Rationality and Revelation
(A Sikh Perspective on Science-Religion Dialogue)
(Editors: Prof. Hardev Singh Virk & Dr. Devinder Pal Singh)
Book Review by
Dr. Harjinder Singh
Chief Editor, Canada Sikh Times, ON, Canada
Book Name: Rationality and Revelation: A Sikh Perspective on Science-Religion Dialogue(A Sikh Perspective on Science-Religion Dialogue)
(Editors: Prof. Hardev Singh Virk & Dr. Devinder Pal Singh)
Book Review by
Dr. Harjinder Singh
Chief Editor, Canada Sikh Times, ON, Canada
Editors: Prof. Hardev Singh Virk and Dr. Devinder Pal Singh
Publisher: Center for Understanding Sikhism, ON, Canada
Published: 2025
Price: US$9.99 (Paperback), Pages: 108
ISBN-13: 9798280080102
Book Reviewer: Dr. Harjinder Singh, Chief Editor, Canada Sikh Times, ON, Canada
Rationality and Revelation: A Sikh Perspective on Science-Religion Dialogue is a timely and intellectually rich volume that addresses one of the most pressing questions of our age: can science and religion coexist without conflict, and even more, can they mutually enrich one another? Edited by two respected scholars, Prof. Hardev Singh Virk and Dr. Devinder Pal Singh, the book brings together nine essays by distinguished thinkers in science, theology, and Sikh philosophy to demonstrate the profound compatibility between scientific inquiry and Sikh spirituality.
The volume is thoughtfully framed by two opening sections that set the tone for the dialogue. In the Foreword, titled “Bridging Rationality and Revelation: Sikhi’s Integrated Approach to Science and Religion,” Dr. Devinder Pal Singh highlights Sikhism’s unique intellectual ethos, one that integrates critical reasoning with spiritual insight. He situates Sikh philosophy as a tradition that not only rejects dogma but actively encourages rational reflection, observation, and truth-seeking. Complementing this, the Preface, “Rational Spirituality: Science and Sikhism in Dialogue,” by Prof. Virk, emphasizes the dynamic interplay of spirituality and reason, underscoring how Sikh teachings foster a rational spirituality that resonates with contemporary scientific inquiry. Together, these framing texts provide a conceptual foundation for the essays that follow.
The chapters cover a wide thematic range. Dr. Devinder Pal Singh introduces the Sikh intellectual ethos of rejecting blind dogma while embracing truth-seeking, framing Sikh thought as inherently supportive of scientific discovery. Job Kozhamthadam’s comparative approach positions Sikhism in contrast with Abrahamic traditions, highlighting its capacity to harmonize rationality with spirituality. Essays by Kuldip Singh Dhir and Prof. Virk delve into Guru Nanak’s cosmological insights, illustrating how his holistic vision resonates with contemporary understandings of interconnected life and the universe.
A particularly engaging contribution comes from Kirpal Singh, who analyzes scientific metaphors in the Guru Granth Sahib, showing how Sikh scripture fosters both reverence for nature and rational inquiry. Similarly, Rabinder Singh Bhamra’s essay argues that science and religion are not rival systems but complementary perspectives that can enrich one another when viewed through Sikh lenses.
What sets the book apart is its ability to address contemporary challenges. Prof. Virk draws on Sikh ethical principles to frame responses to environmental degradation and unchecked technological progress, advocating for a science tempered by compassion and responsibility. The volume culminates in Dr. Devinder Pal Singh’s exploration of artificial intelligence and its moral implications. His essay is especially relevant, urging that AI development be guided not only by technical expertise but also by spiritual wisdom and ethical values rooted in Sikh thought.
The book also introduces a fascinating idea: Guru Nanak as a “communicator scientist,” a concept proposed by A. B. Bhattacharya. This characterization highlights the Guru’s remarkable ability to convey profound spiritual and scientific insights in accessible language for ordinary seekers. Essays by Devinder Singh Sekhon and others further develop this theme, demonstrating the enduring relevance of Sikh philosophy in contemporary debates on science and faith.
Overall, Rationality and Revelation succeeds in articulating an integrative worldview grounded in Sikh principles of unity, humility, and truth. Its interdisciplinary approach makes it appealing to scholars of religion, scientists interested in philosophy, and readers seeking ethical frameworks for navigating the complexities of modern technology.
In an era marked by rapid scientific advances and moral uncertainties, this book does more than advocate for dialogue between science and religion; it offers a Sikh-inspired model of synthesis, one that emphasizes harmony, ethical responsibility, and the shared human quest for understanding reality.
Rationality and Revelation: A Sikh Perspective on Science-Religion Dialogue is a valuable contribution to global discussions on the intersection of science and spirituality. With its carefully crafted Foreword and Preface providing the conceptual bridge, and its essays offering depth and variety, the book stands out for its clarity, relevance, and spiritual wisdom. For anyone interested in the intersection of Sikh philosophy, ethics, and scientific progress, this book is essential reading.
