There are many examples which make it difficult to reconcile the contradictory ideas of a person as a rational being and as one driven by (mostly blind) faith.
https://thewire.in/society/religion-reason-charity-faith
A study by the Centre for Social Impact and Philanthropy, Ashoka University, has revealed that Indians donate far more to religious organisations than non-religious ones.
Though this report in The Wire says that ‘religious beliefs’ dominate as a motivating factor for making these donations, Swati Shresth, the co-author of the study, notes that it is difficult to frame the nature of ‘religious beliefs’ as one that is restricted to religious institutions like temples, mosques, etc. What needs to be noted is that the idea of godhood being central to such institutions ropes in the element of faith quite strongly in a person.
The fundamental and uncomfortable larger questions that reasonably arise in such a context are: what is the legitimacy of religion in general? What is the basis of belief in god that is so central to religion? But what is so disconcerting is that these fundamental questions, which are so obvious, are just ignored and brushed under the carpet by many believers.
Even if the believer cares to answer them, the arguments she resorts to are utterly fallacious and unsound, amounting to what can be termed as rationalising the irrational. In the process, she insults her rational sensibilities or, it could be that she wants to preserve the entrenched faith that prevents her from exercising her rational capacity.
These are questions of meaning and foundation of religion on which it is difficult to speak, but impossible to remain silent. It is sensitive to raise such questions on religion that is held to be sacred. Speaking against it is considered blasphemy. And that is the difficulty.
23/09/2022
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In India, ‘Religious Belief’, Not Humanitarian Crisis, Triggers More Charity
A study has found that Indians gave Rs 16,600 crore to religious organisations between October 2020 and September 2021 as compared to Rs 1,100 crore to non-religious institutions.
by Taniya Roy
23/09/2022
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