1. BIBLE CONDEMNS KNOWLEDGE, WISDOM AND PHILOSOPHY

(i) Bible condemns knowledge

184. “17. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it:……”

- Genesis, 2/17

185. “19. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God……”

- I Corinthians, 3/19

186. “8. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy……”

- Colossians, 2/8

It is an admitted fact that knowledge as well as wisdom acquired through knowledge, and philosophy create power of reasoning which enables man to distinguish between right and wrong, good and bad, truth and untruth.  But followers of Holy Bible condemn reason.  Martin Luther said :

“Reason should be destroyed in all Christians.”

- Martin Luther

Pope Gregory I, Gregory the Great, opposed the study of grammar.  He also condemned education for all but the clergy as folly and wickedness.  He forbade laymen to read even the Bible.  He had the library of the Palatine Apollo burned ‘lest its secular literature distracts the faithful from the contemplation of heaven.’¹⁰²

Bertrand Russell, the renowned philosopher, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1950, corroborates the afore-mentioned statement by his observation as under :

“Pope Gregory, the Great wrote to a certain bishop a letter beginning: ‘A report has reached us which we cannot mention without a blush, that thou expoundest grammar to certain friends.’ The bishop was compelled by pontifical authority to desist from this wicked labour, and Latinity did not recover until the Renaissance.”¹⁰³

- Bertrand Russell

It is astonishing that the Catholic Church vehemently opposed even the translation of Bible from Latin to English.  William Tyndale, who translated the New Testament in English secretly, was strangled and burned.  James A. Haught states in this connection as under :

“The Catholic Church decreed that the Bible could be printed only in Latin, restricting it to priests and scholars.  Printing it in a common language for common people was punishable by death.  In England in the 1520s, William Tyndale sought permission to translate the New Testament into English so that ‘every plowboy’ might read it.  The request put his life in danger, and he fled to Lutheran territory in Germany.  He completed  translation and smuggled copies back to England - where they were seized and burned by Catholic bishops.  Tyndale eventually was captured in Antwerp by Catholic authorities, who tried him for heresy and had him strangled and burned.”¹⁰⁴

- James A. Haught

2. VEDAS PROMOTE KNOWLEDGE

Vedic slogan is ‘bliss through knowledge’.  Holy Vedas lay emphasis on learning knowledge.  There is no limit of age to seek knowledge.  The whole world is a vast school where man learns from cradle to crevice.  Those who do not endeavour to seek knowledge are like stagnant water that stinks.  He who is devoid of knowledge not only embitters his own life but also that of others.  He who seeks knowledge is endowed with divine bliss.  He enjoys not only himself but also makes others enjoy the fruit of knowledge which is as sweet as nectar.  That is why Vedas instruct man to attain bliss through knowledge

ivaVyaamaRtaSnautao |
                      à yajauvao-d 40ó14

Through knowledge
Immortal bliss is attained.
                      - Yajur Veda 40/14

Holy Vedas emphasise on purification through knowledge. Vedas preach progressive thoughts.  They emphasise on that knowledge which elevates and ennobles, illuminates and enlightens man.  The aim and object of acquiring knowledge is to purge the inner self of dross and dirt and purify the mind.  Just as when impurities of gold are burnt in fire, it begins to glitter; so does true knowledge, having burnt the imperfections and impurities, flaws and follies of man, make him shine.  That is why Vedas urge upon man to seek that knowledge which may purge and purify him.

paavakxa na: sarsvataI |
                      à Pgvaod 1ó3ó10

The true knowledge
Purifies us.
                      - Rig Veda 1/3/10

Holy Vedas have always been a source of inspiration and enthusiasm to the scientists, researchists, discoverers and explorers.  They inspire man to set sails on the surface of the sea to discover new regions, to dive deep into the ocean to find unfathomable depths full of jewels and diamonds, to fly into the ethereal spheres to explore new horizons in quest of knowledge, wisdom, philosophy, power and beauty.  Modern explorations in space as well as ocean are advised to man by holy vedas.

samaud`M gacC svaaha#ntairXaM gacC svaaha |
                      à yajauvao-d 6ó21

Explore the ocean
Explore the sky
And be blessed
                      - Yajur Veda 6/21

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“Accept only that which stands to your reason.  Never accept anything merely because it is preached by some great leader.  Test its truth on the touchstone of your intellectual discrimination.”

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