Geneticist Francis Collins on NPR Fresh Air
Dr. Francis Collins, Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, was on NPR’s Fresh Air today and PZ Myers wasn’t impressed with the strong religious message.
He [Francis Collins] claims that science is only valid in investigating nature, and that it is inappropriate for examining ideas beyond nature … which begs the question of whether there is anything beyond nature. We also hear that science and spirit are complementary and different tools, but of course we aren’t told how the tool of spirit is applied to anything. We’re told that the intricacy and complexity of the human genome instills a sense of awe, and that it represents a glimpse of God’s creative genius — again, begging the question. When asked whether it was appropriate for Clinton to bring up God in the announcement of completion of the human genome project, he answered that it was, because a majority of citizens believe in a god, and the public announcement ought to reflection on its meaning in a larger sense.
I wasn’t that turned off by the interview although I think all the religion stuff interferes with the main scientific message. But, Dr. Collins obviously thinks it’s a calling and he’s making good use of his position to spread the word. More importantly, he’s able to keep genetics in the public consciousness and talks about it clearly and comfortably. And it was cute when he called us “beginning readers” of the “genome book.”
The Fresh Air interview is heavy on the religion and light on the science so don’t expect anything revealing about the genome revolution. Terry Gross and Dr. Collins only moved on to personalized preventive medicine, stem cell research, and cloning at around the 30 minute mark.
Tags: francis collins, human genome project, nhgri, genetics, genes, genome, dna, diseases, illness, health, medicine, religion, god, atheism
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POSTED IN: General Genetics and Health, Genetics Interviews
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4 opinions for Geneticist Francis Collins on NPR Fresh Air
Metablog, alphabetically at Greg Laden
Mar 31, 2007 at 8:49 pm
[…] Genetics Health coverts it here. […]
Genetics and Health » Geneticist Francis Collins on NPR Fresh Air at Targuman
Apr 3, 2007 at 4:34 pm
[…] Genetics and Health » Geneticist Francis Collins on NPR Fresh Air […]
David L. Drysdale
Apr 5, 2007 at 4:05 am
Dear Dr. Francis S. Collins:
This evening (4-4-07) I watched CNN’s report on Faith and Hard Science, which included thoughts from renowned scientist Francis Collins . . who spoke of science and religion.
I was impressed as you shared your feelings and mentioned something that has come to my mind on many occasions. You spoke about how the desire to do what’s “right” and what’s “good” seems to come from deep deep inside each one of us!
Reminded me of Lincoln’s commment when he was asked about his religion . . He answered by saying that. “when I do what’s right I feel good and when I don’t do what’s right, I don’t feel good . . that’s my religion”.
Here’s a thought that’s been on my mind for some time, and it’s along the same line of thinking of Scientist Francis Collins:
Isn’t it interesting how each one of us, regardless of our culture, race, etc., knows what it’s like to miss or long to be with someone . . Whether it be a son or daughter away at college or a brother, sister, parent or grandparent who passed away too soon. Again, longing to be with those who are no longer near us appears to be another “universal” feeling.
This seems to whisper to me that in God’s plan we lived together as families and because mortality involves death we are all “momentarily” separated until after this mortal probationary period of testing, when we can all be joined together again to live eternally as families!
Families are eternal!
Cordially,
David
Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD
Apr 5, 2007 at 10:18 pm
David: Thanks for the nice comment. I hope Dr. Collins comes by to read it!
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