Rationalism as a Way of Life

The aim of this chapter is to outline the consequences of rationalism in the everyday lives of ANiS members. Various applications of the worldview of rationalism can be as simple as that of an avoidance of alcohol, to so far-reaching that individuals may fall out with their friends and family if they do not share their views, or as controversial as a decision to object to all final rituals in the case of death and instead donate their whole bodies or particular organs to medical use. Further, it is outlined how the underlying ideological position of exclusive humanism and modern materialism often goes against mainstream Hinduism. ANiS activists accordingly reject many of their fellow Indians beliefs and practices as immoral, as well as ineffective and irrational.