Rationalism meets religion : animal sacrifice stopped in Bengal village

December 28, 2009

Dear all,

Message from the Science and Rationalists Association of India

:

" A police inspector handing over the Bhagavad Gita to the Goddess Kali?

Sounds unusual? But this is what happened recently in the village of Bhata

in Bengal when a policeman and a Krishna devotee named Madhob Mondal urged

the temple authorities of the Gram Rokkhi Committee to stop the practice. Mr

Mondal believes that there will be no ill omen for the villagers if a long

cherished tradition like animal sacrifice is halted. Sanjay Karmakar,

Secretary of the Science and Rationalists Association of India has lauded

the move and congratulated the temple authorities and Mr Mondal. " (Newsletter

of the Science and Rationalists Association of India, October, 2009)

It is my view that rationalism and religion are in essence, at odds with

each other, but I am pleased to note that in some cases a limited

rapprochement is possible, as in the above instance. The other famous case

was the one that took place in May of 1992, in the " Joint Appeal by Science

and Religion on the Environment " signed by scientists and religious leaders.

The statement said, " Differences of perspective remain among us. We do not

have to agree on how the natural world was made to be willing to work

together to preserve it. On that paramount objective we affirm a deep sense

of common cause. " Read the whole statement here :

ntappeal.html>

I am also delighted to receive a message from Mr Phil Wollen in support of

rationalism today.(It made my day really.) It is fabulous to learn that an

animal rights activist of his stature also spares deep thought to the

rationalist endeavour(Mr Wollen is an admirer of rationalists Sam Harris and

Richard Dawkins) in a broader perspective of international affairs. In a

world torn apart by religious fanatics, we will need individuals like him to

prevent further tragedies like Gadhimai.

Good wishes,

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