UPSC Prelims 2021·CSAT·Reading Comprehension·Passage Comprehension

With respect to what are called denominations of religion, if everyone is left to be a judge of his own religion, there is no such thing as religion that is a but if they are to be a judge of each other's religion, there is no such thing as a religion that is right, and therefore all the world is right or all the world is wrong in the matter of religion. What is the most logical assumption that can be made from the passage given above?

Dalvoy logo
Reviewed by Dalvoy
UPSC Civil Services preparation
Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. ANo man can live without adhering to some religious denomination
  2. BIt is the duty of everyone to propagate one's religious denomination
  3. CReligious denominations tend to ignore the unity of manCorrect
  4. DMen do not understand their own religious denomination.

Explanation

The passage explores the difficulty in establishing a universally "right" religion when individuals or groups judge religious denominations. Let's break down the options: A) No man can live without adhering to some religious denomination The passage discusses the *judgment* of religion, not the necessity of adhering to one for survival. This statement is an external idea not supported by the text. B) It is the duty of everyone to propagate one's religious denomination The passage focuses on the *evaluation* or *judgment* of religions, not on the duty to spread them. Propagation is not mentioned or implied. C) Religious denominations tend to ignore the unity of man The passage describes a scenario where if everyone judges their own religion, no single religion is definitively "right." If they judge each other's, it leads to a situation where all are right or all are wrong. This highlights the inherent conflict, relativism, or division that arises from the existence and judgment of separate religious denominations. The inability to find a universal truth or common ground, and the focus on "my religion" versus "your religion" (implied by judging each other), inherently creates divisions among people rather than fostering a sense of shared humanity or unity. The problem described in the passage is precisely one where the distinct nature and judgment of denominations prevent a unified perspective, thus tending to ignore human unity. D) Men do not understand their own religious denomination. The passage states that "everyone is left to be a judge of his own religion." To judge, one must have some understanding. The problem isn't a lack of understanding, but the *outcome* of that judgment (no universal "right" religion) and the resulting fragmentation. Therefore, the most logical assumption is that the distinctions and judgments inherent in religious denominations tend to create divisions that overlook the unity of mankind. The final answer is C
Reading Comprehension: With respect to what are called denominations of religion, if everyone is left to be a judge of his own religion, there

Related questions

More UPSC Prelims practice from the same subject and topic.