Renowned poet and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has said that across the world, especially among younger generations, there is a growing shift away from religious beliefs that ask for acceptance without reasoning or proof. Speaking during a debate on the existence of God at The Lallantop, Akhtar said modern youth are far less willing to embrace ideas that discourage questioning.

Highlighting societal changes in Europe, Akhtar pointed out that declining attendance in churches reflects how education and rational thought are reshaping attitudes towards organised religion. According to him, belief systems evolve with time, and faith based purely on tradition is increasingly being challenged.

He clearly differentiated between belief and faith, describing faith as acceptance without evidence or logic. Akhtar said that believing something without any rational basis goes against human intelligence and critical thinking.

Emphasising the role of doubt in human progress, he noted that scientific and technological advancements exist because people questioned established norms rather than blindly following them. In his view, inquiry and skepticism, not unquestioned belief, have driven civilisation forward.

Akhtar rejected the notion that religion encourages inquiry, arguing instead that faith ultimately requires submission. He said he is unwilling to surrender his reasoning, stressing that logic should not be abandoned at the point where belief begins.

He also questioned religious ideas by referring to large-scale human suffering, particularly the deaths of children in conflict zones such as Gaza. Akhtar said that witnessing such tragedies makes it difficult for younger generations to accept explanations that portray divine silence as acceptable.

Even if a higher power exists, Akhtar said he cannot relate to a concept of God that allows suffering without intervention. He added that exposure to global realities through media has made younger people more critical of traditional justifications offered by religion.

Concluding his remarks, Akhtar called for intellectual humility, urging people to admit uncertainty rather than cling to beliefs without evidence. He warned that blindly holding onto faith, without questioning, amounts to glorifying ignorance instead of understanding.