Acharya Prashant responds to a question about the decline of organized religion, specifically Christianity in America, and the possibility of a similar trend for Hinduism in India. He begins by stating that organized religion, as it is currently known, is indeed bound to decline as science advances and information becomes more accessible. He clarifies that in the West, Christianity is not being replaced by other religions but by atheism and agnosticism. Citing a survey, he notes that by 2060-70, Christians in America are projected to become a minority at 46%, while atheists and agnostics will rise to 30-40%. He describes the current form of religion, which is based on superstitions, beliefs, and hollow, meaningless traditions, as a "decrepit, old lump" that has outlived its usefulness. He asserts that this form of religion has no future. The future, he explains, belongs to humanity, and as long as humans and their afflicted minds exist, the need for true religion will remain. The only religion that will survive is the one that brings peace to the mind. He emphasizes that all religious streams based on stories, practices, traditions, and beliefs are destined to perish because time, which is very powerful, destroys everything that is born within it. Acharya Prashant then distinguishes between Hinduism and Sanatan Dharma. He states that Hinduism, as it is commonly understood and practiced, has no future. However, Sanatan Dharma does have a future. He explains that if one can be a follower of Sanatan Dharma, there is a great future, but what is commonly known as Hinduism is 99% outdated and will be rejected by time. Sanatan Dharma, he clarifies, is eternal because it is the mind's thirst for liberation. As long as the mind exists, its restlessness and the thirst for liberation will also exist. This quest for liberation is Sanatan Dharma. He contrasts this with belief systems, stating that Vedanta, the core of Sanatan Dharma, does not offer any belief but rather questions all beliefs, asking, "Who are you?" and "Why do you believe?" He concludes that while humanity may change its forms and even inhabit other galaxies, the Upanishads will always remain relevant because the fundamental nature of the mind does not change.
