Rejoinder to “The Advent of Universal Wisdom” By Sumit Paul

By Naseer Ahmed, New Age Islam 21 October 2024 While Sumit Paul's article makes a case against the possibility of a convergence of religions into a "universal wisdom," it rests on assumptions that require deeper scrutiny. The dismissal of religion as merely a political tool or an outdated relic of humanity's past oversimplifies the complex role religion has played — and continues to play — in human society. Paul's argument presupposes that progress inherently leads to the eradication of religion, but this assumption is not supported by a closer examination of the enduring relevance of faith in a progressively complex world. Religion’s Persistent Role in Human History Paul suggests that religions are merely man-made constructs designed to fool people and control them. While it is true that religion has been misused for political and manipulative purposes, it would be incorrect to reduce religion's significance to this function alone. Religion has historically been a source of meaning, ethical frameworks, and community identity for billions of people. Its influence extends beyond mere control; it shapes moral reasoning, cultural cohesion, and spiritual fulfillment. While political systems may indeed change or disappear, religion addresses a fundamental human need for purpose, a need that technological progress alone cannot fulfil. Furthermore, religions offer different pathways for humans to explore the transcendent, which is something that empirical knowledge and scientific discovery do not fully address. While our understanding of the world may evolve, the questions of meaning, existence, and morality remain essential to human life. These questions are often approached through the lens of religion, and any "universal wisdom" would need to engage deeply with the moral and spiritual dimensions of life that religion navigates. Diversity Within Religions as a Strength, Not a Hindrance Paul points out the sectarian divisions within religions as evidence that a universal wisdom is impossible. However, it could be argued that the diversity within religions reflects their adaptability and richness, rather than a fundamental flaw. Religion, like any other cultural system, evolves through internal debates and reinterpretations, which keeps it relevant to different societies and times. These divisions are not necessarily an obstacle to universal wisdom but are part of the dynamic process of searching for truth. Different interpretations of religion often serve to bring out new perspectives on timeless questions. For example, within Islam, theological differences among Sunni, Shia, and Sufi interpretations reflect a diversity of thought that is ultimately part of a shared spiritual heritage. Similarly, other faiths have internal dialogues that enrich their traditions. Instead of being evidence of a failure to converge, the internal dynamism of religions shows their capacity to respond to evolving human experiences. 3. The Convergence of Faith and Science The idea that progress will lead to the "death of religion" is a common narrative in secular discourse, but this ignores the ways in which science and faith can complement each other. Many modern believers, rather than seeing a conflict between religion and science, view them as addressing different aspects of human existence. Science answers questions of how the world works, while religion addresses why we exist and how we should live. Moreover, many scientific pioneers, such as Isaac Newton or Albert Einstein, believed that their scientific inquiries were ways of understanding the divine order of the universe. The fine-tuning of the universe, the complexity of life, and the mysteries of consciousness continue to inspire religious reflection and offer avenues for a more integrated wisdom. The convergence of spiritual insight and scientific understanding may actually be one of the driving forces of any future universal wisdom, rather than a force that erases faith entirely. 4. The Human Need for Transcendence Paul’s argument implies that once humanity progresses enough, we will no longer need religion because we will have embraced a rational, evidence-based worldview. However, this ignores the intrinsic human yearning for transcendence and spiritual connection, which science alone does not satisfy. No matter how far technology advances, humans continue to search for meaning, purpose, and a connection to something greater than themselves. The religious impulse addresses the deep-rooted human existential and ethical questions that cannot be resolved by material progress alone. The concept of universal wisdom could be understood not as the eradication of religion, but rather as the harmonization of spiritual truths and moral values across different faiths. As human beings become more connected globally, we are seeing an increase in interfaith dialogue and the recognition of shared moral principles across religious traditions — principles like compassion, justice, and empathy. These universal values, embedded in religious teachings, can form the basis of a more integrated wisdom that transcends specific religious identities. A New Dawn for Religion, Not Its End Paul predicts that by the end of this millennium, religion will be wiped out and replaced by a secular universal wisdom. However, the persistence of religion in the face of technological and scientific advancements suggests otherwise. As humanity moves forward, religion may not disappear but instead evolve, integrating insights from science, philosophy, and other disciplines into a broader framework that continues to address humanity's deepest needs. Religious traditions, particularly those with strong ethical cores, may provide the moral compass necessary to navigate the challenges of an increasingly complex world. The spirit of universality does not need to replace the spirit of religiosity, but rather, it can be informed by it. Religion, when understood not as a rigid institution but as a living tradition of spiritual and moral insight, has much to contribute to the future of human wisdom. Conclusion In conclusion, Paul’s argument that religion is a relic of the past destined to disappear overlooks the profound spiritual, ethical, and communal roles that religion continues to play in human life. Rather than seeing religion as an obstacle to universal wisdom, it can be seen as a source of wisdom that contributes to the broader human quest for meaning, morality, and purpose. The diversity of religious thought is not a weakness but a strength, offering multiple perspectives on the universal questions that have always concerned humanity. The convergence of faith and wisdom may not be the end of religion, but rather the evolution of a deeper, more interconnected understanding of what it means to be human. ----- A frequent contributor to NewAgeIslam.com, Naseer Ahmed is an Engineering graduate from IIT Kanpur and is an independent IT consultant after having served in both the Public and Private sector in responsible positions for over three decades. He has spent years studying Quran in-depth and made seminal contributions to its interpretation. 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