How Do People Believe in Religious Stories About the Universe and Its Origins Despite Modern Scientific Progress?

When we ponder the stories from various religions concerning the universe and its origins, one often grapples with the concept of a human-centric perspective. However, recognizing that these stories are narrated from a human perspective rather than the human-centric lens is crucial. Not all stories are inherently human-centric but are instead perspectives shaped by the limitations and understanding of the narrators.

Human Perspective vs. Human-Centric

Religious narratives, as narrated by humans, often come with a human perspective. It is essential to understand that these myths are not simply anthropomorphized versions of a divine being, but rather reflections of human knowledge, experiences, and the way early humans understood the world around them. Just like an Alf (assuming there is such a being) would narrate a story from their perspective, human narratives often lack the ability to imagine beyond their limited understanding. For instance, it would be impossible for a Madhr (a hypothetical human character) to know how the universe looks to an Alf. In essence, religious stories are human-perspective understandings rather than taking a human-centric viewpoint.

The Human Brain's Need for Explanation

From a psychological standpoint, the human brain has evolved to seek explanations for phenomena that occur around us. Religion, for many centuries, provided a framework for this explanation, offering stories and narratives that addressed the unexplainable. This need for explanation has been a driving force behind the belief in religious narratives, even as scientific advancements have provided alternative explanations.

The Big Bang Theory, a well-established scientific theory, offers a compelling narrative that explains the origins of the universe. Similarly, the string theory and M-theory, though yet to be fully proven, provide a basis for understanding the smallest scales of the universe. Darwin's theory of natural selection, as detailed in The Origin of Species, has significantly contributed to our understanding of the biological world. These scientific advancements, while challenging traditional religious beliefs, have also provided new ways to contemplate the universe.

However, the human brain's inherent need for explanation means that religious beliefs persist. The challenge lies not in the validity of these scientific theories but in the lack of understanding among the populace regarding these advancements. As Richard Dawkins' The God Delusion explains, many people lack the scientific literacy to grasp these theories fully. Until this understanding is widespread, religious beliefs will continue to thrive.

A Hindu Perspective

In Hindu tradition, religious scriptures often contain multiple versions of creation myths, not all of which are mutually compatible. These narratives are not seen as literal historical accounts but as tools to convey philosophical and ethical ideas. The Vedas, for instance, offer various interpretations and perspectives on the creation of the universe, much like how different scientists might approach the same problem from different angles.

Educated Hindus, especially those who have studied their scriptures, understand that these myths are not historical facts but symbolic representations of deeper truths. The purpose of these myths is not to provide a literal account of how the universe came to be, but to instill a sense of morality, right and wrong, and the belief in a higher power. As a PhD holder, I can attest to the fact that belief in these myths does not contradict my education. Although I understand that modern theories such as the Big Bang may one day completely explain the origin of the universe, the essence of the creation myths remains true to me.

The Process of Understanding and Belief

From a rational standpoint, it is understandable to question why religious stories remain so captivating even in the face of scientific advancements. Humans have a tendency to seek simplicity in complex explanations. In the context of creation myths, these stories offer a simplified narrative of how the universe came to be. This simplicity makes them easier to understand and remember. Additionally, educational and cultural factors play a significant role in maintaining the belief in these stories.

The creators of the universe, whether perceived as a single deity or multiple sources, chose to explain their creation in a way that could be comprehended by the people of that time. Just as complex scientific theories are taught and understood through education, ancient creation myths were narrated in a way that made sense to the people of their time. Today, even with advanced scientific knowledge, it is challenging to fully comprehend concepts like the Big Bang, making the simplified stories from religious texts a familiar and comforting framework for understanding the universe.

Conclusion

The persistence of religious beliefs in the face of scientific progress can be attributed to both the human need for explanation and the lack of understanding of scientific advancements. While scientific theories such as the Big Bang and creation myths from Hindu scriptures provide compelling explanations for the origins of the universe, the human brain's inclination towards simplicity and storytelling continue to influence belief systems. Understanding the human-perspective nature of these narratives and the role of cultural and educational factors is key to comprehending why these stories continue to hold such significance.