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What is the Brahmo Samaj’s view on scripture and revelation?

Scripture in the Brahmo Samaj isn’t treated as an untouchable relic locked behind dogma; it’s more like a compass pointing toward universal truth. The movement holds that holy writings—from the Vedas and Upanishads to the Bible and Qur’an—carry sparks of divine insight. Yet those sparks demand fanning with reason and ethical reflection rather than blind obedience.

Revelation, according to this reformist stream, unfolds through an “inner light.” It’s the same conscience that Gandhi later celebrated during India’s independence struggle—a moral GPS cutting through the noise of ritualism and superstition. Rituals and idol worship fall by the wayside here, since the real connection to the Divine happens in the heart, not the temple.

Scriptural passages become living guides when filtered through rational inquiry. Just as contemporary interfaith dialogues emphasize shared human values, Brahmo thinkers in the 19th century championed a harmony across faiths. Honors are given to the poetic depth of the Upanishads, while moral precepts from the Bible or the Avesta receive equal nods. No single text monopolizes divine revelation.

Fast-forward to today’s era of scroll-and-swipe spirituality—Brahmo Samaj’s approach feels surprisingly fresh. In a world bombarded by social feeds claiming absolute truths, the idea that scriptures must align with conscience and ethical universals offers a breath of fresh air. Scriptures are seen as signposts, not final destinations, with true revelation emerging in acts of compassion and justice.

Ultimately, the Brahmo Samaj vision invites each seeker to pick up the torch of reason, light their own path, and let scripture inform—but never overshadow—the inner voice that calls for unity, service, and honest living.