Since the very beginning of the existence of humans on planet earth, we are in search of God and trying to discover the functioning of God’s creation in the universe. Similarly, since Galileo, science is also trying to understand natural phenomena and discover the functioning of the living organisms and non-living materials at the fundamental level, created by God. Spirituality is trying to understand the functioning of fundamentals of consciousness responsible for the existence of non-living materials and living organisms in this universe. 

Ultimately science, religion and spirituality, are using their most sophisticated tools and technologies to understand the functioning of consciousness being Grace of God, in their own way. The fundamental of science is about the measurement of any object or particle, then only the existence of anything will be accepted. But in the arena of religion we use human senses to understand the functioning of consciousness being Grace of God in this universe while in spirituality, we are focusing on raising our consciousness so that we can understand the functioning of the creation of God in this universe.

The search for fundamental truth, God, is universal and constant. It has three inseparable pillars – science, religion, and spirituality:

• Science is the discovery of truth,
• Religion is the adoption of truth,
• Spirituality is the expression of truth.

Science is the first step of truth; Religion is the second step and Spirituality is the final step of truth.

In a world where science, religion, and spirituality are seen as separate entities, the disconnect is a big contributor to the sense of purposelessness, despair, and unfulfilled potential that plagues modern society, thus accelerating the prevalence of mental health issues.

The integration of science, religion and spirituality, previously seen as unnecessary, is only inevitable.

Science, in its pure form, is a relentless pursuit of truth, aiming to understand the world and improve our lives. Science has endured without necessarily embracing religion or God, and at times, even by rejecting them. This endurance persists because the ultimate goal of science is to explore and uncover the fundamental principles governing our enigmatic universe.

Yet, while its strides have brought comfort to our physical states, it is missing the depth of human existence. We live in an era where we can quantify most things but can’t measure love, emotions, caring, etc. – elements integral to human existence and well-being. The healthcare system, for example, focuses on managing symptoms rather than solutions, highlighting the need for an integrative approach. Communities are dying as boredom, loneliness, worthlessness, and meaninglessness prevail.

However, as advancements in science continue to unfold, it fails to address the complexity of life, the quest for meaning leading to a growing realization that science alone cannot provide all the answers. People are realizing that mere knowledge of the truth is not enough; they yearn to be aligned with the truth for a fulfilling life.

Religion is the experience and adoption of truth.

Religion steps into this existential void. It is the embodiment and acceptance of truth, the pursuit of unity with the grand design of God. To the discontented modern human, it aims to provide a path to deeper satisfaction – to ‘Be the Love,’ ‘Be the Wealth,’ and ‘Be the Truth.’

However, religion today – primarily faith-based, ritual-laden, dogmatic, and established before the advent of science – often stokes division, dogma, and superstition, blurring its true essence. As society evolves, faith-based religions are being challenged to become fact-based and scientific, to stay relevant or perish. The rise of a fact-based, science-backed religion could usher in a new era of a deeper understanding of oneself and the world, true well-being and ultimately, experiencing the glory of the Divine.

In the words of the legendary Albert Einstein, “Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.”

Spirituality is the expression of truth.

Spirituality plays a vital role in this interplay between science and religion. It is an overflow of religious experience, a channel to express the depth of the truth. As human beings, we crave not just understanding the truth but also expressing it. Spirituality, born from a deep connection with the Divine, has the unique ability to convey deep experiences and emotions, allowing truth to be expressed in various forms. Spirituality fundamentally represents expressions of satisfaction, happiness, and gratitude toward the Divine.

Most of today’s spirituality focusing of meaningless tricks, techniques, tactics, quick-fixes, etc. is predominantly stimulatory, focused on materialistic desires, offering fleeting sensory excitement rather than authentic fulfillment. On the contrary, real spirituality stems from a place of gratitude and fulfillment, as expression of the Divine Grace and has the power to impact not only individuals but also the environment.

When a person adopts truth, their entire existence becomes a spiritual expression. It transcends traditional activities like singing, dancing, or painting; or everyday actions like walking, talking, eating, working, etc., instead one’s mere presence impacts the environment, delighting those of higher consciousness.

True spiritual expression emerges when humans become conduits for the Divine. Until you shed ego and arrogance, your optimal potential merely allows for constructing aspects of your life, outcomes that may yield either excitement or frustration. However, the day you liberate yourself from ego, the Divine begins to flow through you. Eventually, this Divine expression manifests as fulfillment, pleasure, ecstasy and happiness.

Why does this matter?

Truth deepens with our experiences with the matter of time, but it deepens thousands of times when it is expressed into nature for the benefit of humanity, because in the world it is only truth that can increase with its expression and come back multifold.

Science is the first step of truth; Religion is the second step and Spirituality is the final step of truth.

True spiritual expression happens when Divine Grace or Consciousness flows and expresses itself through an individual without any blockages and suppression. It isn’t about forcefully shaping a stone into an idol but removing excess stone to reveal the hidden idol within. It’s about allowing one’s true nature – the hidden idol – to emerge, to find purpose, fulfillment, and ultimately happiness.

We would like to understand the truth, then adopt the truth and finally express the truth in the world.

In history, religion preceded spirituality and, ultimately, science. During any era of humanity, if religion takes precedence over science, it tends to be non-scientific, steeped in superstitions, rituals, and dogma. Today, various religions exist worldwide, established either before or independently of scientific understanding. Consequently, these faith-based religions are full of superstitions, rituals, dogma and coincident outcomes. Individuals who adhere to religious superstitions, rituals, and dogma are commonly referred to as ‘religious.’ However, in the 21st century, many from the younger generation reject antiquated and dogmatic faith-based practices.

The day science, spirituality and religion are integrated, they will become fact-based, and multiple religions as well as spiritual traditions will converge into a single scientific and evidence-based religion.

The natural instinct or human nature is to enjoy fulfillment and that fulfillment is impossible without the adoption of truth in their lives.

As society progresses, the understanding of the interplay between science, religion, and art is evolving. The new generation has the potential to be more religious, however on the condition that they experience God’s Grace in their lives rather than adhere to superstitions and rituals.

This is the true purpose of religion – to inspire people to revel in the Glory of God.