Faith Beyond Religion
Illustration by ChatGPT Albert Einstein professed that he was a “deeply religious man” though he didn’t believe in any organised religion. He dismissed the primitive religions as founded on fear. He wouldn’t accept “moral religions” such as the Abrahamic ones. He placed his trust by a “cosmic religious feeling” which has nothing to do with any god who looks like an elevated human being. One of the most fascinating ironies in religion is that the saints and sages were people who went far beyond the teachings of their religions, even to the extent of breaking certain rubrics. These holy men and women embarrassed, baffled, or infuriated the guardians of religious orthodoxy. Christianity tried Meister Eckart for heresy and burnt Joan of Arc at the stake before declaring her a saint. Orthodox Islam was never quite chuffed with people like Rumi and other Sufis. Kabir, Hindu saint, ruthlessly criticised his religion’s orthodoxy and rejected its scriptures, priests, and the caste system. ...
