and hence all divine teachings and wisdom encompasses an understanding of the natural order and operates in harmony with it. If a purported divine law contradicts basic scientific principles, it suggests either a misunderstanding or manipulation by humans rather than genuine divine guidance. For example, the concept of the birth of Nabiy Easa (Jesus) by Virgin Marry without the presence of a mortal father defies logic, reasoning, contradicts natural laws of birth and conception and hence can not have any divine origins but based on fabrications in the name of the divine.
13) CONTRAVENES JUSTICE OR LOVE IN CLAIMING TO PROTECT (THE HONOR OF) DIVINE OR THE PROPHET
If the law or the religion ask you to protect (the name or honor) of the divine or the prophet who is not alive anymore, then it’s a fabrication. The divine doesn’t need our protection, nor we can protect the name or honor of any dead person, no matter how revered the prophet is. Enforcing laws purportedly aimed at protecting the honor of the divine or prophets often leads to suppression, coercion, and even persecution of dissenting voices of those who hold alternative beliefs or express critical views. When laws are crafted under the guise of divine mandate, they often come with the expectation that humans must protect the honor of the divine or any revered prophets who is not alive anymore. However, such an expectation is fundamentally flawed and represents a fabrication rather than a genuine manifestation of divine will. The notion that the honor of the divine or any of the dead prophets require human protection contradicts the very essence of omnipotence and divine sovereignty. A true divine, does not require mortal intervention to safeguard the divine honor or the honor of any of the prophets not alive anymore.
14) LACKS MEANINGFUL IMPACT ON SOCIAL CAUSES
If any law or ritual ask you to simply follow an order or a ritual simply to connect with the divine or send blessings to the prophet with no meaningful impact or contribution for the betterment of the humanity it’s a definite fabrication. The essence of divine teachings emphasizes compassion, empathy, and service to others. If a law or ritual is devoid of any meaningful impact on humanity or social causes, it raises questions about its authenticity and alignment with divine principles. Any law or ritual that solely focuses on personal adherence or connection with the divine without fostering positive change in society is missing the mark. For example, offering 5 times ritual prayers by Muslims, whereby they intend to connect with the divine, results not only in wastage of valuable time and resources but also doesn’t impact positively the community in any shape or form. Similarly, millions of dollars spent during annual pilgrimage to Mecca for the sole aim of connection with the divine, could instead be put to better use in eradicating poverty or human sufferings in one way or another. Such waste of money, resources and abilities can never be divine led but are promoted in the name of the divine for selfish interests and agendas. When acts of worships, religious practices, and rituals become detached from the well-being of their communities, they become empty gestures, hollow and disconnected from the essence of divine wisdom and guidance. Anything that disproportionately consumes resources, causes harm, or lacks meaningful contribution to social causes fall short of being considered aligned with divine will.
15) TRIVIAL IN NATURE OR BENEATH DIVINE WISDOM
Anything that’s trivial in any shape or form, for instance what to eat, what is prohibited food, how to dress, when to eat, or what to do in our daily lives are too beneath the divine wisdom and hence cannot be from the divine guidance. Once we have been created as social, intellectual humans with us being blessed with all these powers to decide these trivial matters by ourselves, we don’t need divine to advise and guide us in these insignificant matters. These matters fall within the realm of human autonomy and societal norms rather than divine decree. The essence of divine wisdom is an eternal and boundless source of guidance that illuminates the path of righteousness, morality, and spiritual enlightenment. It rises above the mundane intricacies of daily existence, focusing instead on the fundamental principles that govern the universe and human consciousness. Since humanity is endowed with intellect, conscience, and free will, we possess the capacity to navigate these trivial matters autonomously and as social and intellectual beings, are more than capable of self-governance. While the divine offers overarching principles of morality and ethical conduct, it does not prescribe the specifics of daily routines, cultural traditions or personal choices. For example, in the realm of attire and diet, our diverse upbringing and surroundings reflect our individual tastes, cultural heritage, and lifestyle choices. What may be appropriate attire or cuisine for one individual or community may differ significantly from another, highlighting the subjective nature of these decisions. Hence these can never be the topic of any divine guidance, commandment or rule. Any religious rule or custom surrounding what to eat, what to wear, and how to conduct ourselves in daily life are human fabrications rather than divine mandate.
CONCLUSION
The overarching criteria and rule is simple- “When a religion seeks to divide and rule; judge and exclude, it is a fabrication based in hearsay. The purist form of any faith is childlike love, curiosity and compassion”
The purpose of any divine teachings is to resort us back to the way we are created and were purest at the time of our birth- we were pure with feelings of love and compassion for everyone, our curiosity for knowledge and understanding and our desire to stand up for justice.
As intellectual and social beings, it is incumbent upon us to discern between human fabrications within religions and true divine commandments. We must critically evaluate religious teachings and practices, scrutinizing them against a set of principles that reflect our deepest values and aspirations. When assessing purported divine rules or commands, we should consider whether they uphold justice, promote inclusivity, align with the sanctity of life, resonate with our basic human nature, foster positive emotions and behaviors, synchronize with scientific and natural laws, inspire trust rather than fear, adhere to principles of logic and reason, apply universally to all humans, encourage unity and cooperation, are significant matters of divine wisdom, promotes societal welfare and safeguard the well-being of individuals. By applying these simple and logical criteria with discernment and integrity, we can navigate the complexities of religious beliefs and practices, distinguishing between authentic expressions of divine wisdom and manipulative distortions. In doing so, we empower ourselves to embrace the true essence of the divine guidance, rooted in love, compassion, and ethical integrity, while rejecting ideologies that perpetuate division, injustice, and fear.
