Abstract:

Are modern (or postmodern) human beings still in need of religion? Needs of human beings are various. This article deals with the question above only in the context of existential needs of them. The three most fundamental of these are the needs of “understandind” of the universe, finding a “meaning” in life, and “purification” of our will. The responses of religion to the needs of human beings are also various. This article deals only with the perennial responses of religion. These responses which correspond to the existential needs of human beings are based on the concepts of God, immortality and morality. The perennial responses of religion are not without alternatives. Human beings who have consciousness and freedom should try to find the most reasonable and the most acceptable ones among them. The responses of religion to the needs of human beings mentioned above are really perennial ones, that is to say, cover the needs of human beings living in the modern or post modern time and society. Because they are still more reasonable and acceptable than their alternatives when they are evaluated from a critical rationalist perspectives and interpreted wisely.

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