Religion, Religious, and Beliefs: The Life of Religion in an Indian Scientific Research Institute

Abstract

Abstract In order to understand religion and the everyday practices of religion, it is necessary to study the life of religion in institutions that are considered antithetical to religion, such as scientific laboratories and scientific institutions. Studying religion at non-religious sites provides new insights into understanding the life of religion in these times and the many forms that it takes to survive and adapt. This chapter analyses the life of religion in an Indian scientific research institution based on ethnographic fieldwork. By studying the intermingling of science and religion in India, this chapter looks at the complexity, plurality, and ambiguity of the sciences and faith in everyday life. Studying religion and religious practices in scientific institutions and laboratories equips sociologists and social anthropologists to ask and understand multiple questions regarding the everyday religious life; work culture; existing and emerging cultural nationalisms; and caste practices. By looking at non-sites of religion to understand religion and religious practices, this chapter invites scholars to ask fresh methodological questions in studying religion and the everyday at such sites.