Throughout the ages man has believed in some sort of religion. It is thought that without religion he cannot comprehend the real purpose of his existence. In fact, religion has had a definite place in society and will continue to play a vital part in this age of science.

“Science without religion is lame and religion without science is blind”

Albert Einstein

Moreover, modern society dominated by technology cannot be regarded as an ideal society. It suffers from great strains and a sense of frustration and futility. Science has now given the man the power to destroy his own civilization and the human race. It is religion alone that can save society from such a catastrophe and check the erosion of human values. It reinforces basic ethical values and discourages racial prejudice, economic exploitation and social injustice

Religion like science is devoted to the service of man. Religion corrects the lopsidedness of science, because without moral and spiritual foundations, science can ruin mankind. Religion and ethics humanize the scientist and make him realize his social responsibility. It shifts the emphasis in science and industry from exploitation and power to social uplift, peace and co-operation. Man must be the master and not the slave of machines.

Great scientists themselves realize the limitations of science. They look to religion to remedy the social evils. According to Dr. Julian Huxley: "Religion of some sort is probably a necessity." One need not accept the dogmas of religion, but one must appreciate its search for Truth and its endeavour for the uplift of the masses. Prof. A.N. Whitehead says in this connection.

"The future of civilization depends on the degree to which we can balance the forces of Science and Religion."

While science and technology might assist man in improving his physical conditions, surroundings and economic standards, religion and ethics help to develop his personality and inner self. Man may live in comfort and prosperity and yet have no peace of mind. Even in a highly affluent society like that of the United States of America, it is realized that wealth and power are not everything. Spiritual progress is intrinsic and shows itself in inner satisfaction and sense of fulfillment.

The inter-relationship between science and religion has been summed up by Prof. A. Toynbee as

under: "Science must be based on religion and

religion must include scientific rationality. I think that the words of Albert Einstein.

'Science without religion is lame and religion without science is blind', are of even greater importance now than when he uttered them".

Role of reason in Sikhism When we repose our trust in someone it means

that, we have faith in him. For instance, when we send a child to school, it is on

account of our faith in the value of education. In the matter of love, one has to put faith in the beloved.

So faith is not peculiar to religion; it is found in almost every activity of life.

Sikhism emphasizes the need of the Guru for spiritual training. Fortunately, the Guru Granth Sahib is with us for such guidance. Many seek the solution of their spiritual and temporal problems in the Granth and seek light from Gurbani. We thus repose our faith in the Guru, discover the great truths enshrined in his message as our wisdom, acting in the light of Gurbani, tells us.

Sikhism enjoins us to love God. We cannot love God if we love ourselves. Ego is at the root of all evil and our sufferings. If we concentrate our minds on God and sing His praises, we subordinate and even drive ego out of our minds we can then acquire those great qualities and virtues, which we associate with God.

Ego is at the root of all evil and our sufferings.

Sikhism believes in universal goodness. The Sikh seeks the God's Grace, not only for himself but also for the whole world for he believes in the good of all mankind (Sarbat da bhala). This sense of fellowship makes him feel at home everywhere and to look on all as friends: "No one is my enemy or a stranger",

Daily prayer of sikhs--seeks the God's Grace, for the whole world for he believes in the good of all

mankind (Sarbat da bhala).

The need for a Faith is recognized even by the greatest scientists.

Indeed, reason alone cannot fathom the mysteries of existence and the Universe.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji says:

"The intellect cannot grasp what is beyond the bounds of the intellect. Rise above the limited human awareness and you will know of God and His works."

Atomic energy and nuclear power have further strengthened the scientists' belief in the unlimited powers of Nature and Providence. Albert Einstein writes in this connection: "Man does not understand the vast of veiled Universe into which he has been for the reason that he does not understand himself. He comprehends but little of his organic processes and even less of his unique capacity to perceive the world around him, to reason and to dream."

Reason and Faith are complementary. They operate in different spheres, though each is sovereign in its own field. Reason has certain limits. Faith is necessary in certain basic things, as for example, the existence of God, or the need of the Guru's assistance. Reason operates in specified fields, as for example, when a man shall pray and what actions he may take. Religion does not exclude the operation of the intellect, though it certainly acts as a limiting factor.

Reason and Faith are complementary

Guru Nanak Dev Ji challenged the superstitious practices and rituals of his age. He questioned the value of offering food and water to one's dead ancestors or the idea that child-birth causes impurity, or that eatable things should be cooked within an encircled space, made sacred by plastering it with cow-dung. He employed the touchstone of reason to test their truth and proved them false. He appealed to men to accept reason as their guide in all such matters.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji questioned the value of offering food and water to one's dead ancestors

However, spiritual realization is beyond the ken of reason. On the other hand, great scientists of the world have accepted the higher truths revealed by religion. Man is an imperfect creature and his faculties and powers are limited. Albert Einstein observes: "Strange is our situation here upon earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to divine a purpose". Man is unable to comprehend the ultimate reality unaided. He needs the assistance of a religious leader or Guru whose divine knowledge and wisdom can guide him to his spiritual goal

. Science continues to make new discoveries

and inventions which, sometimes reject the theories of previous scientist.

Could man 30 years ago consider it feasible to orbit through space or land on the moon?

What may be regarded as a miracle at one time may become a fact later.

The theory of karam is based on reason, the logic of cause and effect.

This means that in order to ensure a good and bright future, man should perform good actions.

How can man expect good out of evil actions?

Perhaps it would be best to have a recourse to reason when insensibility or blind faith proves of no

avail. But where reason is obiviously not applicable, we

must rely on faith. This is particularly true of spiritua matters.