Read the following passage carefully and answer the question. Many people believe that science and religion are contrary to each other. But this notion is wrong. As a matter of fact, both are…
Question and options
Read the following passage carefully and answer the question.
Many people believe that science and religion are contrary to each other. But this notion is wrong. As a matter of fact, both are complementary to each other. The aim of both these institutions is to explain different aspects of life, universe and human existence. There is no doubt that the methods of science and religion are different. The method of science is observation, experimentation and experience. Science takes its recourse to progressive march towards perfection. The rules of religion are faith, intuition and spoken word of the enlightened, in general, while science is inclined towards reason and rationality. Spiritualism is the essence of religion.
In earlier times when man appeared on earth, he was over awed at the sight of violent and powerful aspects of nature. In certain cases, the usefulness of different objects of nature overwhelmed man. Thus began the worship of forces of nature – fire, the Sun, rivers, rocks, trees, snakes, etc. The holy scriptures were written by those who had developed harmony between external nature and their inner self. Their object was to ennoble, elevate and liberate the human spirit and mind. But the priestly class took upon itself the monopoly of scriptural knowledge and interpretation to its own advantage. Thus, the entire human race was in chains. Truth was flouted and progressive, liberal and truthful ideas or ideas expressing doubt and skepticism were suppressed and their holders punished.
It was in these trying circumstances the science emerged as a savior of mankind. But its path was not smooth and safe. The scientists and free thinkers were tortured. This was the fate of Copernicus, Galileo, Bruno and others. But, by and by Science gained ground.
Many people believe that science and religion are contrary to each other. But this notion is wrong. As a matter of fact, both are complementary to each other. The aim of both these institutions is to explain different aspects of life, universe and human existence. There is no doubt that the methods of science and religion are different. The method of science is observation, experimentation and experience. Science takes its recourse to progressive march towards perfection. The rules of religion are faith, intuition and spoken word of the enlightened, in general, while science is inclined towards reason and rationality. Spiritualism is the essence of religion.
In earlier times when man appeared on earth, he was over awed at the sight of violent and powerful aspects of nature. In certain cases, the usefulness of different objects of nature overwhelmed man. Thus began the worship of forces of nature – fire, the Sun, rivers, rocks, trees, snakes, etc. The holy scriptures were written by those who had developed harmony between external nature and their inner self. Their object was to ennoble, elevate and liberate the human spirit and mind. But the priestly class took upon itself the monopoly of scriptural knowledge and interpretation to its own advantage. Thus, the entire human race was in chains. Truth was flouted and progressive, liberal and truthful ideas or ideas expressing doubt and skepticism were suppressed and their holders punished.
It was in these trying circumstances the science emerged as a savior of mankind. But its path was not smooth and safe. The scientists and free thinkers were tortured. This was the fate of Copernicus, Galileo, Bruno and others. But, by and by Science gained ground.
Why does, according to the passage, man worship the forces of nature?
- The holy scriptures advocate the worship of forces of nature
- The worship elevates and liberates the human spirit and mind
- The worship makes man believe in faith and intuition
- Man was overawed by nature’s power and its usefulness
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D - Man was overawed by nature’s power and its usefulness
The passage says man was 'over awed at the sight of violent and powerful aspects of nature' and that the usefulness of objects of nature overwhelmed him: 'Thus began the worship of forces of nature'. The other options wrongly attribute the worship to the scriptures, to elevation of the spirit, or to faith and intuition.
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CUSAT CAT Integrated IPR Ph.D.
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