Compatibility of Rationality and Religiosity from the Point of View of Mostafa Malekian

In the present study, Mostafa Malekian's view on the compatibility of rationality and traditional religiosity is examined. Hence, first the definition of rationality and its types is expressed from his point of view, and then we explain two conceptions of religiosity from his viewpoint: traditional religiosity and critical religiosity. Next, we discuss the compatibility of rationality with either of these two religiosities. Realistically and pragmatically, Malekian finds rationality incompatible with traditional religiosity, but he proposes another kind of religiosity, which fits under "critical religiosity" and calls it "spirituality". In his view, rationality is not only compatible with spirituality, but essentially requires it. In Malekian's theory of "rationality and spirituality", only those theoretical teachings of the religious scriptures are accepted which either the intellect affirms definitively or have an epistemological preference, or although there is no epistemological preference for their own benefit or their opposite, their acceptance has beneficial consequences for the individual. Moreover, only that part of the practical religious teachings is practiced, which helps to reduce one's suffering.