This work examines the intricate relationship between scientific understanding and religious belief, particularly concerning humanity's cosmic perspective and the theological question of divine existence. Richard E. Gregory's 1949 text posits that true civilization is measured not by faith alone, but by the wise application of knowledge for collective well-being and ethical conduct. The book argues that reason serves to dismantle superstition, and that world religion, at its best, represents the pursuit of knowledge through a lens of exalted humanism.

This book, originally published in 1949, offers a philosophical inquiry into the perceived dichotomy between science and religion. The text frames civilization's progress through the lens of applied knowledge and reason, suggesting a path toward a more humanistic understanding of faith. Its enduring relevance lies in its examination of timeless questions regarding humanity's place in the cosmos and the nature of belief.