A Critical Study of Religion and Contemporary Challenges (Part One)

By Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam 15 September 2025 Abstract: In the modern era, rapid social, economic, and scientific development raises questions about religion’s role. Critics argue that rigid religious traditions can hinder progress, limit critical thinking, and restrict freedom, affecting education, science, and women’s rights. Scholars like Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris, Michel Onfray, and Herman Philipse highlight religion’s historical and social impact, showing conflicts between faith and rational inquiry. Conversely, religion can guide ethical behaviour, promote justice, and support social cohesion when interpreted flexibly. The key challenge is adapting religious teachings to contemporary, pluralistic societies and emerging technologies to ensure they support human development rather than obstruct it. Main Points: 1. Rigid religious traditions may hinder progress and innovation. 2. Religion can limit critical thinking and intellectual freedom. 3. Ethical and moral guidance can promote social cohesion. 4. Scholars critique religion’s historical influence on society and science. 5. Flexible adaptation of religion ensures compatibility with modern challenges. ----- In today’s era, the pace of social, economic, and scientific development has accelerated dramatically, and the demand for innovation in every field of life has grown significantly. Against this backdrop, one recurring question emerges: does religion hinder human progress, or can it coexist with it? Religion is a structured system designed to organise human moral, spiritual, and social life, guiding people to distinguish right from wrong. It provides ethical frameworks, moral teachings, and spiritual practices that aim to shape individual and collective behaviour. However, in the modern world, several scholars and intellectuals argue that religious doctrines and traditions can sometimes act as barriers to progress. This criticism is largely based on the idea that religion often relies on traditional and ancient teachings, which may not always align with reason, scientific advancement, or contemporary thought. For example, in matters of education, science, women’s rights, and social freedom, certain religious restrictions or conservative attitudes can appear to impede development. Some researchers claim that when religion is applied rigidly and without flexibility, it may limit human creativity, critical thinking, and social innovation. On the other hand, many scholars and social reformers argue that religion itself is not inherently opposed to progress. Instead, it can serve as a guiding framework that promotes social cohesion, justice, and ethical behaviour. Religious teachings often encourage human welfare, justice, equality, morality, and respect for knowledge, which can contribute positively to both individual and societal development. The real problem arises when religion is interpreted rigidly, or religious traditions are followed merely as a matter of blind imitation, without adapting them to contemporary contexts. In such cases, religion can appear to restrict innovation and social progress. It is also important to recognise that the modern world functions as a “global village,” where social and cultural dynamics have drastically changed. The challenges faced by societies today did not exist in the past, and likewise, future problems will be different from today’s concerns. Social demands evolve rapidly, and this creates a significant challenge for religion: how to address newly emerging issues. For example, artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that has entered public discourse and daily life. People now face questions such as: what guidance does religion provide regarding the ethical use of AI? Similarly, pluralistic societies, where people from different faiths and communities coexist, present challenges that classical religious jurisprudence did not directly address. Historical Islamic jurisprudence, for instance, categorised regions of the world based on the context of that time, using terms such as Dar al-Islam (Abode of Islam), Dar al-Harb (Abode of War), Dar al-Aman (Abode of Security), and Dar al-‘Ahd (Abode of Treaty). In today’s world, with widespread social diversity and interfaith coexistence, these classical categories have largely lost their relevance. Pluralistic societies operate under completely different social and ethical norms, which in turn affect the interpretation and application of traditional religious rulings. Scholars and researchers, therefore, need to re-evaluate the classical framework and develop guidance that responds to the ethics of modern life, technological advances, and the requirements of multicultural societies. Critical Study of Religion: A critical study of religion reveals diverse perspectives on its role in contemporary society. One perspective suggests that religion cannot adequately address the challenges and complexities of the modern world. Critics argue that religion may restrict human thought, hinder social development, and impose limitations on free inquiry and creativity. These critics maintain that religion can sometimes block progress and restrict intellectual freedom, potentially creating obstacles to innovation and societal advancement. Many books and scholarly works support this critique. For example, Christopher Hitchens (1949–2011), a prominent Anglo-American author, journalist, and critic, wrote God Is Not Great: The Case Against Religion. In this book, Hitchens examines historical, political, and social examples to argue that religion often obstructs human reason and development. He asserts that religions, throughout history, have sometimes prioritised prejudice and sectarianism over truth. Hitchens also claims that religion has suppressed scientific discovery, subordinated women, and limited freedom of expression. He rejects the idea that religion is the primary source of morality, arguing that humans can develop ethical principles more effectively through reason and experience. Hitchens’ work provides critical arguments for those questioning religion, while also encouraging believers to reflect on their own positions and interpretations. Similarly, Sam Harris (born 9 April 1967, Los Angeles, California), a well-known American philosopher, author, neuroscientist, and public intellectual, focuses on religion, ethics, scientific thought, and secularism. His book The End of Faith presents a critical review of religious belief in the context of contemporary challenges. Harris argues that much of the violence, extremism, and terrorism carried out in the name of religion poses a threat to human civilisation. He describes religious belief as fundamentally irrational and suggests that sacrificing reason and evidence for faith is one of the biggest obstacles to human progress. The book also explores religious extremism, jihad, martyrdom, and the use of religion in politics. Harris emphasises that humanity must embrace scientific thinking, rational inquiry, and free thought to advance. The End of Faith has generated widespread debate in Western societies, raising important discussions about the intersection of religion, reason, and modernity. Michel Onfray (born 1 January 1959, France), a philosopher, author, and professor, is renowned for his materialist philosophy and secularist perspective. In his book Atheist Manifesto, Onfray critically examines the three major Abrahamic religions—Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. He argues that these religions have historically dominated human thought and often limited intellectual freedom. Onfray highlights the social and historical impacts of religious beliefs, showing that they have, at times, oppressed women, restricted freedom, and prioritised fear over truth. He advocates for a rational, scientific, and secular approach to ethics and society, rejecting religion as a guiding force. Another important voice is Herman Philipse (born 13 May 1951, Netherlands), a Dutch philosopher and professor specializing in the philosophical critique of religion, ethics, and scientific thought. In his book God in the Age of Science?, Philipse critically evaluates the relationship between religious belief and scientific reasoning. He examines classical arguments for God’s existence—including cosmological, moral, and miraculous arguments—and finds them weaker when considered in the light of modern scientific understanding. His work challenges traditional religious claims and encourages reliance on reason and evidence rather than dogma. Many other scholars and thinkers have produced similar works, arguing that religion, in certain contexts, can impede social development, scientific progress, and intellectual growth. These works encourage societies to rely on rational, evidence-based thinking to address contemporary challenges, rather than strictly adhering to traditional religious frameworks. This perspective provides support for individuals and communities inclined towards secularism, rationalism, and scientific inquiry. In conclusion, religion remains a complex and multifaceted institution in modern society. While it can offer moral guidance, ethical values, and social cohesion, rigid interpretations and uncritical adherence to traditional doctrines can create obstacles to social innovation, scientific development, and individual freedom. The contemporary challenge lies in reconciling religious belief with the demands of a rapidly changing world, technological advances, and pluralistic societies. Critical study and thoughtful reflection are essential to ensure that religion continues to serve as a positive guiding force rather than a barrier to progress. ----- Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi is an Author and Columnist URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/religion-contemporary-challenges-part-one/d/136837 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism